Aspetar offers nutrition tips for young athletes
<p>Doha, Qatar: As the new academic year begins, Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, is highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for children and adolescents who play sport, whether recreationally or competitively, to safeguard their overall health, support their growth, and help them achieve their best physical and mental performance both in and out of school.</p>…
Doha, Qatar - As the new school year starts, Aspetar, the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, is emphasizing the significance of a balanced diet for young athletes, both those who play sports recreationally and competitively. Nutrition experts at Aspetar stress that establishing healthy eating habits during the back-to-school period can benefit children and adolescents throughout the year, supporting their growth and optimal performance both academically and physically.
The hospital's specialists recommend beginning each day with a balanced breakfast, containing carbohydrates, protein, and either fruit or vegetables. This nutritious start fuels energy levels and enhances concentration, crucial for mental and physical performance in school and sports activities.
Throughout the day, snacks such as milk with banana, nuts, dates, or yoghurt with fruit are suggested to maintain energy levels and supply essential nutrients. Lunch is particularly important, with a focus on a varied plate including carbohydrates for energy, proteins for growth and recovery, vegetables and fruit for vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and healthy fats that support various bodily functions.
The experts stress the importance of matching carbohydrate intake to the intensity of the activity, ensuring the body receives the right fuel without excess or deficiency to maintain fitness and health over time. After training or competition, recovery should focus on replenishing energy with carbohydrates, consuming proteins for recovery, and staying hydrated by replacing fluids lost during physical activity.
Proper nutrition also relies on adequate sleep, vital for growth and recovery. Children and adolescents are advised to get at least eight hours of sleep daily, maintaining regular bedtimes and wake-up times. Aspetar concludes that balanced nutrition, combined with regular physical activity and sufficient sleep, is the foundation for a young athlete's health and their academic and sporting success. The hospital urges parents and caregivers to adopt these healthy practices as part of their daily lifestyle.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
