It is worth it if your teen trains most days, plays more than one sport, or seems tired, often injured or unsure what to eat. Teen athletes have to fuel growth and training at the same time, and many do not eat enough for both.
Signs a visit would help
- Running out of energy late in games or practices
- Frequent injuries, illness or slow recovery
- Skipping meals because of school, practice and travel schedules
- Cutting out food groups or following diet advice from social media
- Questions about protein powders, energy drinks or supplements
- Wanting to gain or lose weight for a sport
What a sports dietitian does with a teen
The focus is on eating enough, at the right times, with foods the family already buys. That usually means planning breakfasts, school-day snacks, pre-game meals and recovery after late practices. Parents are part of the plan because they often do the shopping and cooking.
When to see a doctor first
See your family doctor or pediatrician if your teen has rapid weight loss, missed or irregular periods, a stress fracture, dizziness or fainting, or seems preoccupied with food, weight or body shape. These can be signs of low energy availability or an eating disorder and need medical assessment. Go to emergency for fainting with chest pain or a racing heart.
Supplements
Most teen athletes do not need supplements. Products are not always tested and can contain ingredients that are not on the label. A dietitian can review what your teen is taking.
Our Registered Dietitians in Gloucester work with athletes of all levels, and the dietetics service includes pediatric support. Families come to us from Orléans, Beacon Hill and across Ottawa’s east end. Fees are on our Pricing page.