Healthy eating habits are crucial for young athletes as they require proper nutrition to support their physical activity and overall growth. Parents can play a key role in helping their young athletes develop healthy eating habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks. Some important principles to consider include:

• Balance: Encourage a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Hydration: Emphasize the importance of staying hydrated before, during, and after exercise. Water should be the primary beverage of choice.
• Timing: Ensure that young athletes have regular meals and snacks to fuel their bodies before and after training or competition.
• Portion control: Teach young athletes about appropriate portion sizes to prevent overeating and promote a healthy weight.

For example, a balanced meal for a young athlete could include grilled chicken breast, brown rice, steamed vegetables, and a side of mixed berries for dessert. Additionally, snacks like Greek yogurt with granola or apple slices with peanut butter can provide a good balance of nutrients.

References: HealthyChildren.org - Fueling Your Child's Athletic PerformanceEatRight.org - What Young Athletes Need to Know About Nutrition