Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be helpful for children in various ways. It helps them build a self defense mechanism, stay fit, and built confidence. However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires the practitioner to have a sense on commitment. The practitioner needs to follow an exercise and practice routine and complement it with a balanced nutritional diet. And this is all the more important, if the practitioner is a child. Children have to get their nutritional requirements to ensure proper growth and also need to make up for the calories lost in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
To start with, trainers or parents can determine the right calorie intake for the child. This will help in managing the child’s weight. The child’s diet should balance all nutritional elements — vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals like calcium and iron, etc.
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete’s diet should contain a wide base of complex carbohydrates. Their source could be wheat, cereal, rice, etc. The child could take vitamins, minerals and fiber, which can be gained from vegetables and fruits. Parents or trainers can study the nutritional value of all fruits and vegetable and include them accordingly in the child’s diet. Try to make fruits and vegetables look appetizing to the kids by trying out different recipes, garnishes and cooking methods. Make popsicles with fresh fruit juices, offer dry fruits, nuts, carrot and celery sticks with cheese dip for snacks and other such interesting options. Go online and find many more such tips and tricks to include fruits and vegetables in your kids’ diet. Also, as much as possible, avoid processed food in your child’s diet.
A young Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete should receive a regular intake of dairy and meat products to get calcium, zinc, proteins and minerals. These minerals help in development of strong bones and muscles. Fats, oils and simple sugar are also important for a child athlete. However, in most cases, these elements are present in the regular diet and their consumption must be monitored as they can lead to weight gain easily.
Child Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes also need to ensure adequate fluid intake. Practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can lead to fluid loss, which can make a child vulnerable to dehydration and heat illness. Parents and trainers must ensure that a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete drinks water and energy drinks at regular intervals. Parents can look for an energy drink of their child’s favorite flavor. It will replenish sodium lost through sweat apart from quenching thirst. However, the drink should be low on sugar and other carbohydrates.
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