Gymnastics Australia have released some fantastic information developed by Sports Dietitians Australia about fueling our active kids. Developed as a guide for parents, coaches and team managers, it gives some fantastic ideas and information about how to encourage healthy eating in younger gymnasts (specifically ages 5-11), so they feel great and can train and perform to the best of their ability.
Active kids need constant refueling – not just for their physical activity, but also for their growth, development, health and well being. Read the full article here – and check out our favourite hints from the booklet about High Performance Snacks in the lead up to competition.
Some great snack ideas for your young gymnast, heading to competition:
- Bread, crumpets or English muffins with jam, honey or vegemite
- Fresh fruit or a snack pack of canned fruit
- Sandwich with cheese, peanut butter *, honey or jam
- Vegetable pieces or crackers with low fat dip
- Breakfast cereal with milk
- Yoghurt, custard, rice pudding, creamed rice
- Fruit and grain bars
- Pita chips, pretzels or crackers
- Fruit bun or raisin toast with jam
- Corn and rice crackers, corn thins or rice cakes
- Scones, pikelets, pancakes
- Milk based smoothie with fruit
- Quick cook noodles
- Milkshakes
- Fresh Sushi rolls
- Home made popcorn (minus the salt and the butter)
- Trail mix with nuts *, seeds, dried fruit
- Canned spaghetti or baked beans
* Reminder, if attending school or gymnastics class after eating nuts, be aware of children who may have nut allergies and wash up before you arrive!
Happy snacking!