Photo: Brittany Edwards
Sumer kicks off another season of youth sports, which includes plenty of day trips to away games. To keep your young athletes fueled up on the go, you’ll have to load your cooler with plenty of drinks and snacks for hours on the road. Follow these tips to…
Prioritize Hydration & Electrolytes
Running the bases or sprinting down the field in warm weather will get kids sweating and increase the need to rehydrate. Extreme temperatures and intense activities will demand even more hydration. Be sure to pack plenty of water in your cooler as well as liquids that restore electrolytes, such as coconut water or sports drinks. You can also incorporate foods that are high in sodium, such as pickles, to incorporate electrolytes.
Get the Right Macros
Getting the right nutrition is key to staying healthy and boosting athletic performance. Be strategic about the snacks you pack to keep your kids energized as they play. Protein-rich foods such as meat and nuts will help stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day, while a variety of carbohydrates will provide plenty of energy to compete. Combine quick-digesting carbs such as fresh oranges and dried mango with slow-digesting carbs such as oat or other grain bars (which often include protein, too). PB&J and trail mix can check off all these boxes!
Time it Right
Making sure your kiddos eat and drink at the right time is just about as important as what they put into their bodies. Have them eat no more than an hour before a game and 30 minutes after a game, as well as often throughout the day — especially during tournaments when they’re playing a few times. They should also be slowly sipping — not chugging — water the entire time.