Feeding Families is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network.

This episode was generously sponsored by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition & by Oak Meadow.

About the episode:
In this episode, I talk with Nutritionist and athlete Melissa Boufounos about nourishing young athletes. There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding sports nutrition, even at the professional level, and poor advice sets young athletes up for injury, poor recovery, and even mental and physical illness. If you are the parent of a young athlete or are a coach, this episode is a must-listen. Melissa clears up some misconceptions about macronutrients, sugar, sports drinks, and recovery. 

Some of what we discussed:

• Why proper nutrition impacts athletic performance, cognitive function, injury prevention and recovery, and overall well-being.
• Myths and truths about sugar in the context of sports performance
• The difference between sport drinks and hydration drinks and which is best for kids
• Nutrition foundations every young athlete needs to know
• How to fuel your young athlete before and during workouts and tournaments
• What not to feed your kids after a game

Guest Bio:
Melissa Boufounos is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and a lifelong athlete specializing in sports nutrition for young hockey players. Her coaching philosophy and programs are designed to help teen athletes optimize performance on and off the ice and avoid the mistakes that cut her own playing career short.

Guest Links
Free Meal Timing Guide for Young Athletes: https://mb-performance-nutrition.myflodesk.com/meal-timing-guide 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaboufounos/ 
Nutrition Workshops: https://melissaboufounos.com/team-nutrition-workshops/ 
Hockey Nutrition Blueprint course: https://melissaboufounos.com/course/ 

Host Bio:
Jess is a Family Health Educator, nutritionist, and mother of three focused on nutrition for brain health and resilience in kids. A certified teacher, Author, Speaker, and practitioner of Functional and Holistic Nutrition, Jess is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children who face challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Her integrative approach involves unraveling hidden stressors and deeply nourishing the body to foster resilience and optimal health. Jess's best-selling book, "Raising Resilience", and her online resources have reached a global audience, equipping parents and practitioners with practical tools to bring simplicity and joy back into family life.

Further Links for Jess:
Guide: www.JessSherman.com/anxietysupportforkids
Courses: www.JessSherman.com/learn
Book: www.RaisingResilience.ca
Membership: www.JessSherman.com/membership
Social: instagram.com/askJesssherman

About our Podcast Network:
The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family’s health, the planet and to our children’s future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice in the following six areas: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids nutrition, healthy home, beauty, and parenting. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life!

About the Feeding Families Podcast:
No matter where you are, if you’re a parent I’m pretty sure you and I want the same thing - to build strong mental and physical health in our kids and set them up for a bright future. In our episodes, we break down the nuts & bolts of kids’ nutrition and bring you inspiring food stories and practical strategies so you can overcome real-life food challenges shared by parents everywhere. We want you leaving our episodes with more clarity, new ideas, inspiration, and unwavering confidence in the food decisions you make every day.

Credits:
This episode was edited, mastered, and produced by RanserSound.