Good and Bad Foods

All of the important nutrients listed above are eaten through food. For the average person, there are different foods that are good and bad to eat when it comes to a healthy diet. For teen athletes, however, this list becomes even more specific and important to follow. When looking for good carbohydrate foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will do the job while supplying you with vitamins and minerals as well. For protein, lean meats and poultry are the best foods to eat. Also, nuts, beans, and dairy products will supply protein. However, on game day, you should stay away from dairy products because they are harder to digest. Some foods even supply you with “good” fats. These foods include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and avocados. An important mineral that many forget about is iron. Lean red meats, shrimp, iron-fortified cereal, and bread products can supply you with it. Calcium can be found in dairy products as well as leafy green vegetables. As athletes are active, foods to avoid are those high in saturated and trans-fat, such as butter, margarine, and animal fats. Also, foods should be avoided an hour before activity, as they won’t be able to digest in time. Candy bars and sodas should be avoided before sports as well.

-SK