Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

When children become involved in competitive sports they must eat wisely to support growth and maximize performance. Special attention must be given to the diets of children who participate in sports that include weight restrictions. Restricting food intake can have life long effects on a child’s body. Other factors that can influence a young athlete’s diet include busy schedules, peer pressure, poor body self-image, meal skipping, snacking on junk food, dieting, and experimenting with dietary supplements. To promote optimum growth and performance eat a variety of foods to obtain the 40-plus nutrients the body needs. Follow the Food Guide Pyramid guidelines to plan meals and snacks. Each day a child should eat:

• 6 to 11 servings of breads, cereals, rice or pasta.
• 3 to 5 servings of vegetables.

• 2 to 4 servings of fruit.
• 3 servings of low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese.

• 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish or cooked dry beans or peas.

Use these guidelines as a starting point. Tailor them to a child’s age and athletic activity. Adequate fluid intake before, during and after an activity is important. Fluid loss through training and competition can lead to dehydration and poor performance.

For more information about nutrition and a copy of the Food Guide Pyramid, call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3616.