b'CHANGING THE EATING HABITS OF YOUNG ATHLETESBy Tavis Piattoly, MS, RD, LDN | ContributorJohn is a 15-year-old high school football player who isthat will solve Johns poor fueling strategies as his primary constantly tired and lacks the drive and energy needed tofocus should be to focus on a food first approach that perform on the field and in the weight room. Hes also notwill effectively fuel his body for optimal performance and getting enough rest, and the quality of his diet along withbody weight. eating at the correct times of the day has been inconsistent. John is looking for a boost and asks his mom to take him3 NUTRITION TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES to the local supplement store to look for a product thatTO FUEL PERFORMANCEcan meet his needs. They inform the supplement store clerkaboutJohnssignificantmedicalhistory,whichBREAKFAST EVERY MORNINGincludesfourcatheterablationsurgeriestocorrectanA research study from the Journal of School Health has abnormal heart beat. John has a condition called Superdemonstrated that 30-40% of high school students skip Ventricular Tachycardia (a rapid heart rhythm originatingbreakfast. The majority dont feel they have time, but in at or above the atrioventricular node). After discussingreality they want to sleep later. Skipping breakfast could hismedicalhistorywiththesupplementstoreclerk,create a 14-16 hour gap between dinner the night before John is recommended to take a product that contains aand lunch the next day where no calories are consumed combination of three stimulants (caffeine, bitter orange,leading to a large calorie deficit (i.e. gas tank is empty). This andguaranafoundinmanyenergydrinks).Johnsmakes afternoon practice difficult as youre competing on parents were concerned and sought the advice of a Sportsone meal (lunch) over the last 20 hours. If teens are short Dietitian who advised John not to take this supplement as iton time, they can try a few quick grab-and-go options that can be life-threatening. Furthermore,researchintheget their stomachs acclimated to breakfast:JournalofPediatrics(2017) demonstrates the supplementPeanut butter or sunbutter and jelly sandwich and a storestafflacksproperready-to-drink protein shakeknowledge on supplement education and supplementBreakfastproteinsmoothie(proteinpowder,milk, safety.Thereisnomagicpeanut butter, banana, oats)pill or supplement 2 handfuls of trail mix (i.e. mixed nuts, granola, dark chocolate chips) and fruit 2 whole grain waffles with peanut butter and glass of milk Fast food: Egg white grill or egg McMuffin and milk or chocolate milkNutritionbar,fruit,andready-to-drinkprotein shake36GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMARCH 2020'