Healthy diet key for active teens

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Teen athletes should maintain a healthy diet, say researchers and some educators who are urging youngsters to run from junk food.

Instead of eating nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and low fat proteins, many of today's active teens are being lured by starch-filled, fatty, sugary foods.

"They know that nutrition's important ...(but) others do what high schoolers do and eat the junk," said Bill Waters, an athletics coach at one Georgia high school.

Recent studies have shown that teens are not getting enough calcium -- a nutrient that plays a crucial role in building strong bones.

Earlier this year, at the National Nutrition Summit in Washington, experts talked about many factors that are likely to contribute to poor diets among youth. Junk food advertising on children's television, fast-food restaurants in schools and vending machines at work are some of the problems.

"Many of the people that I counsel sleep through breakfast, spend lunch money on junk -- or eat nothing," said Nancy Clark, an athlete nutrition expert. "And then they try to compete and they are running on empty."

Experts say there are several reasons why active teens in particular need a good diet. First, it keeps them healthy so that if they suffer an injury, they'll heal faster.

Also, a balanced diet prevents fatigue and gives active teens more energy for the sports they play.

Active adolescents are already ahead of the curve in many ways, according to a report released in September. That study of more than 14,000 teen-agers found that those who participated in team sports were less likely to use drugs, smoke, have sex, carry weapons or have unhealthy eating habits.

Clark said she would like to see schools hiring nutritionists, and setting up a mealtime 'training table' for student athletes.

CNN correspondent Toria Tolley and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
American Dietetic Association

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