Parents know how hectic life can be when a child is involved in sports. They are busy making sure their young athlete gets to practices, stays healthy, and attends games. But there’s another aspect that parents also need to pay close attention to proper nutrition. It plays an important role in the development and performance of young athletes.
“In general, you want to make sure your child is very well hydrated all the time, and water should be the drink of choice, not necessarily sports drinks,” said Darby McElderry, MD, a pediatrician at Greenvale Pediatrics- Brook Highland, a Children’s of Alabama practice. “With food, just good general nutrition with some carbohydrates, protein, and lean fat content for most meals.”
Click on the video below to learn more about what your child should be eating and drinking before, during, and after any sports activity.
