CCYF Nutritional & Training Tip of the Month - brought to you by APX

March 2013

Each month, APX Strength will be posting an article covering the nutritional needs or training needs of the youth athlete on the CCYF website. This month’s article will cover basic nutritional needs/guidelines for youth athlete.

The number of overweight and obese children has risen dramatically in recent years. While there are multiple factors that play a role in this epidemic, the poor nutritional habits of kids (and parents) are at the root of the problem. Here are some very basic guidelines to follow when planning your young athlete’s nutrition plan.

EAT MORE FREQUENTLY

One way to increase your athlete’s metabolism is to eat meals more frequently, trying to achieve a meal plan consisting of 4-6 meals per day. This will also give them a constant supply of energy to help maintain steady and consistent blood sugar levels. A very basic structure would be:

• Breakfast
• Snack
• Lunch
• Snack
• Dinner

EAT QUALITY WHOLE FOODS

In a busy lifestyle, it becomes very easy to grab foods that come in a box or a wrapper and are kept in your pantry. Try eating more whole foods that aren’t processed. Try to get 2-3 servings of fruits and 2-3 servings of vegetables per day. Keep your grains to only whole grains and avoid processed grains. All of the above contain fiber, which has been shown to be severely lacking in children’s diets.

EAT PROTEIN WITH EVERY MEAL

Eating protein with each meal will also help maintain consistent blood sugar levels as well as provide the body with amino acids necessary to recover and grow. Aside from recommended natural sources of protein, there have been more and more healthy granola bars and cereals that have high protein and fiber contents. These are easy and convenient ways to “supplement” your nutrition plan.

The goal is to educate your athlete now so that healthy eating habits are just that, habits. Not only will proper nutrition play a role in their athletic performance, but lead to a healthier lifestyle throughout their adult life as well.

For more information on nutrition or training, please visit http://www.apxstrength.com

APX STRENGTH is a progressive network of educational Athletic Performance-Based Strength & Conditioning camps, seminars, and mentoring programs dedicated to the personal, educational, and athletic development of student athletes from adolescence through high school and beyond. The APX goal is to provide athletes every opportunity to succeed in life by using their passion to participate and excel in athletics through advanced Performance Training concepts that are utilized at the Professional and Olympic levels.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or special requests, please contact Coach Packer/APX STRENGTH via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , We look forward to sharing an experience that will enhance your playing careers!

Coach Packer
APX Strength; West Coast Division
Performance Coach & Agent Contact
NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, High School, Youth