Good Nutrition for Female Gymnasts

The success of your teen daughter in the physically demanding sport of gymnastics depends not only on long hours of practice but also on her physical well-being. Nutritious meals and snacks are especially important for energy and for her growth to adult height. A balanced, healthy diet that provides all the essential nutrients will help develop and maintain lean muscles as well as give her confidence for an athletic performance that is required of her as a gymnast.

Carbohydrates for Energy

Depending on the duration and intensity of practice, most female teen gymnasts require between 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day, 50 to 60 percent of which should come from carbohydrates. For main meals, your gymnast should consume complex carbohydrate foods such as whole wheat bread and pasta, high-fiber breakfast cereals, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Additionally, snacking on nutritious, energy-rich foods such as a banana, yogurt with granola and fruit, low-fat cheese and crackers or a peanut butter and honey sandwich before and after practice will enhance her performance and replenish muscle stores.

Protein for Muscles

Teen gymnasts need protein for building new muscles and tissues, to repair and strengthen muscles after strenuous practice, and for hormone and enzyme production. Calculate the amount of protein in grams required by your teen gymnast by multiplying her weight in pounds by 0.85 and dividing by 2.2. Include lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils or tofu in every meal to meet protein requirements. Although 20 to 25 percent of total calorie intake should come from protein, avoid fried, breaded burgers and fatty cuts of meats, which increase calorie intake.

Healthy Fats

In spite of their negative reputation, some fats are essential for building body cells and nerves, insulating and protecting organs and aiding the absorption of vitamins. Your teen needs about 20 to 25 percent of her total calorie intake from fat, most of which should be from healthy unsaturated fats such as those in fatty fish, olive oil, canola oil, nuts and seeds. Saturated fats found in whole milk, butter and fatty meats should not contribute more than 10 percent of the daily calorie intake, and trans fats from fried food and processed snacks should be avoided as they may increase blood cholesterol levels.

Bone Health

Your gymnast needs 1,300 milligrams of calcium and 15 micrograms of vitamin D during the teen years. These nutrients help form strong bones that not only enhance gymnastic performance and resist fractures, but also prevent osteoporosis later in life. Low-fat milk and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium and should be part of your teen’s daily diet. Dairy foods also contain other essential nutrients such as riboflavin, a water-soluble B vitamin as well as phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Iron Intake

Your teen’s diet should supply 15 milligrams of iron, a mineral essential for transport of oxygen throughout the body. Poor iron status resulting from losses during menstruation and demanding gymnastic routines may negatively affect the performance of your daughter. A diet rich in lean meat, eggs, leafy vegetables and fortified whole grains will provide adequate amounts of iron to meet the needs of your growing teen. Additionally, consuming a variety of foods from the different food groups will ensure your teen gymnast is getting all minerals and vitamins required for optimal growth and performance.

Staying Hydrated

An important factor that decreases coordination, reaction time, concentration and stamina during a gymnastic performance is not drinking sufficient amounts of water. Encourage your teen to drink 10 to 12 cups of water every day. She should especially drink a cup or two before and during gymnastic practice to remain hydrated. Pure water, pure fruit juices and sports drinks are acceptable ways of hydrating your teen, but avoid coffee, tea, soda and sugary fruit punches.