Today's Tip for Families

2026-03-10

Proper Nutrition is a Must for Active Teens Who Play Sports

Good nutrition is important for every teen. And for teens who play sports and put a lot of demands on their bodies, eating right is vital to enable the best performance.

Teens who play sports often hear about special diets or “wonder” powders or pills. They are told these diets and products will make them faster and stronger and give them more energy.

But it’s more likely that eating an unusual diet or trying an unprescribed medication will hurt your teen. It could damage your student's health or interfere with growth.

Your teen’s doctor can best tell you what your teen should be eating to stay healthy while playing sports. Most often, doctors say teen athletes should:

• Take in extra calories, especially from carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Maintain recommended amounts of protein in their diets.
• Drink lots of water—before, during and after exercise.

Have your teen discuss any diet changes with your family's doctor. And make it clear that your teen should never take supplements or medication without the doctor's approval.

Brought to you by:

Allegany-Limestone Central Schools

© 2026 The Parent Institute, a Division of PaperClip Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.