Protein is especially beneficial for teenage athletes who are breaking down and rebuilding tissues at rapid rates, let alone still growing and developing outside of sport. Healthy Eating for a Teenage Athlete. Need nutritious recipes for your young athletes? 5. Breakfast For Teenage Athletes. One egg contains about 6g of protein and while avocados aren’t protein packed, with only ~ 2.9 grams per cup, the benefits lie in the heart-health monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber. And if you have practice in the evening hours, taking just five minutes to pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, banana, carrots with dip and a granola bar will better fuel your young athlete than a burger and fries from a fast food drive-thru. The Case for Eating Breakfast, Healthy Children Magazine, 2009. Choose two or three breakfast ideas for teenage athletes listed above and have fun adding them into your week ahead. I remember being told when I was young, that eating breakfast will result in better focus and concentration in school, higher test scores, more energy, and a healthier body weight. Acessed 8/10/14. of oven roasted turkey (avoid deli-style), 1 teaspoon of cooking oil (recommended: olive oil), Substitute: Turn it into a wrap with a whole wheat tortilla instead of toast, ½ – 1 cup steel cut, rolled, or instant oats, 2 parts water (or 1% milk) for every cup of oats, Bonus: ½ teaspoon of light Agave Nectar and/or ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 pinch of salt & pepper (or desired seasonings). This basic Banana Almond Pancake recipe is a weekly go-to in our house, served alongside chicken sausage. Nuts. Pick an option for additional protein like soy-chorizo, turkey bacon, Canadian bacon or even salmon if they have a taste for it. This Apple Cinnamon Pancake recipe is a spin-off of the banana almond pancakes. The majority of people, especially children, turn to bagels and cereal as their go-to. 1-2 tortilla wraps (whole wheat or multigrain) 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated) ½ … Heat skillet to medium and add cooking oil to the pan. That means for one full month you won’t have to think of ideas for healthy lunches for teens that are also healthy meals for athletes. Article by Mom Junction. Always plan ahead — know what breakfast will be for the week, the next few days, or at least the morning to come! There you have it! Any advance food prep, such as dicing peppers and onions, cracking eggs, or making overnight chia pudding, means your morning will be a breeze. Choose full fat, all-natural dairy or coconut options. As an athlete, I ate my share of oats. Psst… sneak in some spinach or kale for some vegetable benefits. Being prepared for class, practice, and competition requires proper nutrition, and so does the recovery and repair that follows. Everyone loves tacos! Sautee vegetables until they are no longer firm and add meat to warm. Sometimes you just want a muffin! Add in nuts, fruit, agave nectar and/or cinnamon and serve. They are fairly processed products, rich in carbohydrates, and fortified with single vitamins and minerals to  make up for all the nutrition that’s been stripped away during processing. Without a nutritious breakfast, kids and teens are also more likely to crave processed junk foods once hunger hits. Find out what foods may help boost your young athlete's mood while maintaining good nutrition and also keeping them sport-ready. Are there certain foods that young athletes should be specifically eating? Once the bottom of the egg is firm, add in sautéed vegetables/meat mixture and cheese on ½ of the egg and fold the other half over. Mike Samuels, Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Teen Athletes, LIVESTRONG, January 11 2013. You can also find more healthy breakfast ideas in my Weekly Paleo Meal Plan. Take the halved avocado and place on baking sheet, scooping out additional avocado from the seed pit if needed. Keep in mind the amount of protein an athlete should consume varies depending on their type of training. Easy Egg Sandwich. Breakfast for a Teenager It's become something of a cliche, but there's a lot of truth to the old adage about breakfast being the … It’s not uncommon for male and female athletes, especially those still growing, to have caloric needs exceeding 2,400-3,000 kcal and 2,200-2,700 kcal per day, respectively. Breakfast is an important meal and it’s good to understand why athletes should eat breakfast. These tips and recipes will bring breakfast back into your kitchen this week, and for many more to come. Instead of white bread, swap it out for whole wheat or multigrain toast and choose Swiss cheese, which contains about 8g for one slice. The simple, fast-digesting drink gives you all … Looking for healthy breakfast ideas for teenage athletes? ... First, I stumble my way to the kitchen... Eggs 'N Things. A healthy breakfast for athletes will consist of: all the macronutrients (carbs, fat, protein) ample carbohydrates and protein … Before Practice – Fuel Your Workout. When breakfast is missed, incomplete, or full of nutrient-void calories, it leaves athletes scrambling to catch up — often never able to make up for such a deficit. Your kids won’t even realize how good it is for them. Flip on the skillet back and forth until the cheese is melted. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals athletes need. With quality brands, we can still recognize all the ingredients as real food. When I wake up in the morning, my first thoughts drift to food. This is one of my favorite healthy breakfast ideas for teenage athletes. Scrambled eggs with diced peppers and onions, topped with avocado and salsa, pulls together in a snap. Now add some veggies or a piece of fruit, some sliced avocado or uncured low-sugar bacon, and maybe ½ a leftover potato — BAM! Place into oven for 15-20 minutes. These Breakfast Tacos are always a favorite in our home. A healthy breakfast for teens is like any other nutritious meal. Accessed 8/11/14. See our Athlete Nutrition Guide for more information about protein, carbohydrates, hydration and more. Prepare oats according to package (preparation differs depending on the type of oats). Plain steel cut, rolled and instant oats generally have the same nutritional value but watch out for flavored oats as they may contain hidden sugars, which could cause them to crash. I like to use organic deli ham as my taco shell, but my active boys add a grain-free, or corn tortilla to the outside as well. Granted, some products don’t look entirely like their original source but are minimally processed, such as chicken sausage links. Plant-based protein foods like tofu and beans also are great choices. The nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes, topped with milk (of your choice) and fresh berries in this Fruity Nut Cereal will satisfy any cravings for “breakfast in a box.” (Egg free and can be made dairy free). Top 26 Easy And Healthy Breakfast For Teens. Nothing says on the go breakfast like a breakfast sandwich, but as we know the typical sausage or ham English muffin can have hidden calories, sodium, saturated fats and excessive carbs. Add turkey to the pan to warm up. Whether it’s game day for your young athlete or you just want to give them the boost they need to get through the day, breakfast is a vital component in establishing a long-lasting energy level. Incorporating real food for kids into breakfast may take the biggest shift compared to lunch or dinner. I’m not concerned that each breakfast target all “food groups”, but it should contain real foods that provide fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Here is a list of some delicious recipes that you can try. https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/10-healthy-smoothie-recipes Who knew that a banana, scoop of nut (or seed butter), and an egg could create such... 2. By adding nuts, such as almonds (highest in fiber), pecans (heart health), cashews (zinc for brain power) or walnuts (fights inflammation), you’re providing your athlete with necessary fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fats. You can time it and make it a family game! It’s worth incorporating into your family’s diet because of the protein value. Plain Greek yogurt, on average, contains 30% of the daily value for calcium (aka strong bones) and contains less carbohydrates than regular yogurt. Pair with a hard-boiled egg, and you’re out the door. Pick your protein first when planning breakfast to make sure your athlete’s diet isn’t lacking. Beyond its tissue-building benefits, protein is important for slowing the absorption of carbohydrate (or sugar) and thus balancing blood sugar. Best for: Amping up fat burn. In a March 2008 issue of “Today’s Dietitian,” Pamela Nisevich, MS, … Who doesn’t love a good fancy toast? Top your toast with a fried egg to upgrade the protein. BUT, for growing, developing, and active children and teens…it is time to break the fast! Taking advantage of each meal, including breakfast, is necessary for overall athletic performance. Wehrle recommends the following as healthy choices for young athletes: Whole grains and other complex carbohydrates (oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, whole grain breakfast cereals, sweet potatoes, squash and beans) Fruits (2 to 4 servings per day) Serve them over a bed of kale, spinach, or arugula, and grab an orange to go along. 4. The best part… I’m going to leave you with a bunch of simple, healthy breakfast ideas for teenage athletes. Stay light with the cheese, if even at all. Look for fat-free or low-fat options and just remember to check nutrition labels. Generally, athletes should consume 20 to 30 percent of their calories from fat, at least 50%, but ideally 60-70% of their total calories from carbohydrates and protein intake depend on their training (See Table 7)*. 3. All these meals have been created and prepared by professional nutritionists or dieticians and are sure to meet the nutritional requirements of your young active athletes. Crack egg directly over avocado and position yolk over pit. We are looking for a balance of macronutrients, color, and real food ingredients. (Can be made dairy-free and nut-free), Pumpkin is a nutrient dense source of starchy carbohydrate for busy athletes, and this Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl is a great way to incorporate it into a delicious and refreshing breakfast. 24 Healthy Breakfasts Fit For Athletes Oatmeals. Nut butters, such as peanut butter, almond butter and cashew butter, contain approximately 4g of protein for every tablespoon. Creamy, filling, and easy to make ahead, Raspberry Almond Chia Pudding is a great egg free, dairy free, grab-n-go breakfast. Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Make this your new family slogan if you have active kids — now is the time to start implementing such a standard even if your active kids are still very young. These gluten-free muffins with fresh lemon, chia seeds, and blueberries will satisfy your cravings. The energy needs of athletes exceed those of the average person. The word “breakfast” literally means to break the fast — the fast while you are sleeping. Mix together in blender until smooth and serve. There are more and more grain-free granolas out there, or make a batch of your own to sprinkle alongside of fresh berries in this yogurt parfait. Athletes have physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding days to manage. Young athletes should spread protein foods throughout the day, having some at each meal and with most snacks, such as eggs and whole-grain toast with fruit for breakfast or a sandwich with low-sodium deli meat on whole-grain bread with yogurt and raw veggies for lunch. Using a meat hammer, pound the chicken breasts or thighs to ¼ inch thin. Another great source of protein for kids is chia seeds. In addition to this, I love to help mothers feed their families Real Food. For the proper carb balance, we suggest adding berries or bananas to the yogurt to sweeten it up, instead of sugar, as well as seeds like flax or pumpkin for a healthy dose of unsaturated fat (better brain function). Breakfast is the best time to set the day up right. They're easy. Lay down 1 piece of toast into the pan, add the egg, turkey then the cheese and finally the piece of toast. Ingredients: 2 eggs (3 eggs if they are extra hungry) 1 tablespoon 1% milk 1 oz. Oatmeal has been proven to curb hunger cravings longer, which for growing athletes is helpful in getting them to their next meal. Eggs. Choose Swiss or low-fat cheddar cheese to keep with the high-protein theme. Beat eggs and milk with a whisk in a bowl until it’s completely mixed. When it comes to athletes, a decent breakfast should contain 500-750 calories, consisting of roughly 50% carbs, 30% from protein and 20% from healthy fats. Proper nutrition can help teens thrive both academically and physically, especially in sports. This recipe calls for one egg, but it’s easy to bump up the protein by doubling … Giving your body a prolonged phase of rest can have many physiological benefits. Six delicious recipes to keep your young athlete fueled for whatever life may serve them. A healthy daily diet for a teen should include between 45 and 60 grams of protein, 1,200 mg of calcium and between 12 and 15 mg of iron. These lunch ideas for teenage athletes will keep your teens full of energy! But, it can also be the most challenging meal to get in your kids — especially active teens. Cook it in butter, ghee, or coconut oil, and add a handful of spinach, broccoli, or diced apple! Remove from pan and serve. They are a powerful food, despite their higher calorie count, but with an active athlete, calories should be less of a concern. This will help your teen athlete’s day start on the right foot. Dairy Alternatives: Are Your Athletes Getting Nutrients? Saute up leftover diced chicken, steak, or eggs along with sweet potato from last night’s dinner. But, the most common breakfast foods (pastries, cereals, toast with jam) are low in protein, or at least the most bioavailable real food sources. Wholegrain/high fibre cereal + low fat milk or protein enriched milk alternative Wholegrain toast + low fat cheese – sliced, cottage, ricotta and tomato. Breakfast Guidelines A good breakfast should contain 500 to 750 calories, roughly half from carbohydrates, 25 percent from protein and 25 percent … They also need to boost their stamina and endurance as well as improve athletic performance. A healthy diet consists of eating plenty of calories and nutrient-dense foods. But this Chia Seed Oatmeal recipe adds extra plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats to balance out the rich carbohydrate levels. Young athletes should spread protein foods throughout the day, having some at each meal and with most snacks, such as deli meat on a sandwich at lunch or an egg with breakfast. Yogurt (choose no sugar added and whole fat), Nuts and seeds (also a good source of fat). We hear all the time that “breakfast is the most important meal.” And for your teenage athlete, that may be true. Pair with scrambled eggs. Teens need to meet their increased calorie and nutrient needs in order to gain and maintain lean body mass. Healthy Breakfast Ideas: What Pro Athletes Do In the Morning, Huffington Post, 6/1/2013. Crack the egg into a bowl and add milk. Yogurt is always a great grab-n-go option. Omelets are a great way to incorporate vegetables into breakfast, and we all know it can be difficult for kids to get enough vegetables into their daily diet. Hi, I’m Shannon and my mission is to help you and your family discover a life of wellness through food and healthy habits. If you are an adult practicing intermittent fasting, you may not be ready to break your fast at 6:00 AM. Remove from oven, top with seasoning and chives, and then serve. 199. Why is healthy eating so important? Here are a handful of simple, high protein, real food breakfast ideas to get yourself and your family to embrace the breakfast ritual. Peppers, onion, spinach, mushrooms, even broccoli and asparagus have been known to make their way into omelets. This is one of my favorite healthy breakfast ideas for teenage athletes. 3. Breakfast tacos. Sure, much of this is probably true for growing and developing kids, but there’s more to the story. I’m asking you to think outside the (cereal) box. Check middle to ensure the egg is completely cooked and then serve. Check out these recipes for more ideas to help you make a healthy breakfast a part of your day. Shakes are quick, easy and allow you to mix multiple nutrients into one ‘meal’. While oven roasted turkey may not be traditional breakfast meat, warming it up on the grill and pairing it with cheese, egg and toast can disguise the breakfast culprit. Once the egg is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside. This Clean Out the Fridge Frittata is also a great way to add a serving of veggies to your breakfast. Eating breakfast is what we do! Breakfast for Athletes and for teen athletes is hugely important.As you must be well aware, breakfast is the most important meal of the day for anybody and that holds true for those who want to lose weight as well. If your athletes are sipping on chocolate soy milk or splashing almond milk into their cereal before meets, you might... With kids at home more than ever this season, keep these tips in mind for healthy, satisfying snacking at home. This is one of the easiest breakfast ideas for teens that you can easily make at home. Kids should eat a handful or two of healthy snacks with 8-10 ounces of water approximately 1 hour-30 minutes before warm-ups. Toast your bread in the toaster half way. Fruit toast + low fat ricotta or fruit yoghurt Alongside pre- and post-workout or competition meals, breakfast is arguably the most vital meal of the day for teen athletes. Teens and children involved in demanding sports (1½ -2 hours of constant activity) might need more calories to keep energy levels up. Setting aside leftovers that can be incorporated into breakfast is smart as well. 5 Simple breakfast ideas 1. Healthy food doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated — in fact, keeping it simple is best. Healthy Eating for Teen Athletes — eating for optimal performance. Substituting the bread for thinly sliced sweet potato keeps it real and full of good nutrition. You can also look at options like turkey or Canadian bacon, but again pay attention to nutrition labels for sodium and saturated fat content. Pour egg mixture into the pan. Breakfast is an opportunity to start fueling for the whole day ahead. Ingredients: Oil. What’s great about this dish is that you can let your kids customize their own breakfast. For a healthier take, choose meats that are considered to be lean meats and not processed. Along with establishing this norm, comes making it a priority. We may have saved the best for last. Are you looking for easy-to-prepare, nutritious breakfast recipes for teens to eat on the go? Use Caution with Fatty Foods Fatty foods slow digestion, which is not ideal for the athlete facing a competition. These pancakes offer healthy fats, real fruit, and protein — especially if you pair them with some nitrate/nitrite all-natural breakfast ham. Instant quesadilla. (Egg free, can be dairy free), Frittatas are perfect for making on the weekend to heat up, or eat cold, during the week. Red bell… Healthy Lunch Ideas for Teenage Athletes That Are Quick to Make! We urge for finding natural protein sources for your shakes, avoiding supplements and protein powders. (Nut free, can be dairy free). It’s important to “break the fast” for the extra demands a teenage athlete faces. Greek yogurt has really become a buzz-word in the nutrition world, but it’s not a fad! You don't even need to prep your shake the night before like I do. Remove from pan and set to the side. Have you ever seen a bagel tree? Think of it as setting the mood for their metabolism, brain activity and muscle function. These are the most common reasons I hear for either skipping breakfast, or not putting together a well-balanced first meal. A healthy breakfast for a teen athlete should have between 500 and 750 calories and include about 50 percent carbs, 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat… Our favorite combination is that rich nut butter with a banana (which aids in digestion, sustain blood sugar and reduce swelling), and 1% milk – another protein packed option with approximately 8g per cup. We suggest plain Greek yogurt to avoid the sugar in some of the flavored kinds and be weary of the saturated fat content. Sample 1-Day Meal Plan For Athlete With Double Workouts. It may just be the most important part of your teenage athlete’s day! Really, all it takes is … My 4 Weeks of Real Food meal plan gives you everything you need for a full month of delicious, healthy real food meals. It is also the most satiating macronutrient. A healthy breakfast for athletes is vital for performance and energy maintenance not only throughout the workout but throughout the day. All nuts are chock-full of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. Use them to top … Let’s take a quick look at why eating a healthy breakfast is key for active kids, the best foods to include, and how to overcome common breakfast obstacles. Hash, anyone? Get up a few minutes earlier to make breakfast a top priority in your house, keep this real food meal simple, and plan ahead so you can attack the kitchen with confidence. As a Nutritionist, and founder of Primal Peak, I share current content, recipes, and programs to guide you towards vitality and peak performance. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and flip the omelet. Do you have a source of protein? If I were to pick one macronutrient that is most commonly low at breakfast time, it would be protein. You may have heard of eggs in a basket, but this is a healthier take by substituting toast with an avocado. Serve with grain-free Siete Foods, or non-GMO corn tortillas and a side of berries. Setting the day up right with a nourishing meal sets a precedent for all the healthy meals to follow and keeps active kids on the road to peak performance. Me neither! Serve alongside chicken sausage. Pair them with a couple of pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs, and you’re off with a nutritious start. 1. For the body, mind, and spirit to keep up, teens need adequate energy along with the right vitamins and minerals to help the body use it. I am the owner of Primal Peak, a “nutrition specialist” at Copper Moose Farm, and a Board Member for a local non-profit, EATS (Eat Awesome Things at School). Breakfast is a great time for whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and fruit or whole-grain waffles with peanut butter, banana and fruit juice. Who knew that a banana, scoop of nut (or seed butter), and an egg could create such a yummy pancake batter? Pre AM workout: 2 pumpkin energy bites Post-workout breakfast: egg frittata w/ large prebaked sweet potato topped w/ hummus, side apple Lunch: PB & banana sandwich and side baby carrots; yogurt Pre-afternoon workout snack: Larabar Post-workout dinner: 6 oz flounder, plenty of bulgur w/ a vinaigrette mixed in, roasted broccoli Overnight or baked oats, chia pudding, and plain whole fat yogurt all convert into healthy parfaits that can be made ahead. Or gone on a Cheerio hunt? Everyone loves tacos! Whisk together and cook on skillet, trying to contain the egg to the size of the bread. Remove the turkey then add more olive oil to the pan if necessary. It only takes five minutes to fry a couple of eggs in butter or coconut oil. … ; In a medium bowl, whisk to combine brown sugar, soy sauce, water, grated garlic, and ginger. Make time to put together a nourishing, high protein meal . It’s important for young athletes to have a balance between protein, fat and carbohydrates at every meal for peak performance. Consult with a dietician or nutritionist before starting your athlete on any nutrition program. Grain-free pancakes and sausage. Accessed 8/10/14. Heat a skillet on medium and add olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Add more cooking oil if necessary. Beet-Pineapple Blaster. Combine the chicken and marinade … Choose quality calories from fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, low-fat dairy, lean protein and heart-healthy fats. We’ve got great recipes, primal diet ideas, and a wealth of nutritional info waiting for you. Plan ahead – have quick choices on hand Sometimes you have to eat on the go Include protein and fiber for staying power Stay away from sugary choices If you are having trouble deciding what to eat, take a look at this easy planner. 1 cup of skim milk (or nut milk alternative), Bonus: ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or 1 tablespoon of granola to add more flavor & texture, ½ cup of chopped vegetables and meat (3/4 cup for 3 eggs), Bonus: Top with slices of avocado or side of cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon cooking oil (recommended: olive oil), Two slices of whole wheat or multigrain toast, 1-2 oz. (Egg free, dairy free). cheese ½ cup of chopped vegetables and meat (3/4 cup for 3 eggs) Bonus: Top with slices of avocado or side of cottage cheese 1 tablespoon cooking oil (recommended: olive oil)