Kids should power up before the game
Imagine trying to play soccer in ten inches of sand. That's what it can feel like for a child playing sports without receiving the proper nutrition. Kids who don't eat the right foods can become sluggish and burn out quickly.
"Children need to eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates at least three hours before a game or practice," explains Lynne Nugent, registered dietitian and Virtua Health's coordinator of outpatient nutrition services. "Foods like bagels, spaghetti, oatmeal, brown rice and graham crackers provide sustained energy. Before an event, children should avoid large amounts of fat, protein, fiber and last minute sweets," says Nugent.
When kids get thirsty, water is the best thing to drink for activities lasting up to 90 minutes.
See how much energy your kids can use. Virtua Health is the official healthcare sponsor of the Flyers Skate Zone, so to receive a coupon good for 50 percent off public skating, call 1-888-Virtua-3.