fit sets up volleyball! The National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute (NYSHSI) and Sanford fit have joined together to promote the importance of making healthy choices as well as proper body mechanics for young athletes. Follow along with our fitSports video series for coaches and parents which provide wellness tips and interactive drills for skill development and motivation!
You’ve probably heard it before: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, putting this into practice is often easier said than done. As caregivers to young athletes, you’re no stranger to busy schedules, which often begin bright and early. Other barriers to breakfast include sleepy, occasionally grumpy moods, and the common response, “I’m not even hungry”. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Approximately 8 to 12% of all school-aged kids skip breakfast. By the time kids enter adolescence, as many as 20 to 30% of them have completely given up the morning meal.” This is of great concern, because as AAP also states, “Study after study shows that kids who eat breakfast function better.” “They do better in school, and have better concentration and more energy.”
Help your player to start their day off right! Try one of our tips to fit in your morning fuel:
Plan Ahead.
Have children pick out tomorrow’s breakfast before bedtime. This leaves no room for surprises or conflict. Also, providing kids with the opportunity to be involved in the preparation will lead to greater compliance.
Allow Plenty of Time.
A little extra time can make a big difference, especially if mornings are typically rushed. Start by adjusting your morning routine to allow 10 extra minutes.
Be a Positive Role Model.
Grab a chair and eat breakfast with your child. This may seem nearly impossible to include in your own busy schedule, however it’s vital to set a good example and show that you value breakfast as well.
Add Non-Traditional Options to Mix Things Up.
Bake Breakfast Cookies
Add fun but healthy ingredients such as whole grains, blueberries, and bananas. Kids will think that they’re receiving a treat!
Create a Colorful Smoothie
Include milk, fruit, and yogurt to provide a breakfast packed with energy-filled calories and important nutrients to start the day.
Try Breakfast on a Stick
Create a fun pattern on a skewer stick using slices of waffle, apples, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. Include yogurt for a healthy dip.
Still searching for quick and nutritious breakfast recipes? Try our 3 Ingredient Pancakes or Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.
In this edition of the Sanford fitSports video, we’ll see how a nutritious breakfast, proper mechanics, and body movements are influential when blocking the volleyball. Think fit, be fit!
For additional information concerning Power Academies please visit Sanford SPORTS.
