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SUGAR Impact on Youth Athletic Performance:

Updated: Dec 1

Sugar Impact on Youth Athletic Performance, how much do you guess the limit is for added sugar a day cheerios team challenge
Sugar Impact on Youth Athletic Performance

EXPLORING LIMITS

How much do you think the limit is for added sugar a day (NOT including activity)?




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The Sugar Dilemma The average added sugar intake consumed by young athletes is around 75-80g per day, which is well over

Average added sugar intake 80g a day and the goal is 30g or less a day  cheerios team challenge
Average add sugar intake for young athletes

the recommended limit of 30g or less per day. This excessive intake of sugar can have over 45 serious negative effects, including slower reaction times, lower energy levels, increased mental fatigue, and a higher propensity to get sick. Hence, it is crucial to monitor and limit your sugar intake.


How Can You Enjoy Sugary Cereals Without All the Sugar? One of the ways to enjoy your favorite cereals without consuming too much sugar is by choosing the right type and portion size. For example, regular Cheerios only contain 1 gram of added sugar per 1.5 cups serving, while Honey Nut Cheerios have 12 grams of added sugar in a 1 cup serving. Hence, choosing the regular Cheerios version can significantly reduce your sugar intake. #cheeriosteamchallenge @sportsnutritiontogo

Sugary cereals how can you have the sugary cereal you love without all the sugar cheerios and honey nut cheerios cheerios team challenge
Sugary cereals how can you have the sugary cereal you love without all the sugar

SUGARY CEREALS: How can you have the sugary cereals you love without all the sugar?

Consume 3/4th healthy cereal of choice and 1/4th sugary cereal of choice.

Example: 1.5 cups Regular Cheerios and 1/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios.


So simple you probably wonder "why I didn't think of that"!


The Cheerios Team Challenge

Impacting Sugar intake on youth athletic performance

The Cheerios Team Challenge Promotes healthy eating habits
Cheerios Team Challenge Promotes many healthy habits

The Cheerios Team Challenge encourages participants to adopt healthier habits, like increasing fiber intake, being aware of what they're eating, and pairing meals with lean proteins, fruits, and veggies. #cheeriosteamchallenge @sportsnutritiontogo

The goal of the challenge is not just to limit sugar intake, but also to promote a balanced, nutritious diet.

Post-Recovery Nutrition Post-recovery nutrition is a crucial aspect of this challenge. It aims to maximize muscle

Post Recovery Nutrition aids in muscle recovery
Post Recovery Nutrition aids in muscle recovery

power, boost growth potential, and help athletes recover quicker. The simple formula for a post-recovery meal or snack includes 20oz of Regular or Soy Milk (20g of protein & 30g carbs), 1-2 servings of Regular Cheerios (30-60g of carbs), consumed ~45 minutes or less from exercising. This approach helps athletes refuel optimally.

Bringing Fun to the Challenge Coaches are encouraged to make refueling a team meal or snack activity. Each athlete can bring in their favorite Cheerios, and the coach brings the original version. The meal should

Post recovery meal or snack contains 20g protein and 30-60g of carbohydrates in 45 minutes of strenous activity
Post recovery meal or snack contains 20g protein and 30-60g of carbohydrates in 45 minutes of strenous activity

include at least 60g of carbohydrates, 20g of protein, and no more than 8 grams of added sugar. Athletes are also free to add other foods if they wish.

For families and friends, the challenge can become a fun part of any gathering. It's an opportunity to try something new, even for the picky eater. The ideas are endless, and it brings the fun and education back into learning and refueling.

The Rules of the Challenge

Promoting less added sugar for youth athletes Participating in the Cheerios Team Challenge is simple. Consume at least 60g of

Rules are simple for the Cheerios Team Challenge
Rules are simple for the Cheerios Team Challenge

carbohydrates within 45 minutes after a lift, strenuous training, or competition with at least one other individual. Regular Cheerios should be part of the carbohydrate mix. Limit ADDED sugar in the meal or snack to 8 grams or less. Combine with 20g of protein or more. Feel free to add more foods such as fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds to the mix. Lastly, tag and post a pic of the fun! #cheeriosteamchallenge @sportsnutritiontogo or on the Facebook Cheerios Team Challenge group. For younger athletes, you can cut the guidelines in half.

The Brain Behind the Challenge The Cheerios Team Challenge is the brainchild of Dawn Weatherwax, the founder of Sports

Who is behing the Cheerios Team Challenge
Who is behind the Cheerios Team Challenge

Nutrition 2Go, and Dawn Weatherwax's Sports Nutrition Academy. She is a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian, athletic trainer, and certified strength and conditioning specialist who aims to promote healthy eating habits among athletes and the general public.



Join Us Today! What are you waiting for? Gather your team and participate in the Cheerios Team Challenge

Rocky River High School Swim Team in Ohio first team to do the Cheerios Team Challenge
Rocky River High School Swim Team in Ohio first team to do the Cheerios Team Challenge

today! Whether you're an athlete looking to boost your performance or someone who wants to adopt healthier eating habits, this challenge is for you. Remember, a healthy diet is not about restrictions; it's about creating healthy habits, eating more of the right nutrients, and understanding what's in your food. Let's make eating a new sport worth participating in!

 


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