Endurance Eats 54: Fueling Young Athletes: A Guide for Sports Parents
In this episode, we explore how parents can support their children's nutritional habits and body image with insights from registered dietitian Nicole Cruz, especially athlete children who really want to fuel well. Whether you're managing picky eaters, encouraging variety, or addressing body image concerns, Nicole offers practical guidance rooted in compassion and evidence-based strategies.
00:00 - Introduction & episode overview
02:00 - Parental role in shaping kids' food relationships
04:15 - Talking about food without shame or guilt
06:00 - Encouraging variety through positive language
08:20 - Impact of sports and activity on feeding strategies
10:00 - Navigating picky eating and food preferences
12:30 - Language to promote autonomy and balance
14:00 - Labels and food categories parents should avoid
16:30 - Addressing body image concerns in children and teens
18:50 - How to respond when kids comment negatively about their bodies
21:00 - Supporting teens in developing a healthy relationship with food
23:00 - Repairing mistakes and open communication in parenting
26:00 - Addressing truth about children's nutritional needs vs. adult standards
28:00 - Hydration, electrolytes
30:00 - Protein needs for kids compared to adults
33:00 - Practical tips for evaluating and supporting children's nutrition
36:00 - Reducing parental stress: trusting your child's inner cues
39:00 - Resources and guidance for ongoing support
Connect with Nicole: https://nicolecruzrd.com
This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.
If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.
You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com.
This episode is brought to you by Thorne. Shop Thorne Supplements and get 15% off https://www.thorne.com/u/alexlarsonnutrition
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Me:
Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition
Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com
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