Even at 9 and 10 years old, youngsters should be learning about healthy eating and food habits. They should be taught basic nutrition and fueling their bodies the right way in order to be healthy and active for their entire lives.
According to CDC statistics, between the ages of 6-11 years old, American youth obesity rates nearly double from the preceding 6 years of life.
- Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations.
- Obesity-related conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems.
- Childhood Obesity Facts | Overweight & Obesity | CDC
If your youth hockey player is excited and serious about playing hockey, then the things you and your family do away from the rink matter. Eating healthy and nutrient dense foods, as well as re-fueling your body with water after practices and games will go a long way into providing them the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Take a simple, easy to follow approach when it comes to Post Game meal ideas. Simply put..the three essential areas of Post- Game Nutrition that athletes should focus on following a game include:
- Rehydrate: Consume water and/or electrolytes to replace sweat losses
- Refuel: Consume simple carbohydrates
- Repair: Consume protein to build and repair muscles
Studies have shown that in a single hockey game, an average amount of 1500 to 2500 calories are usually burned by an NHL player. A youth or recreational player burns anywhere from 500 to 1000 calories per hour in a hockey game, so it’s extremely important (parents and players) to fuel your bodies properly so that you can have sustained energy throughout the contest. Additionally… Let’s role model proper nutrition so that our kids can have a lifelong understanding of proper diet!
By Andrew Trimble
Andrew Trimble is the General Manager and Co- Owner of the New England Wolves Hockey Club. He is also the Owner of Scoring Concepts LLC, a New Hampshire based hockey training company that offers camps, clinics, private lessons and teams. He has coached at all levels from Learn to Skate to College Hockey. For more info on his teams and programs check out- www.scoringconcepts.com or www.ne-wolveshockey.com
To Purchase Andrew’s new book “The Hockey Planner”, click on this link- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743388: Amazon.com: Books
