Nutrition specialist for teen wrestler
I am looking for a nutritionist, and if possible, with an athletics focus for my teen son who is a high school wrestler. He loves the sport and is very dedicated, which is great. However, if any one is familiar with the sport, weight is a major part of the sport, which is always a concern of mine. Additionally, my son has gotten all sorts of advice about weight "management" from fellow teen wrestlers...and as you may imagine, this advice is not always helpful. Meanwhile, my son is pretty typical growing teen, with very little fat to spare, and I don't want him restricting his diet. I need an outside (meaning not from me, his mom) voice of a professional, who is good with teens, to help him navigate this not-so-great aspect of wrestling. We are in Marin, but would be willing to travel to SF or the east bay. Thanks so much in advance!
Parent Replies
I don't have advice, but your post sounded like it was about my grandson. He is slender and muscular, but to wrestle in the weight devision that is best for him he has to keep taking his weight down. I really question the impact on his metabolism long term. When he is cutting weight, he eats mainly protein and vegetables and some kind of blended health drinks. Sometimes he doesn't have the energy level he needs. He is really passionate about the sport.
Hello teen wrestler parent.
i am mom to a wrestler who is now 24. My son began competing in the sport his freshman year of high school, continued through college and now wants to train with the mixed martial arts guys. there is a long history of the sport in my ex's side of the family, grandfather began the high school wrestling program in the 80's and my sons father took over in the 90's and continued until 4 years ago when he passed away(not from wrestling). I completely understand your concerns about the cutting weight part . My son has greatly progressed from the grueling days of the hard cut to make weight, to a more manageable lifestyle of eating right, working out correctly and keeping his weight down. HE is by no means a doctor, or a nutritionist but an avid athlete with a ton of experience to share. HE is currently in training mode, similar to a wrestling season, making him in tip top shape. IF you are not contacted by a professional, you are welcome to email me back and I could put you and your son in touch with my son. SOmetimes just having an experienced athlete explain the ins and outs of the sport can be tremendously helpful in terms of getting what your son is vying for; a spot on the team, strong sportsman like ethics and many pins without the agony of weight loss.
Your email resonated with me because over the years, each new season the apprehensive parents come forward because they don't know. GOod for you for knowing you don't know, and for trying to help your son suceed. Wrestling is generally filled with upstanding kids, families and coaches who care.
i can be reached at skatermom29 [at] att.net if you would like further input or information. Good luck
To Wrestling with Diet:
Have you tried through your own health insurance carrier? We belong to Kaiser and were offered a nutritionist when we had some concern about eating issues with our teenager. They'd work together with a pediatric nurse. If money is no object, try reaching out to any of the professional teams here in the bay area and asking to be connected with the team sports doctor. They can then refer you to a practitioner that best suits your needs. Good Luck.