It is vital for student athletes to eat an adequate amount of calories to fuel their energy needs. Eating healthy snacks alongside balanced meals is important to help them meet their needs. The amount of energy burned during practices can be significant. Many times athletes are unable to consume sufficient calories at meals to properly fuel their energy needs for practice. Thus incorporating snacks will help provide nutrients needed for their energy expenditure.
Aim to eat snacks about two hours before practice. The following are my top ten pre practice snack suggestions that are balanced with carbohydrate and protein.
1. Apple slices and peanut butter.
2. Smoothie.
3. Crackers and Cheese.
4. Carrots or celery sticks with hummus.
5. Fresh fruit and beef jerky or beef stick.
6. Yogurt with granola or yogurt drink with granola bites.
7. Tortilla and cheese pinwheels.
8. Popcorn.
9. Trail mix with mixture of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, pretzels or cereal like corn, rice or wheat Chex.
10. Granola bar.
It is best to try different snack options and determine which ones you tolerate. If looking for a new snack bar or protein ball to try you may consider looking at my store page. I have made from scratch snack options listed there that are available for purchase. Take time and plan your snacks so you can arrive to practice fueled with the energy needed to preform your best!
– Sarah Judkins