Why most young athletes are running on empty (and how to fix it)

Morning practices. School. Afternoon training. Games. Homework. Today’s young athletes face more demands than ever before.

Balancing athletic performance with academics and social life requires energy, focus, and commitment. Most importantly, it requires a healthy body and mind.

Yet most young athletes are missing the crucial fuel they need to perform at their best.

Former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer saw this firsthand. While training elite young quarterbacks at his QB Summits across the country, he noticed a pattern: talented athletes weren’t reaching their full potential. The missing piece? Proper nutrition designed specifically for developing athletes.

That’s why Palmer founded Thread Performance. Here’s what’s really going on with emerging athlete nutrition – and how Thread is changing the game.

The nutrition gap

Youth sports have never been more demanding. But there’s a critical problem: while pushing their bodies to the max, these growing athletes aren’t getting the nutrition they need.

The obstacles are everywhere. School cafeterias serve processed foods. Training facilities offer sugary sports drinks and energy bars. And with packed schedules, fast food often becomes the default option.

Former NFL QB Jordan Palmer founded Thread to help developing athletes.

But convenience comes at a cost. Those quick energy fixes – sports bars loaded with sugar, caffeinated gels, grab-and-go meals – might provide temporary fuel, but they’re not delivering the nutrients young athletes actually need.

And they need a lot. Growing athletes require more than their peers:

• Extra protein for muscle recovery and growth
• Electrolytes lost during intense training
• Essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D for bone development
• Balanced nutrition for sustained energy
• Quality ingredients for long-term health

Between demanding schedules and limited healthy options, young athletes are caught in a nutrition gap. They’re burning more energy than ever while relying on foods that barely meet their basic needs – let alone support peak performance.

Don’t let another season pass with sub-optimal nutrition, try Thread’s Daily Fuel:

Fuel designed for developing athletes

Home-cooked meals should be the cornerstone of any athlete’s diet. But young athletes’ busy schedules and high nutrient demands mean that they also need a convenient way to support their bodies when they’re on the go.

They need real nutrition that they can take anywhere, which is precisely what Thread’s Daily Fuel offers.

At just $4 per serving — less than a smoothie shop protein shake – Thread’s Daily Fuel delivers:

• 21 grams of high-quality grass-fed whey protein for muscle repair
• Collagen-supporting nutrients for joint health
• Essential micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D for bone development
• Over 60 organic superfoods, including cordyceps, ashwagandha, wheatgrass, and spirulina
• Complete nutrition that addresses both physical and emotional stress

While fruit and snack bars may seem like the easiest options for most athletes, these choices will often leave you in a nutrient and protein deficit. Daily Fuel’s blend of nutrients and superfoods recharge your body for optimal recovery so you can get back out on the field and elevate your game — whatever it may be.

Feel the difference

Imagine your student athlete maintaining focus and energy through practice, games, AND homework. When you incorporate Daily Fuel into your routine, you may experience:

• Better focus
• Improved recovery
• Reduced overall stress
• Stable blood sugar levels (goodbye afternoon crash!)
• Energy for both athletics and academics

Nutrition made easy: How to use Daily Fuel

Simply add Daily Fuel to water, milk, or your favorite beverage. Shake it up, and you’re ready to go. While post-workout is an excellent time to enjoy your Daily Fuel, your body will love the nutritional boost any time of the day.

Daily Fuel easily mixes into milk, water, or any drink.

For optimal performance, drink Daily Fuel every day, even when you’re not training.

Power up their potential now

With spring and summer sports around the corner, don’t let another season pass with sub-optimal nutrition. At just $4 per serving, Daily Fuel provides complete nutrition support that would cost significantly more to piece together through individual supplements.

Give your athlete the nutritional foundation they need to excel.

Visit Thread Performance today to learn more about Daily Fuel and take the first step toward better performance both on and off the field.