Content: Contents Introduction Nutrition Is the Secret Weapon Nutrition and the Young Athlete Why You Need to Eat Like a Champion Part I: Nutrition Rules and Regulations Chapter 1: The Growing Athlete: Body and Brain Growing for the Gold Matching Calories for Growth and Sport When the Growing Gets Tough Cracking the Brain Code Chapter 2: The Starting Line-Up: Major Nutrients Busting the Myths about Carbohydrates Protein: Getting Past the Hype Fat Can Be Your Friend Chapter 3: The Second String: Vitamins and Minerals The Purpose and Function of Vitamins and Minerals Critical Vitamins and Minerals for the Young Athlete Eating a Well-Balanced Diet The Pros and Cons of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Chapter 4: The Relief Pitcher: Fluids and Hydration Thermoregulation: Keeping Your Body's AC Running The Dangers of Dehydration Hydrate for Health Double-Check Your Hydration Status What to Drink: The Beverages of Choice Getting Practical with Healthy Drinks Part II: Play-by-Play Eating Chapter 5: Game Plan--One, Two, Three Meals! Focus on the Family Meal Making Everyday Food Good Food The Mealtime Environment: Keeping It Happy Cooking When Time Is Tight Getting Meals on the Table Eating Right When Eating Out Chapter 6: Take a Time Out--Top Off with Snacks Snacking for Success Why Should Athletes Snack? Who Gets a Snack? Healthy Snacks Rule! Snack Recipes for the Athlete Chapter 7: Foul Play--Supplements and Per7formance Aids The Scoop on Supplements The Rolodex of Supplements Used by Young Athletes Weighing the Risks Managing Supplements in the Young Athlete Part III: Clearing the Hurdles Chapter 8: Getting Off the Bench--Healing the Body with Food Common Hurdles Set Up by Inadequate Nutrition Injuries and the Role of Nutrition Chronic Medical Challenges Chapter 9: The Special Diet Dilemma Diets, Dieting, and the Young Athlete Mainstream Diets--Do They Deliver? Understanding the Needs of the Vegetarian Athlete Chapter 10: Changing the Youth Sports Nutrition Landscape The Big Offenders Bucking the System Notes Resources Index