Caring for the female athlete: A guide for athletes, parents and coaches

Since the passage of Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, the number of girls competing in high school sports has increased from 295,000 to nearly 3.2 million, and more women are playing collegiate sports than ever before. As these numbers continue to rise, and girls and young women become more empowered through sports, awareness of the health issues specific to female athletes has become increasingly important. Dr. Kathryn Ackerman, medical director of Boston Children’s Female Athlete Program, and the program’s sports dietitian, Laura Moretti, share need-to-know information and offer strategies to keep young athletes healthy, on and off the field. Get your nutrition on Maintaining a healthy diet includes three key elements: a balanced intake of macronutrients (fat, protein and carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and avoiding fad diets, Moretti says. The Athlete’s Plate Moretti, a certified sports dietitian with the Female Athlete Program, feels strongly about educating her patients on the energy needs required to support their optimal health and performance. She helps athletes optimize their intake of macronutrients by using the below recommended ranges, referred to as “The Athlete’s Plate”: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (45-65 percent) lean protein (10-35 percent) healthy fats (20-35 percent) Micronutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia (bone loss and weaken...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Female Athlete Program Kathryn Ackerman Laura Moretti Source Type: news