We are all aware that proper nutrition is the key to a long and healthy life. However, do we realize how the foods our children eat can impact their muscle performance during physical therapy. Physical therapy is about moving and working muscles. Patients need to have the proper nutrition before and after each session to provide the body adequate energy to get through a therapy session and to help maximize muscle recovery. A balanced diet with added calories for therapy will provide extra energy and allow for growth and development. It’s important to remember we need to feed and hydrate our bodies to perform well.

Adding an extra snack one hour before therapy with plenty of fluids will help prepare your child for a good therapy session. Ensure your child eats well at meals and drinks plenty of fluids to aid with muscle recovery after therapy. If this is a challenge, you can get support by scheduling an appointment with our registered dietitian, Danielle Kaempfer MS RD/LD/N. She can help evaluate your child’s diet and make suggestions to complement your lifestyle and your child’s needs.

Danielle shared a quick and easy snack recipe to pack in valuable protein and nutrients. Enjoy!

Energized Peanut Butter Balls
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/2 cup golden flaxseeds ground
1 tsp. cinnamon
(for extra yumminess, add 1/2 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or craisins)
Mix all ingredients and roll into tablespoon full balls. Keep in refrigerator.