Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sports Mums and Gatorade

This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and GATORADE.



Soccer1

If you are a sports mum, have you ever wondered if you are providing your young athletes with the proper nutrition they need to perform their best in practices and games? I thought I had it all figured out. That is, until I was given some key information that all sports mums should know.

When my eldest son first started playing organized sports at age four, it was all about participation and fun. If he happened to learn a few skills along the way, then we felt as though we received more than our money's worth. For many kids, the highlight of the practices and games was the snacks, which typically comprised of some type of packaged sweet treat and a juice box.

Times have changed. Soccer practices are no longer just about dribbling and kicking as hard as you can. Rather, practices are a straight hour and a half of technical ball-handling, conditioning, strategy and play-your-heart-out scrimmages. After 90 minutes of intense exercise, my son's face is bright red (an exercise side-effect the poor kid inherited from me) and he is positively famished.

Gatorade1

As a sports mum, my role has moved from cheerleader (though I still relish that part) to food and beverage supplier. Considering that 70 percent of mothers have teens and tweens in competitive sports (that's 13 million of us in the United States), I am certainly not alone in wondering what types of fuel I should be providing to my young athletes. Gatorade, the leading sports drink maker, surveyed 900 mums to come up with some areas where we need guidance when it comes to our kids' nutrition.

For example, did you know:
  • athletes should re-fuel with protein in 30 to 60 minutes following exercise to promote muscle recovery,
  • seventy percent of teen athletes arrive at sporting events dehydrated, and
  • more than half of sports mums say that their kids are not properly fueled pre-practice or game.
As a result of this survey, Gatorade has set up a special site devoted to sports mums. In conjunction with the scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), the people at Gatorade are offering sports nutrition information and training tips to assist sports mums with the daily challenge of properly fueling their young athletes.

In addition, take the time to watch some Gatorade Videos, which include stories of mums who made sacrifices to help their children (some now professional athletes) perform to their full potential in the sporting arena.

To stay updated on further research and helpful tips from Gatorade, be sure to Visit the Official site .

For a chance to win a $100 gift to Dick's Sporting Goods, please answer the following questions in the comment section:

"As a sports mum (or dad), what information would you find most helpful to aid you in properly fueling your kids before and after sporting events?"

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.

The Official Rules are available here
For additional chances to win, please head to the Prizes & Promotions section on BlogHer.

Visit the Official Rules.

This giveaway runs from 3/31-4/30/2010.
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128 comments:

Mami2jcn said...

I would find it helpful to know how often my child would need to drink to stay hydrated.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

tweet:

http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/53503156499398657

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

i think it would be good to know what type of snacks are beneficial before, during, and/or after games

lauren51990 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I would find it helpful to find out what kinds of foods would be good for athletes to eat after exercising and such.

Anonymous said...

I would find it helpful to learn about foods to eat after exercising and such.

Shannon said...

I am always interested in new ideas for healthy, refreshing after-game snacks, and also good suggestions for breakfast on game day.

JC said...

It'd be helpful to know how to keep kids hydrated.

JC said...

http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/54056495050014720

Shelly Leatham said...

I'd find it helpful to know just how much my daughter needs to drink during her game!
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Shelly Leatham said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/sleatham1/status/54104997440397312
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Angel Jacklyn said...

I THINK A PROPER DIET & A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP SHOULD BE WELL KNOWN TO SPORT MOMS! THANKS FOR LISTENING! kytah00@yahoo.com

Gina M (crave to save) said...

I would love to know what pre-game and post-game foods are the best for my kids. Thanks for the chance!

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Allison C said...

I am always looking for new and exciting healthy snacks before and after games and exercising.

Tabathia B said...

how many carbs do kids need before participating in a sport
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/54753034303057920
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

ms-texas said...

i didn't know 70% show up to games
dehydrated - Guess I'd want to know ways to prevent that!

debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

ms-texas said...

i tweeted here:

http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/54855370790813696

debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

Elizabeth Simpson said...

I am a sports wife, but not yet a sports mom. My husband and I like drinking gatorade after workouts or after working in the yard. I make gatorade smoothies using the powder mix. I did not know about the gatorade with protein, thanks for bringing this to my attention.

Ann said...

I like the info. provided on fueling on the Blogher site talking about bleacher moms. I thought it was interesting that peanut butter is one of the items to help in refueling in sports activities. We like to eat energy bars and granola bars.

Ann said...

http://twitter.com/#!/leCreoleMoon/status/55288559770411008

Tweeted

anonymous said...

The information I would find most helpful are suggestions of what kind of foods are recommended to give kids the protein that they need to refuel within 30 minutes to an hour of exercising.

MCantu1019 said...

I would like to know about good healthy snacks and how much (Gatorade) is needed to stay hydrated.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

susan1215 said...

I'd like to know how much Gatorade my children should be drinking while playing sports to stay hydrated

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/55998794369732609

s2s2 at comcast dot net

mar said...

I would love to know which is the best food to serve them.

Cindy said...

We gave the kids a banana before the game and made sure they stayed hydrated. We also had families take their turn in providing either a snack or gatorade after each game for all the kids.
Dove056 at aol dot com

Cindy said...

Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/56038197137911808
Dove056 at aol dot com

Mysharona said...

I'd like to know exactly what foods are best to eat before and after events.

peg42 said...

Knowing what products and how much in quantity would help them stay hydrated would be helpful.
THanks so much.

Scott said...

Hydrating before the game is so important!
THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

Scott Martin
spmartin122@gmail.com

Princess Golden Hair said...

I think it would be helpful if there was information about what to look for in kids as far as heat stroke or other heat related illnesses.

teechbiz at gmail dot com

nickieisis3 said...

knowing how to keep kids hydrated

nickieisis3atgmaildotcom

Anonymous said...

I like to know about pregame and after game snacks and hydration.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dotcom

Anonymous said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/56287118795870208

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

i learned to hydrate 30-60 minutes after athletic endeavors, didn't know that and it's important!

buzzd said...

good pregame snacks w/protein

buzzd said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/buzz8/status/56421672277909504

Unknown said...

So many things, from hydrating during the game, good game day meals and good after game snacks

Unknown said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/56453067176022016

Stephanie said...

how much hydration per pound body weight
tvollowitz at aol dot com

sweepmom said...

Information on what nutrients are necessary for young athletes before and after sports as well as the names of some good sources of those nutrients.

hale2005 said...

I would look for articles on hydration.

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mrcheapo/status/56685778427842560

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies said...

Finding out what the best type of drink for children is that keeps them hydrated, but isn't full of sugar or other bad things.

ohkeeka at gmail dot com

clc408 said...

I think it's important to know about hydration and carbs.

clc408 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/clc408/status/56762095634628608

Deb said...

My boys play baseball and I always make sure they eat a good meal with lots of carbs and protein before they play and they love to take Gatorade with them to keep hydrated.

Deb said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/56770077231550466

caroltennis said...

plenty of water and nutritious foods

carolmuth2002 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Best thing we do to fuel up afterwards is to take him to his favorite local restaurant, Mr. Gattis :D Italian buffet

Please feel free to contact me at:

sales4545 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I just tweeted this giveaway here :D

https://twitter.com/#!/TimboSquad/status/56910545554636800

Please feel free to contact me at:

sales4545 at gmail dot com

llinda29 said...

Feed them healthy foods

Tina said...

I will make sure my kids are well-rested and hydrated.
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Tina said...

http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/56928919189852160
merleandtina@yahoo.com

kolpin said...

basic nutrition labels
kolpin4680 at gmail dot com

debbie said...

I would like to know the best things to eat.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Jennifer Neal said...

Healthy snacks and drinks!

Chip said...

Would like to know the best fuel that I can give them at dinner since their games are usually right after dinner.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/57763782310641665
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Lisa said...

What are the best foods for before and after intense activity. msmith572@yahoo.com

Lisa said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/flowergirl523/status/57926186701041664

msmith572@yahoo.com

Lisa said...

Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/04/points-of-review-sports-mums-and.html

msmith572@yahoo.com

mmburdette22 said...

I would like information about healthy pre-game meals.

mmburdette22 AT yahoo DOT com

marcia goss said...

I'd like to know what kinds of foods kids should eat before competing to give them the energy they need.
marcia.goss@gmail.com

marcia goss said...

Tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/58319814283890689
marcia.goss@gmail.com

Jeanentt said...

I like to read a lot of sports and nutrition articles.

Denise S. said...

I'd like knowing what foods give the most energy.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

bikeohio said...

http://twitter.com/bikeohio/status/59446797235531776

bikeohio said...

Make sure your kids are refueling with the proper mix of nutrients and sugars. Sometimes sugars ARE needed.

dawns41 said...

I have to agree with alot of the comments already made. Nutrition before competing or practicing is important.
dawns_horizen@yahoo.com

shelley said...

Yes I am a sports mom. My kids are in soccer, competitive cheerleading, wrestling and cross country. So just like you most of my weekends are spent camping out in a chair or on a bleacher rooting my kids on. I wouldn't change a thing though. I love watching them do what they do best. I am always so proud of them win or loose. I have never missed a game or match. They are only young once and I plan on cherishing every moment!

shelleymikey at gmail dot com

clynsg said...

A lot of attention has been given to hydration, but information on correct food treats also is needed.

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

mickeyfan said...

As the mother of a child with a chronic medical condition (diabetes), I would like to know if his needs are different than the other kids'...timing of food, sources of protein, amount needed to stay hydrated, etc...

Unknown said...

Good food, lots of sleep and lots of kisses!

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted here too

http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/61003122197274624

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

ababe28 said...

I would keep plenty of liquids available..and of course, make sure they eat something healthy before and after!
ababe28(at)hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

To make sure they are always hydrated and have on sunscreen. Those are my top of the list!

hebert024 at aoldot com

msrodeobrat said...

what are the best types of foods to eat before and after games
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

idahomom said...

I think parents need to be educated about what their kids are eating before practice and games. Do they really think their child should be eating pancakes before a soccer game?

Jolene said...

knowing how much they need to drink per activity and length of time would be great

ohstac said...

I am interested in learning more about injury prevention, especially in female athletes.
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

ohstac said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/62939382281289728
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

I would like to know which foods to feed them to provide ultimate energy

rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

What are good kid-athlete foods? Is it okay to give them protein bars or drinks?

jenlynfred at gmail dotcom

Lisa said...

I'm always second guessing myself...carbs or proteins? BEfore or after load him up? I would like to know a perfect meal before the game..and how far before. How about after

Unknown said...

good nutrion and sleep habits
Thanks for the entry!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
www.feedyourpigblog.com

Melissa O. said...

Which foods and drinks are the best from them to ingest beforehand and also the warning signs they've not had the proper food or enough liquid.

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

Julieh said...

i like to know which foods provide good nourishment and energy.
honeypie411 at yahoo dot com

Erica C. said...

I'd love to know which foods are good the night before of a big game, and which foods are great for quick snacks to regain fuel.

Sarah Z said...

What foods, how much and when (before or after practice) would be great to know!
Thanks - Sarah Z
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would find knowing the best pre-game and post-game snacks helpful. trinitygsd at yahoo do tcom

AB Smith said...

nice to know what is essential for his good health

marybug2 said...

I have to say when my kids were little, sports was not one of their things so I really did not have the experience of being a sports mom but the Gatorade did seem to be a favorite drink for my son. I remember it being Blue in color but that was a long long time ago.

marybug2@yahoo.com

marybug2 said...

Tweeted too

http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/64122068307951617

marybug2 @ yahoo . com

abitnerdy said...

I'd love tips on how to help them eat right :)

abitnerdygirl (at) gmail (dot) com

guettel78 said...

I'd find it most helpful to know the earliest warning signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion to get the kids off the field and safely re-hydrated and rested before returning to the game.

gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

guettel78 said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/guettel78/status/64136228978700288

gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

Kerry said...

I'd love to know what is best to eat the morning of a sporting event.
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/64159732486778880
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

I always have my daughter hydrated before she plays

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/64162094475517952

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to know what kinds of food to feed them on game days. reejen at comcast dot net

Lisa Garner said...

I would love to know the best practice and game day food for my children based on age and best portions.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Lisa Garner said...

I Tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/#!/lisalmg/status/64196729465094144
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I think it would be helpful to know what type of snacks to bring or feed them after practice or a game.

Crystal F said...

I would like to know just how much they need to drink during a game to keep hydrated. Sometimes I'm worried my daughter drinks too much and will make herself sick out on the field. thank you!
crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com

Tammy said...

Should they have more carbs or protiens before the game?

carolpie said...

What types of food to consume before and after-also drinks?
spencer1953 at gmail dot com-carol.

carolpie said...

tweet http://twitter.com/#!/dresdenrain/status/64347573359616001
spencer1953 at gmail dot com-carol.

Kitty Cardero said...

What are good portable snacks that provide good nutrition after games.

Kitty Cardero said...

http://twitter.com/#!/kittycardero/status/64367243076706304

pauline15 said...

Knowing which kinds of foods are most beneficial before and after to allow me to prepare a little better. Sometimes, with only a few minutes between games, it ends up being the drive thru.
pauline15_01 at hotmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I would find it most helpful to know exactly what nutrients they loose during play so that I could better give them just those nutrients at home and not give them things they don't need or should not get!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/64375800685797376
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

js22 said...

I think finding the best foods for them to eat, before and after the game would be great!
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.

js22 said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/64373465561571328
email in blogger profile.

Scott said...

I am not a sports mom or dad! LOL I'm not really into sports and never have been...more of a nature person here but I would guess that proper nutrition is key to a good performance, so I would definitely research that!
Scott
nynekats at gmail dot com

Scott said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/64382391971622913
Scott
nynekats at gmail dot com

Betty C said...

I would like to know how far in advance of an event can a full meal be eaten.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Mari said...

I had no idea that up to 70 percent of all teens arrive at sports events dehydrated. Good to know...I'll pack extra drinks next time!

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

Mari said...

http://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/64413971763040256

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

esldiane@gmail.com said...

It would be helpful for me to know the signs of dehydration on a child who plays sports...What should I be concerned about?
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com

Jinxy and Me said...

The recommended amount of liquid for weight/age would be helpful.

nesta 67 {at} live dot com

Jinxy and Me said...

tweet https://twitter.com/#!/LuckyJinxy/status/64453845991952384

Anonymous said...

I would want to know what are the best energy bars would be and make sure the kids are hydrated with fluids like gatorade

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

Anonymous said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/Ardy22/status/64465697299894273

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

slehan said...

I'm not a mom, but I could use the GC from Dicks to get a new swim suit.
Thanks for the contest.

mail4rosey said...

I'd like to know what to def. NOT give to them before a game.

msurosey@yahoo.com