700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Sakiko C. Minagawa, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

a teen boy and girl eating on an outside table

Posted by: Sakiko C. Minagawa, MS, RD, CSSD, LD on Sep 15, 2026

What your young athlete eats before and after exercise can make a difference in energy, recovery, and performance. Learn when to fuel up, what nutrients to focus on, and easy snack and smoothie ideas for practices, workouts, and game days.

Toddler outside in a garden holding a bunch of carrots and smiling.

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Kids and Nutrition: 5 Simple Ways to Make Vegetables Taste Good

Many families wonder how they can help their children enjoy vegetables without making mealtime a struggle. The good news is that kids can learn to like vegetables. It just takes time, patience, and a little creativity.

A glass filled with layers of granola, yogurt, blueberries, and raspberries sits on a dark surface with a spoon inside. Additional berries are scattered around, with a striped napkin and a plate of fruit in the background.

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Healthy Meals and Snacks for the Busy Athlete

Busy schedules shouldn’t mean skipped meals or fast food. Learn how to fuel your young athlete with simple, nutritious meals and snacks, even on the go. These time-saving tips from a registered dietitian can help your child stay energized, strong, and focused.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Young boy eating a snack after a soccer game.

The Importance of Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes

Jun 20, 2025

Young athletes train long hours for their sport. In order to optimize that training, proper nutrition needs to be a regular component of their workout plan. A car needs fuel to run properly just as people need a healthful eating plan. Read More

young woman in a wheelchair on a basketball court while holding a water bottle

Athletes and Hydrating: What You Need to Know

Jun 06, 2025

Athletes are always being reminded to hydrate and coaches are always encouraged to offer more water breaks. But the recent death of a Georgia high school football player after drinking too much fluid during practice has many raising the question: “How much is too much?” Read More

girl holding a tennis racket drinking a bottle of water

How Should Athletes Rehydrate?

May 22, 2025

Confused about sports drinks vs. energy drinks? You’re not alone. Many young athletes reach for the wrong drink—and it can hurt their performance and health. Learn the key differences, when to use sports drinks, and why energy drinks may do more harm than good. Read More