Randy Bird Sports Nutrition

College athletes have busy schedules.  To be properly fueled, athletes should eat every few hours.  Classes, workouts, and practices can interfere with this goal.  Because of their busy schedules, planning is necessary.  When it comes to eating healthily, I frequently use a modified quote of Benjamin Franklin:  “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.”  Athletes should strive to plan their food into their schedule.

Snacks are a vital part of an athletes food “plan”.  Snacks are meant to maintain blood glucose levels, stabilize hormones, maintain energy levels, and prevent overeating later.  What I look for in a snack are carbohydrates, protein, and occasionally some healthy fat (depending on calorie needs).  As stated in “Common Mistakes #4”, I like to see fruit or vegetables with every meal or snack.

Some good snack options are:

Whole wheat bread with peanut butter and a banana.

Chewy granola bars, string cheese, and an apple.

In a Ziploc bag, combine ¼ cup of Almonds with 2 tbsp Raisins.

Whole-wheat tortilla, 3oz of tuna with Dijon mustard and side of baby carrots.