What is one of the biggest focuses for the Sports Nutrition Coach when working with high school athletes?

Ensuring energy needs are met is a primary focus for a Sports Nutrition Coach working with high school athletes because young athletes often have high energy demands due to their intense physical activity and the growth and development that occurs during adolescence. Fulfilling these energy requirements is crucial for optimizing performance, supporting recovery, and preventing fatigue, which can lead to injury or hinder performance.

For high school athletes, who may be involved in multiple sports and rigorous training schedules, understanding their caloric intake is vital. This includes not only the total number of calories but also the distribution of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates are particularly important for energy during practice and competition, while proteins are necessary for muscle repair and recovery.

While proper hydration and mental focus are important aspects of athletic performance, they are often secondary to ensuring that athletes have the sufficient energy to fuel their activities. Similarly, while boosting competitive spirit can be beneficial for motivation, it does not directly address the physiological needs that are essential for athletes to perform at their best. Prioritizing energy needs provides a foundation on which all other aspects of performance, including hydration, mental focus, and competitive attitude, can be built.