Athletes need to consume more calories than non-athletes to fuel their bodies for physical activity. Important nutrients like calcium and iron help build strong bones and prevent injuries from strenuous exercise. While diet is important, growing kids who are athletes should not diet but rather eat a balanced diet according to the food pyramid to get the necessary nutrients from grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein, and oils. Some examples of healthy meals and snacks for athletes include a balanced meal with foods from each food group or snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, and energy bars.

1. Athletic Diet By: Mary and Kori

2. Fact #1 Athletes need to consume more than the average person. They need this because they burn more calories by playing and practicing games.

3. Important Nutrients Calcium and iron are especially important nutrients for athletes. The Calcium that builds strong bones makes it less likely for the players’ bones to break under the stress and strain of heavy activity.

4. Dieting Because kids are still growing, it is important for kids athletes NOT to diet.

5. Why Pick Athletic Diet?????? This is a good topic the study because we are both active athletes. We are curious to know if we eat correctly.

6. Food Pyramid Grain is orange and is the most important of the 6 food groups. Green is veggies the second most important in the pyramid. Blue is the 3 rd most important and it stands for milk or dairy products. Red is the fruits and 4 th most important. Protein is purple and is 5 th important. Lastly yellow is oils.

7. Healthy Meal Non salted Buttered corn, an apple, a burrito with beans or meat and lettuce, and a glass of milk. This is a healthy meal because this meal has 1-2 serv. From every food group.

8. 7 Healthy Snacks 1. Orange Juice 2. Salad 3. Half a sandwich 4. Fresh dried fruit 5. Fortified cereal 6. Energy Bars 7. Handful of Nuts

9. Resources NutritionExplorations KidsHealth Picsearch