There are plenty of reasons why young people should maintain a healthy diet, but we can add one more to the list – gaining an edge on the field. An athlete’s nutrition has an outsized impact on their performance at any given time. Eating the wrong thing at the wrong time can cause them to be sluggish while eating nothing at all will leave them depleted. With a balanced diet and mindful meal planning, your young athlete will be ready for game time. Here are the key factors of nutrition for athletes.

Water Always, Sports Drinks Sometimes

Staying hydrated is an athlete’s number one priority when it comes to their diet. They must replenish their fluids throughout the day as well as in-game. More often than not, water is all that is needed. With the quick turnarounds that are inherent in tournaments, sports drinks are a great way to replenish electrolytes. However, these should be used sparingly with close attention paid to the nutritional facts as some brands use excessive amounts of refined sugar.

Key Ingredients: Carbs and Protein

Having full energy at game time is essential for an athlete’s success. They shouldn’t load up on any one food group and maintain a balanced diet, but ensuring lean protein and complex carbohydrates are present will help with athletic performance. 

It is critical to keep the protein lean as you will want to provide a bit at each meal. Opt for fish, chicken, turkey, eggs or even beans to provide lean protein for your young athlete. Complex carbohydrates in the form of whole wheat bread, oats or brown rice will help keep them energized throughout the game.

Pre-Game Warmup

A quick boost of energy can make a big difference in your young athlete’s performance. If your athlete has maintained a balanced diet leading up to a game, a snack of yogurt, fruit or granola bars will give them the extra burst they need to compete.

Post-Game Cooldown

How your young athlete approaches their postgame refuel should depend on what is immediately on the horizon. If they just completed a regular season game, a dinner focused on those same lean proteins and complex carbohydrates as before consumed within one hour of the end of the game will replenish their energy.

If they are participating in a midseason or postseason tournament, it may be best to opt for simple foods such as peanut butter sandwiches or chocolate milk. They are easy to transport and consume and are lighter than a full meal, keeping your athlete energized.

Make Your Mark Today

Competing as a part of the MYAS Gopher State Baseball League means competing against the best ball players from across Minnesota. We accept teams from bona fide associations or schools from anywhere in the state. We provide a safe, fun atmosphere for young ball players to improve their skills and create lasting memories. Sign up for the Gopher State Baseball League today.