Growing up we always dreamed to be the best at something we loved. For me this was to be the best hockey player in the world. When I thought about how to accomplish this the last thing I thought about was my diet. Last year the NHL started a series that focused in on youth development called “Back to Basics.”
In this unique article Deborah Francisco discusses the importance of a child’s diet to a physically healthy future. She uses an example of an NHL player, Matt Duchene, who has recently switched to a gluten free diet. She goes onto explain how his offensive production has greatly increased due to his dietary change by saying, “It’s no wonder the young forward is finding more success, because nutrition is key to fueling athletic performance.” Francisco also brings in scientific support when references Dr. Kelly Stott, who has PhD in Health Education (focused on childhood obesity prevention) from Columbia University. Dr. Stott also informs us how going gluten-free is NOT for everyone.
Matt Duchene; Colorado Avalanche
Dr. Stott also provided some advice I believe we ALL can take into consideration, not just children! I’ve listed a few that jumped out to me:
Avoid soda and drink more water.
Eat more seeds and nuts.
Eat meals together.
Never use food as a reward or punishment.
Something very interesting about her list was how it didn’t only incorporate what we put in our bodies, but what we are doing while we eat. I’ve also noticed how in society today we have rewarded ourselves with food and it only works against what we have accomplished. Our behaviors are also crucial to our health.
So though this article may be targeted to help children but it does a great job of recognizing the people in control of it: the parents. It also does a tremendous job of not only focusing on ways to help the youth but how the tips will also help the adults reading the article.