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Introduction
Fast Food Strategies
Family-Style and Ethnic Restaurants
Planning Food For The Road
Grocery and Convenience Stores
Final Tips

One of the biggest nutritional challenges parents of youth athletes face is seeing that they eat properly away from home. But whether you are traveling to an all-day soccer tournament across town, or a two-week tournament in a foreign country, your child's nutritional needs don't have to suffer. There are plenty of ways you can ensure that your child will eat the kind of high carbohydrate, moderate protein, and low fat diet which studies show are necessary for optimal performance. Here are some strategies to use in making healthy choices at fast food, family-style and ethnic restaurants, and grocery and convenience stores.

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When you are away from home with your child at a tournament or all-day event, time is usually at a premium. But convenience and a shortage of time don't mean your child can't continue to eat right, even at fast food restaurants. While fast food franchises provide quick service, inexpensive food of consistent quality, and are easily accessible, keep in mind the following when you stop:

• The bad news: Most fast foods are high in fat, sodium, and relatively low in carbohydrate, micronutrients, and fiber.

• The good news: Fast food franchises increasingly offer low fat, nutritious choices such as salad bars, prepared salads, healthy soups, grilled or baked meat, fish or chicken/turkey, baked potatoes, and low fat frozen yogurt or ice cream.

• Model good eating. You will help your child to make nutritious choices if you select healthy items yourself.

• When in doubt, ask. Many fast food restaurants now post information on the nutritional content of their food. If it isn't posted, the manager may be able to provide you a brochure, or at least tell you where to write to get more information.

Click here for some guidelines to help you and your child make healthy high-carbohydrate, low fat menu selections at fast food restaurants.

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Article Updated: August 25, 2007

Nutritional Needs Of Youth Athletes: An Overview
Tips For Healthy Dining At Ethnic Restaurants
Guidelines For Eating At Fast Food Restaurants
Low Fat Fast Food Choices
Choosing Healthy Food In A Grocery Store Away From Home

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