It is important for young swimmers to have the energy they need for their everyday activities, swim performance and growth. Monitoring calorie intake is the key to making sure your young swimmer has what he or she needs.

Don't go overboard. When you ask the question, "How much does a young swimmer need to eat?" you might have flashes back to Michael Phelps' 10,000+ calorie per day revelation as he delivered blow after blow to the competition in 2008. That was really over the top calorie consumption.

We'd like to bring reality to what children ages 9-13 should be consuming to keep up their energy levels for their performance and development as swimmers.

1,500-2,400 calories each day is the recommendation for the above-noted age group.

 

Staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as in the summer. Even though you may not crave it, your body needs the same amount of fluids in the Winter as it needs in the Summer. Dehydration is possible any time. And since dehydration can lead to low energy levels and high irritability, it is important to make sure that everyone in the family maintains a healthy intake of water - even when the weather isn't hot. Dehydration can also be damaging to our bodies - especially during exercise. Staying hydrated helps prevent pulled muscles and strains that can more easily take place when water is depleted from our systems. Maintaining hydration also keeps our skin and mucous membranes from drying out and that and help our bodies ward off infection and illness.