Common Nutrition Mistakes That Impact Performance

After working with hundreds of young athletes, I see the same mistakes over and over. Here are the ones that impact performance the most:

1. Skipping Meals

Your body needs consistent fuel. Skipping meals leads to energy crashes and poor recovery.

2. Fearing Carbs

Carbs are your muscles preferred fuel source. Don't eliminate them – embrace quality carbs!

3. Not Eating Enough

Growing athletes need MORE calories, not fewer. Undereating leads to fatigue, poor performance, and increased injury risk.

4. Relying on Sports Drinks for Everything

Save sports drinks for intense sessions over an hour. Water is your best friend for most activities.

5. Ignoring Recovery Nutrition

The 30-60 minutes after exercise is prime time for recovery. Don't waste it! This is where I see the biggest opportunity for improvement.

The Bottom Line: Food is Fuel, Not the Enemy

After all these years working with young athletes, here's what I want you to remember: you're eating to perform at your best, recover quickly, and stay healthy. Food isn't something to fear – it's your competitive advantage.

Every meal is an opportunity to get better. Every snack is a chance to fuel your dreams. Every sip of water is supporting your goals!

Ready to Level Up Your Nutrition Game?

Here's what I tell every athlete I work with: start with one small change this week. Maybe it's adding a post-workout snack, drinking more water, or never skipping breakfast again. Small, consistent changes lead to big performance gains – I've seen it happen hundreds of times.

Remember, I'm here to help you succeed. Proper nutrition isn't complicated when you have the right guidance. Let's fuel your success together!

-Danielle Phillipps, RDN