Team Moms: Make Sure You’re Shopping From The Approved Snack List for Tournaments to Keep Athletes Well Fueled.
Let’s say you’re a team mom who needs some ideas for feeding the team during tournaments. What are some quick, healthy, energizing foods you can provide for these athletes?
Keeping the athletes well fueled throughout a tournament can make a huge difference in how they perform. Since carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source, you want to make sure to provide these in different foods throughout the day. Healthy fats and proteins are also needed. As a result, the athletes feel satisfied after eating, especially when they have longer breaks. Make sure the focus is on the carbohydrates. Too much fat or protein will make the athlete feel sluggish and weighed down.
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Here are some ideas for tournament team snacks:
BREAKFAST: Yogurt with cereal or granola; overnight oats with fruit; bagels with peanut butter
SNACKS: Bring several different carbohydrate-rich choices: crackers, granola bars, vanilla- or fruit-flavored yogurt. Also, oatmeal raisin cookies, graham crackers, pretzels, applesauce, animal crackers, fig bars, pita chips. And of course fruit — washed, cut, and ready to eat.
For good sources of fat and protein? Try hard-boiled eggs, turkey jerky, string cheese, trail mix, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
LUNCH: Sandwiches with lean protein options such as turkey, ham or lean roast beef with tomatoes, lettuce and pickles. Tuna salad or chicken salad in pita bread. Tortilla wrap with apple and banana slices and your favorite nut butter.
If you’re able to serve them a hot lunch, consider pasta with chicken and broccoli, turkey burgers, burritos or burrito bowls with rice, chicken, cheese, salsa and tortilla chips
Make sure to keep lots of water, juices, chocolate milk and sports drinks available so that the team stays hydrated. Also, if you have access to a power outlet, bring a blender and create a smoothie station using frozen fruit, yogurt, nut butter and juice to make some energizing and nourishing drinks.
You don’t need to get too fancy for these team snacks for tournaments. Bring foods that are familiar and enjoyable to the athletes, so that everyone will be able to find something to eat. This will help the team get fueled properly and stay energized so they can avoid crashing towards the end of the day. Keeping the athletes well fueled will also make a big difference in their attitude, and who knows, it may even lead to more victories!
Maximize your athletic performance by seeking out personalized advice from Nutrition Coach Jill Daniels, MS, RD, CSSD, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. www.JillDanielsRD.com