Best Healthy Snacks For Student-Athletes On-The-Go
Do you have student-athletes in your household? If the answer is yes, then you know this time of year is busy! Fall sports are in full swing, and schedules are jam-packed with practice, training, and games.
To ensure your student-athletes perform at their best, it’s imperative that you supply them with healthy snacks. This can be challenging with so little time, and that’s why the team at Foodtown is here to help! Check out some of our favorite healthy snacks for student-athletes on-the-go.
Healthy Snacks Before, During, And After The Game
Pre-game, mid-game, and post-game are critical junctures for every athlete. Fortunately, we have snack suggestions that provide the proper nutrition and energy for each phase of competition.
Pre-Game Snacks
- PB&J Sandwich: Easy to prepare and packed with protein! Yes, PB&J sandwiches are a convenient, tasty pre-game option that provides your student-athlete with fast digesting carbs and protein for quick energy.
- Pretzels: Another convenient option, pretzels are a great source of carbohydrates. More importantly, they also serve as a source of sodium. During any exercise, sodium is lost while sweating. This can subsequently lead to cramping, which every athlete wants to avoid.
- Greek yogurt and dried fruit: Greek yogurt is a reliable source of protein that powers athletes through even the most intense game or practice. The dried fruit is also high in natural sugars, which can provide an extra boost of energy before the games begin.
Mid-Game Snacks
- Frozen Grapes: This mid-game snack is refreshing, and the natural sugar provides athletes with much-needed energy midway through a grueling game. Frozen grapes are also high in Vitamin C, which reduces the amount of exercise-related damage to cells.
- Bananas: A potent source of natural sugar and potassium, bananas are ideal snacks to consume midway through any competition. The sugar provides instant energy while the potassium prevents muscles from cramping.
- Apples: Another easy option, apples are high in sugar and contain a moderate amount of fiber. Snacking on an apple midway through your practice or game will leave your athletes feeling satiated and provide just enough energy to power through fatigue.
Post-Game Snacks
- Protein Bar: At the end of an intense practice or game, every competitor experiences muscle soreness. Eating a protein bar can mitigate against this issue and aid in muscle recovery. Just make sure you eat protein bars with the proper amount of sugar. Some contain higher levels than others.
- Hummus and Pita: A hearty mix of protein and carbohydrates, this snack will fuel your athlete for hours after their game or practice. Try using a whole-wheat pita when preparing this snack. It’s a healthier option and tastes just as good!
- Turkey Roll-Ups: Another simple post-game snack that aids in muscle recovery. Just roll up a few slices of turkey and eat them cold. You can even pair them with fresh carrots or broccoli for additional fiber and carbohydrates.
Prepare Healthy Snacks For Your Student-Athlete With Help From Foodtown
Keeping your student-athletes fueled throughout any practice or game can seem like an overwhelming endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be! As the fall sporting season kicks into high gear, prepare yourself by trying some of the healthy snacks we suggested. Everything you need is available at your local Foodtown grocery store!
Find your nearest Foodtown grocery store to pick up everything you need for the big game. Don’t forget to download our digital coupons for extra savings!