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Triple Threat
Female Athlete Triad: What Every Parent Should Know By Kelly Burgess
For athletes, the best cure is to prevent the problem in the first place. Dr. Otis says it's important that the young athlete understand the concept of "food as fuel," and if they don't get enough fuel, their motor won't run properly. An athlete needs to be willing to snack and eat small meals throughout the day to keep the body running. "Number one, have breakfast – even if it's just a smoothie or a Power Bar," says Dr. Otis. "It's also important for recovery after a workout to get a small amount of carbohydrate and protein. Then, an hour or so after practice, eat about 250 calories, which can be a Power Bar, sports drink, Fig Newtons or something like a piece of bread with peanut butter. You have to keep putting gas in the tank."
Dr. Weiss also recommends trying to steer an athlete toward the lesser of two evils, such as a Power Bar over a Snickers Bar.
"If your daughter is practicing two hours with her high school team, then two hours with her national-level team, it can be difficult to find time for a healthful meal, and our convenience food, junk food culture doesn't help," says Dr. Weiss. "We have to help them develop creative strategies for healthy snacks and [educate] them about good choices."
