Children's Hospital Colorado

Sports Nutrition Articles

Food is the fuel athletes need to perform their best. Our sports medicine experts can guide you on the best nutrition for a young athlete to stay fueled and focused in the game. From pre-game snacks to post-game meals, check out our most recent articles on sport's nutrition.

Why Dancers Need Adequate Nutrition for Whole Body Health

Dance is a strenuous sport that requires proper nutrition to maintain proper health and endurance. Find tips from our experts on how to use food as fuel, maintain bone health and stay hydrated for practice and performance.

Creatine, Creatine Supplements and Adolescent Athletes

While creatine supplements may sound appealing to young athletes, do they really need them? Learn more about creatine and creatine supplements from our pediatric sports dietitian.

What to Know About Carbohydrate and Sugar for Athletes

Carbohydrate and sugar are essential for active kids to grow and maintain adequate nutrition and energy for sport. Society sometimes labels them as “bad,” but really, it's about helping your child choose what they eat and when, so they get the most benefit.

Fruit and Vegetable Servings for Children

Learn about proper servings of fruit and vegetables for children, and how to get children to eat them, from our specialists.

Building a High Performance Lunch for Athletes

Easy tips for packing a nutritious lunch that can boost sports performance for the young athlete.

Water vs. Sports Drinks: What Is the Best Choice for Young Athletes?

How do you decide what to give your growing athlete: water or sports drinks? Find out which is better.

Are Supplements Safe?

People are looking for that magic pill or powder to make us lean mean muscle machines. Find out if any of the supplements on the market are unsafe.

How to Eat Before a Competition

Find out if it really matters what you eat before practice or a competition, as well as good pre-game nutrition techniques.

Energy Drinks: Do You Really Want to "Unleash the Beast?"

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar and 5-Hour Energy shots are heavily marketed toward young people. However, are they safe?

10 Benefits of Drinking Chocolate Milk for Nutrition Recovery

Have you ever wondered why your child’s coach tells young athletes to drink chocolate milk after a hard practice? Learn why this may be a good idea.

Wrestlers: Tips on Losing Weight Safely - Avoiding Risky Weight Loss Behaviors

Wrestlers cutting weight to compete in a weight class sometimes take on unhealthy methods to lose weight. Find out how to lose weight safely.

What to Eat When You're on the Road

It's a challenge to eat well-balanced meals when traveling with a sports team. Find out how to keep your traveling team healthy for the big game.

How to Pack a Healthy Lunch for a Day of Skiing or Snowboarding

Did you know you may burn up to 400-750 calories per hour of skiing? Read our tips for making the most of your lunch on the slopes.

How to Prevent, Recognize and Treat Eating Disorders

Due to the high demand on sports performance these days, your young athlete could struggle with an eating disorder. Find out how to recognize this issue.

How Much Iron Do Young Athletes Need in an Everyday Diet?

Young athletes need iron to keep their immune system healthy. Find out why our clinical nutritionist says iron intake is important.

Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency: What You Need to Know

Vitamin D deficiency among some of our adults and kids is on the rise. Find out who is at risk of calcium and vitamin D deficiency.

Is a Vegetarian Diet OK for Young Athletes?

Teens decide to eat vegetarian for various reasons, and parents should make sure it's for the right reasons. Find ways to ensure a healthy vegetarian diet.

Hydration Tips for Preventing Heat Illness

Hydration is just as important as any other preparation that goes into playing a sports game. Find out how to stay hydrated.