Youth & High School Athlete Nutrition

Young athletes have different nutritional needs than adults — they’re fueling growth and development on top of training and competition. H2O Nutrition works with youth and high school athletes and their families to build sustainable, age-appropriate eating habits that support both performance and healthy development.

Why This Age Group Needs Specialized Guidance

Generic “athlete diets” designed for adults can be inappropriate — or even harmful — for a growing teenager. Youth athletes need enough energy to support both training and normal growth, and restrictive approaches borrowed from adult sport can interfere with development or increase the risk of disordered eating patterns. Andrea Dacey, RDN, CSSD builds plans specifically calibrated for young, still-developing athletes.

What We Cover

In-season fueling — practical meal and snack timing around practices, games, and tournaments
Growth-supportive nutrition — making sure training demands don’t compromise normal growth and development
Family-centered meal planning — realistic strategies that work within a family’s schedule and kitchen, not just the athlete’s plan alone
Body image and disordered eating awareness — age-appropriate conversations that support a healthy relationship with food and training
Hydration basics — especially important for young athletes who often under-hydrate during practice
Supplement guidance — helping families sort evidence-based basics from unnecessary or inappropriate products marketed to young athletes

Who This Is For

Middle and high school athletes across any sport
Parents looking for guidance on fueling a growing athlete
Young athletes showing early signs of disordered eating or under-fueling
Teams and schools wanting a group nutrition talk (see Team Nutrition for Sports Organizations)

How It Works

Sessions are available in person for families in Boston, Downtown Boston, and the South Shore, or via telehealth nationwide. Parents are welcome and encouraged to be part of sessions with younger athletes.