Abstract des Autors

What foods adolescent soccer players eat and what time of day they eat relative to playing soccer lay the foundation for promoting appropriate growth patterns and providing calories and micronutrients to support exercise. In this chapter, the nutrition issues that effect exercise performance and nutrition education strategies to promote appropriate eating behaviors for the adolescent soccer player are described. The type and quantity of food an adolescent soccer player eats can influence fatigue levels, hydration status, and overall performance during training and competition. Parents and coaches of adolescent athletes should pay attention to food and beverage choices to ensure that appropriate calories for growth and energy are consumed. Although 55% of an athlete's diet should be comprised of carbohydrate-rich foods, both protein and fat are equally important nutrients, but needed in smaller amounts. The food guide pyramid should be a resource for assisting young athletes in food selection and portion information. Foods from the five food groups provide a balance of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Any athlete reporting interest in vegetarian or weight reduction diets should be assisted to avoid compromising calories and nutrients. Both calcium and iron should be reviewed, particularly with female athletes. Finally, snacking is acceptable. Young athletes should be educated to understand that vitamin and mineral-rich foods qualify as snacks along with less nutritious, but perhaps more appealing, snacks. Guide athletes toward a combination of traditional, fast, and "junk" foods and remind them that moderation, balance, and variety of all foods are the keys to good nutrition for optimal sports performance. Verf.-Referat