Teen Athletes Need Different Fuel.

What happens when well-meaning parents apply adult nutrition rules to teenage athletes? You get under-fueled kids, missed performance potential… and a whole lot of confusion in the exam room.

In this episode, I sit down with sports dietitian and former D1 athlete Maria Vallasciani to break down what teen athletes actually need and why most of them aren’t getting it. From skipped breakfasts to overhyped protein powders, we unpack the real drivers of performance, growth, and recovery in this population.

We also get into the practical side: what to ask in clinic, how to spot red flags early, and how to guide families who are trying to do the right thing… but missing the mark.

What You’ll Learn:

Why teen athletes need more carbs, not more protein
The most common red flags that a young athlete isn’t eating enough
How to assess intake more accurately
What realistic pre- and post-workout fueling looks like for busy teens
When sports drinks and electrolytes actually make sense
The truth about creatine, protein powders, and pre-workouts in adolescents
How to approach weight and body composition without causing harm
Simple, high-yield questions to improve your nutrition history in under 2 minutes

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

153 | Teen Sports Nutrition: Adult Nutrition Rules Don't Work

Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

153 | Teen Sports Nutrition: Adult Nutrition Rules Don't Work