The importance of good nutrition and the effect it has on athletic performance and health generally is widely accepted. As educators we can encourage our students to eat a 'healthy' diet. This energy can be obtained from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. NB Carbohydrates not used immediately are stored in the liver and muscle as glycogen. B. Protein - its most important role for the young athlete is in building, maintaining and the repairing of muscle and tissue.
Protein gives the body structure, shape and definition.
C. Fats - provide a concentrated source of energy, make meals tasty, satisfying and rich in texture. They can also supply essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins - both important to health and fitness. Fat takes a lot longer to digest than carbohydrate and should be avoided before training or competition. To achieve maximum energy levels the young athlete needs a well balanced diet, with the right proportions of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Guidelines should comprise complex carbohydrates and fruit eat at least 2-3 hours before the event it is better to eat too little than too much meal should include plenty of fluids 2.