Scranton, Lakawana County (WBRE/WYOU) — One of the most important things parents can do is help their children develop healthy eating habits.
Proper nutrition is very important for children who actively participate in various sports.
Many parents share challenges when it comes to getting their children to eat more fruits and vegetables and less junk food.A balanced diet can be very elusive for children.
According to one local sports nutritionist, good nutrition not only improves a young person’s overall health, but also their sports performance.
Riverfront Sports Director of Sports Performance, 24-year-old Emily Sheehan knows what it takes to be a well-trained athlete.
As a young girl, Emily stood out on the basketball courts of Dunmore High School and the University of Scranton.
Emily’s passion for sports led her to a career in sports nutrition here at Scranton’s Riverfront Sports.
She supports strength and conditioning training for men and women ages 11-18.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be with all the coaches I’ve had, so I want to be that kind of person for someone else and help them grow into better athletes. thought.
In addition to being a certified sports nutrition coach, Emily recently added authorship to her title.
Sports Performance Nutrition for Athletes is a guide to healthy nutrition and includes healthy recipes. Emily believes you are what you eat.
“If you fuel your body the right way and put the right things in it, you have more opportunities to optimize performance,” Sheehan said.
Optimal performance requires a healthy diet consisting of three main food groups: carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
“After a workout, after a game, when you break down muscle, you want a protein push to restore it with protein,” Sheehan explained.
Tips Eli Yusavage is following. This his 17-year-old high school senior in Valley View he is the shooting guard for the Cougars and travels he plays basketball.
With the district championship just around the corner, this player is missing his chance.
“Before Emily, I ate a lot of junk food. As a teenager seeing everyone eating junk food, I knew I was doing the right thing and needed to eat a lot of protein. “It was a big deal,” says Yusavage.
Even Eli admits that maintaining a healthy diet is a slam dunk for his performance.
“No players were injured, everyone was in good health and we saw a lot of improvement in the game,” said Yusavage.
Emily advises parents to be role models and don’t give their kids too many junk food options.
Emily’s book Sports Performance Nutrition for Athletes is available for $60 at Riverfront Sports in Scranton.
