One of the many benefits of sports for kids, like gymnastics, is obtaining regular exercise, which combats obesity, relieves stress, and reduces the risk of cancer. Yet, obtaining those results requires a healthy body. The key to achieving that feat is optimal nutrition outside of the gym. Follow these three wellness tips to set your child up for athletic success. 

A Nutrition Guide for Athletic Kids

1. Provide Well-Rounded Meals 

Optimal health begins with a well-balanced diet that provides a wide range of necessary nutrients. To help your little one obtain the correct amount of vitamins and minerals, make sure each meal they consume contains these five food categories: protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy (or dairy substitutes). Additionally, limit their exposure to saturated fats, like red meat and whole-meal, and instead, opt for healthier fats, such as nuts and seafood. 

2. Serve a Pre-Game or Pre-Practice Snack

Eating a snack before physical activity can help improve a child's performance by providing energy. The two most common energy sources for the human body are carbohydrates and protein. While carbs provide easily-accessible short-term energy, protein helps sustain the muscles after the glycogen is used up. As such, give your child a snack composed of complex carbs and lean proteins around 30 minutes to two hours before gymnastics training, such as a chicken sandwich or yogurt and oatmeal. 

3. Skip the Sugary Drinks

For active kids, the risk of dehydration is higher because they sweat. Unfortunately, sugar-packed drinks, like juice and soda, cause a rise in blood sugar, which, in turn, increases urination and depletes the body's water supply. For that reason, it's important to give your active kid water before, during, and after gymnastics practice or meets to ensure proper hydration. If they struggle with the lack of flavor, try infusing it with nutrient-packed fruits, like strawberries, oranges, and blueberries. 

Help your child maintain a healthy, physically active lifestyle at The Victors Gymnastics, Inc. in Rochester, NY. Serving children ages two and up, the local gym has provided gymnastics and tumbling classes to Monroe County for over 20 years. Browse their selection of competitive and non-competitive program offerings online, and direct questions to a knowledgeable staff member at (585) 663-4810.