Parents Dietary Needs

[4theloveofGym]

Our daughter is almost 9 and is competing level 7 this season. She trains between 20 to 22.5 hours per week. My question is related to dietary needs. We feel like overall she has a fairly balanced diet that includes: protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, etc. We just wonder if anyone has any insight as to the how to ensure a young gymnast training this many hours gets the correct balance of protein for muscle growth/repair and carbohydrates for energy. I want to stress we DO NOT want a diet and we do not limit her from normal kid pleasures we just want to make sure she is getting what she needs for training purposes and to maintain a strong immune system. Has anyone ever consulted with a dietitian or how do you handle your gymnasts dietary needs?

 

[txgymfan]

I suggest contacting a local or regional Children's hospital and asking for recommendations for a registered dietitian that is experienced with child athletes. If you look using our search features you will find lots of suggestions for healthy dinners and snacks that our members enjoy.

 

[thefellowsmom]

Dr. Josh, a regular here, well known in the gymnastics community, and I can personally say a really great guy runs a site called gymnastcare.com. There is a ton of great info on nutrition, safety, injuries and self care specific to gymnasts. He has a program called Stay Fueled that is a nutrition program tailored to child athletes and supporting them nutritionally in a way that works for families. It might be something to check out.