Dr. Justin Groode previously served as an experienced provider of primary care and integrative and functional medical services. He is currently a holistic health consultant as well as a health educator and teacher. Dr. Justin Groode is also an active volunteer in his community, where he coaches his son’s youth soccer team and serves as a regional safety director for the American Youth Soccer Organization in Hawaii.
Established in 1964, the American Youth Soccer Organization is the nation’s oldest national youth soccer program. Over the last 50 years, the organization has developed programs in more than 900 communities throughout the United States and currently has 50,000 teams and 500,000 players enrolled. Along with teaching children how to play the game, American Youth Soccer helps them and their families prepare for games by providing tips for improving their fitness, including insights into healthy eating.
Proper dietary habits are particularly important before an intense physical activity like soccer practice or a game. Eating enough carbohydrates is important, as carbohydrates essentially act as fuel for the body. Players are advised to load up on carbohydrate-rich meals like pasta or rice, or, if they prefer something lighter, to eat foods like cereal and yogurt.
Some children may require a quick energy boost but dislike eating too soon before a game. In this case, American Youth Soccer recommends healthy snacks like nuts or a peanut butter sandwich. Children should avoid junk foods and sugar-laden products such as chocolate pudding, which burn very quickly but can ultimately sap the body of energy later on during a game.
For more nutrition tips, visit www.ayso.org.
