3 Ways Sports Teach Kids to Eat

Better than the class room, TV shows or our own the dinner table, some believe kids learn proper nutrition most effectively through competitive sports experiences.

Here’s why: Big game competitions act as the perfect scientific test lab. Kids eat, drink, compete and then reflect on their performance. Highly competitive athletes will consider how the pre-game meal preparation impacted their overall performance. It becomes trial and error with memorable results.

“When kids really want to experience competitive success, they will remember everything about their approach” says Amanda Connors, Health Director for Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps. “If kids practice well but fail during the game, they can often point to their nutrition choices in the days or hours leading up to that game. And that’s something they will never forget.”

With Connors, we highlight three experiences that can make or break a competitive sports experience.

1. Hydration is an all-the-time thing.

Athletes should not last minute “cram” fluids--like a student who does a “late night cram” for the final exam. Rather, you sustain hydration levels better when it’s a daily habit.

“Often times, kids do not recognize a state of dehydration until it’s way too late,” says Amanda Connors, Health Director for Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps. “During active play, you can replenish fluids, but if you start behind it leads to trouble. That’s requires a life style approach where you are continually hydrating with water.”

Dehydrated athletes quickly loose energy and often feel sick. This feeling becomes an important memory and facilitates a permanent habit change in kids.

2. Empty Stomach Leads to Tank

Holy head-rush! When a young player feels a little dizzy and a little slower, they wonder what happened since their sparkling practice two days earlier.

“Beyond not eating properly, many times kids fail to eat anything at all before competitive events or practices,” says the Connors. “They mistakenly think they will be lighter and faster. Unfortunately, early in the first quarter, or even after warm ups they have nothing in the tank and are steps behind all day.”

Again, this burns a memory into a child’s mind. They are excited to play and want to play well. Top competitors will identify reason for the substandard performance (no food fuel) and never forget to eat well again.

3. Greasy Food Slows You Down

Nothing cuts back on your rushing yards more than a queasy stomach due to greasy French Fries, chicken nuggets or rich sauces like fettuccini alfredo.

“There is no better way to learn than to experience the benefits and consequences of your nutrition habits,” says Amanda Connors. “Some gastrointestinal distress during the big game is an awful experience--something you never want to experience again. No classroom or book can compare to this teaching moment.”

Connors believes summer camps offered by Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps are a tremendous platform to teach nutrition. The non-contact football camps for kids ages 6-14 are very active. Kids sweat, run and need food fuel.

In addition to their “Eat Like a Bear” education game, the coaches speak to kids about their energy and hydration levels “in the moment” and recommend corrections over the course of five days.

“When our coaches make suggestions to campers, it will positively affect that camper’s performance and experience. They play better and they become motivated to continue that healthy eating for approach.”

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps provide non-contact football instruction for kids ages 6 to 14 years old. Flag, Tackle and newcomers to the game are welcomed to attend.

Barrington --Barbara Rose Elementary School will host Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps from

July 13-17, 8:30am-11:30am daily.

To register visit www.BearsCamps.com or call 312-226-7776

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