The Internet offers an amazing array of sports nutrition information, but it also contributes to great confusion. Many athletes complain to me about information overload. They have no idea whom to believe and how to determine which websites offer reputable advice.
No wonder: if you Google "credible sports nutrition information," the search results will list over four million links!
If you are like most sports parents, you simply want to know how to find valid information that tells you what and when to feed your young athlete so they can perform at their best. Here's a list of websites, books, and key resources to help you fuel wisely, eat healthfully, and feel confident with your food choices.
Some excellent Internet resources include:
For monthly mailed newsletters that offer detailed yet easy to read coverage of current nutrition, wellness and fitness concerns, check out:
While few of today's sports parents have the time to sit down and read a book, you can certainly benefit from using well-indexed books as a resource. Some titles I recommend:
General nutrition books:
Sports nutrition books
And now for some shameless self-promotion:
Having sold over 550,000 copies, this easy-to-read resource is considered by many athletes to be their "nutrition bible." It's comprehensive yet enjoyable-and even has recipes.
You might also enjoy my sport-specific books that make useful gifts for friends, family and teammates:
Other excellent sports nutrition books include:
Books on weight issues, dieting, eating disorders
An estimated 30 to 60% of female athletes (as well as a smaller number of males) struggle with balancing food, weight, and exercise. If you or someone you know struggles with disordered eating patterns, let them know they are not alone and can benefit from these self-help books.
Primarily for Professionals
While most professional journals offer "heavy" reading, one exception is the International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism. While it is far from "light" reading, you'll learn the latest research on carbohydrates, protein, sports supplements, fueling practices, plus more. (http://journals.humankinetics.com; [3] $11/year).
Personalized advice
No website or book can compare with sitting down and talking with a sports dietitian [4] in person. A one-on-one, personalized approach is best to learn what, when, and how to eat to fuel your child's unique body for top performance. To find a local sports dietitian, enter your zip code into the referral networks at www.SCANdpg.org [5] or www.eatright.org [6]. You may be surprised to learn how much you don't know. (After all, you don't know what you don't know!)
Nancy Clark, MS, RD counsels both casual and competitive athletes, teaching them how to create a winning sports diet. Her private practice is in the Boston-area (Newton, MA; 617-795-1875). For information about her books and workshops, see www.nancyclarkrd.com [7] and www.sportsnutritionworkshop.com [8].
Links:
[1] http://www.wellnessletter.com;
[2] http://www.CSPInet.org;
[3] http://journals.humankinetics.com;
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/node/256
[5] http://www.SCANdpg.org
[6] http://www.eatright.org
[7] http://www.nancyclarkrd.com
[8] http://www.sportsnutritionworkshop.com
[9] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/sports-nutrition-basics/nutritional-needs-guidelines/seek-nutritional-counseling-if-concer
[10] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/disordered-eating/anorexia-bulimia/eating-disorders-signs-symptoms