At a younger age, it is important help facilitate normal growth while boosting health, and for boxers this is no different. Restricting nutrition at a young age can have big effects on how boxers grow and their overall health, and therefore, should never been compromised. So here is four simple rules to follow:
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
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1. Avoid Calorie Restriction
Whether it is from protein, carbohydrates or fats, calorie restriction should be avoided. In professional, older aged boxers, calorie restriction is common practice to induce weight loss and to allow boxers to fight at lower weight categories. However, the nutrients from protein, carbs and fats play vital roles in growth and health of younger aged boxers and shouldn’t be compromised. Therefore, rule number 1 is to avoid calorie restriction to allow for full body and muscle growth.
2. Choose a Food First Approach
A healthy, balanced diet is the first thing any boxer must perfect before moving onto performance based nutrition, and finally the use of supplements. Until a young boxer’s diet is perfected – in terms of food types, food total and the timing of foods – there is no point in considering the small benefits of supplement use. Rule 2, always use whole foods to provide nutrients.
3. Organic/fresh Food Options
Organic and fresh foods offer extra benefits that ready-meals and pre-packaged foods do not. Organic foods contain added vitamins and minerals that are so vital to maintain health and facilitate growth. Not only this, but ready-meal based foods have a lot of harmful additives and calories that are used to increase the taste and addictiveness of the food. The added sugars and large portion of trans-fats have detrimental health benefits to young boxers looking to lead healthy lifestyles. Therefore, rule 3 is to try to use fresh and organic foods where possible.
4. Install Good Food Habits
Installing good food habits helps to create the balanced diet that we have already spoken about. Providing these food nutritional habits at a younger age, will allow the boxer to make greater benefits to training and performance. It will also help the boxer later on in their career, when their nutritional habits become focused around training and performance. Here are some food food habits to try and introduce to help young boxers become fighting fit:
- Providing protein based snacks instead of sugary based ones
- Eating regularly and consistently
- Changing high sugary carb options to slow release options
- Encourage eating a rainbow of fresh fruit and veg a day
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
