How nutrition education is changing sport...3 groups it impacts besides athletes.
Diane Johnson
Empowering youth athletes with simple and strategic nutrition & wellness support.
A 4 minute read today.
Nutrition education isn't just about what athletes eat.
While it does empower young minds to make healthier choices that have a profound impact beyond the field or court. It's also about:
Educating and coaching student athletes in nutrition creates a ripple effect that has far reaching positive impacts.?
Here’s what I’m talking about.?
PARENTS
One significant benefit of nutrition education for young athletes is its potential to reduce strain on relationships between parents and student athletes around food.?
Mealtime can be a source of tension when parents struggle to navigate their child's dietary needs and preferences, especially amidst the demands of sports training. By equipping parents with knowledge about nutrition, they can better support their child's dietary requirements, fostering understanding and cooperation rather than conflict.
When student athletes are educated about nutrition, they also become more self-reliant in making healthy food choices. This independence alleviates pressure on parents to constantly monitor their child's diet, reduces parental worry about their eating habits and promotes a more harmonious family dynamic centered around trust and collaboration.?
COACHES
Coaching is a very busy and often challenging job.
And nutrition education makes coaching easier and more time-efficient.?
Athletes who prioritize nutrition are not only physically healthier but also mentally sharper and more resilient. This translates to improved performance on the field and fewer disruptions due to injuries or fatigue, allowing coaches to focus on refining skills and strategy rather than managing health issues.
When athletes are well-nourished and hydrated, they exhibit higher levels of energy and enthusiasm, making coaching sessions more productive and enjoyable for both athletes and coaches alike. This positive atmosphere fosters a sense of camaraderie and motivation within the team, enhancing cohesion and collective performance.
And, it gives coaches more time to focus on other beneficial aspects of training that are often missed because of a perceived lack of time, like recovery or mindfulness.
IMPROVING SPORT CULTURE
Integrating nutrition education into youth sports definitely fosters a positive club culture centered around the holistic development of young athletes.
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First off, when athletes prioritize nutrition, they not only enhance their physical performance but also sharpen their mental focus and resilience. This creates a culture of excellence where athletes are encouraged to strive for their personal best while supporting and inspiring their teammates.
But there’s another level to this...Check this out.
What if some of the 'way to crazy' that happens in the stands, between parents and refs and coaches could be minimized through nutrition education.
A 2014 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that aggressive behavior and lack of self control between partners increased with unbalanced blood sugar levels.
“Glucose levels are an important influence on self-control and aggression, and glucose levels stand as a physiological factor that can be actively targeted and influenced.”
Essentially, “food could be a potential tool for curbing aggression.”
In addition, there is a growing body of research that shows that antisocial behavior and violence among prison inmates decreases with improved nutrition.?
If you pause for a moment and think about what most busy parents eat while rushing their kids around to their sporting events, it’s no wonder we’ve got havoc raging in the stands.?
Many parents of start their day racing their young athletes off to games with a sugar laden fancy coffee and a muffin in hand. These studies show us that blood sugar irregularities affect mood. What if educating student athletes was actually a way to help improve the behavior of parents in the stands??
The ripple effect of nutrition education in youth sports is undeniable. By educating student athletes about nutrition, we not only empower them to thrive on and off the field but also cultivate healthier habits among parents, coaches, and the broader club community.
Let's continue to prioritize nutrition education as an essential component of youth sports programs, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for our young athletes.
When you are ready, there are a few ways that I help people like you everyday.
Until next week,
~ Diane
References:
Bushman, B., DeWall N., Pond, R., Hanus, M. (2014) The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Low glucose relates to greater aggression in married couples. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1400619111