Youth sport
Young athletes have large energy needs and are especially vulnerable to undernutrition. We work practically with the athlete and the family.
In short
What does youth sport require from the diet?
Teenagers need enough energy for growth, development and training — at the same time.
A deficit during this period can have long-lasting consequences for hormones, bones and performance.
Above all they need safe, simple routines — not performance supplements.
Does this sound familiar?
This might sound like your situation
Fatigue, low mood, stagnating performance, frequent colds, and missed or irregular periods.
- The teenager trains many sessions a week
- The school day means meals get skipped
- You're unsure whether intake covers growth and training
- Talk about bodies and weight in the environment worries you
- You want expert advice tailored to age
SmartEating recommends
What makes the biggest difference?
These areas matter most for supporting both growth and sport in the teenage years.
Total energy adequacy
Growth and training both need fuel; neither should be shortchanged.
Regular meal structure
Skipped breakfast or school lunch adds up to a real daily shortfall.
Calcium and vitamin D
Bone mass built now affects fracture risk for the rest of life.
Iron status
Growth and menstruation raise iron needs, especially for girls.
Menstrual regularity
Missed periods in young athletes should always prompt a closer look.
When should you contact a doctor?
Certain signs should always be taken seriously in teenagers.
- For missed periods
- For weight loss or stagnating growth
- For repeated injuries
- For changed eating patterns or mood
- For chronic fatigue
If disordered eating behaviour is suspected, we refer to a specialist.
Common questions
What people ask us most often.
Do teenagers get their own specialist?
Yes. We match with someone experienced with young athletes.
Personal nutrition
No one with youth sport is exactly the same
Age, everyday life, activity level, other diagnoses and what you actually like to eat determine what works for you.
That's why people with the same starting point need different advice. SmartEating AI learns your situation over time and tailors suggestions to your body, goals and daily life.
- The teenager trains many sessions a week
- The school day means meals get skipped
- You're unsure whether intake covers growth and training
- Talk about bodies and weight in the environment worries you
- You want expert advice tailored to age
We build simple family routines around meals and training.
SmartEating suits the whole family — and makes it easier for teenagers to choose for themselves.
A dietitian can meet parents and athlete together.
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The knowledge behind the advice
Adolescents
The teenage years bring rapid growth, hormonal changes, and increasing independence around food choices. The need for energy and certain nutrients rises significantly, while school, social life, and any sports commitments place demands on daily meal structure.
Calories and energy
Calories measure the energy in food and drink, and energy balance is a fundamental principle of weight development. But counting calories alone says little about food quality, satiety or health effects.
Protein
Protein is the building block of muscles, skin, enzymes and hormones, and one of the nutrients that gives the most satiety. Most people get enough protein through a varied diet, but needs can shift with age, activity level and life stage.
Assessment
A digital form before the session so the specialist knows your situation.
Kick-off conversation
60 minutes online or at a partner clinic.
Personal plan
A concrete plan in SmartEating — food, structure and goals tailored to you.
Ready to get help with youth sport?
We'll connect you with a licensed clinical dietitian who understands your situation.
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