Whether you’re sweating on the field or cheering in the stands, game days call for healthy foods that give you a steady dose of energy. Here are our top picks for game-day foods and snacks that will put pep in your step.
Quaker Oatmeal to Go
Oatmeal is full of fiber for slow-burning energy, but it’s not exactly a portable snack for game-day munchies. Quaker has addressed this problem by creating tasty and nutritious Oatmeal to Go bars. We especially like the High Fiber Maple Brown Sugar–flavor bars for a morning breakfast or a quick pick-me-up.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Make sure your athlete is light on his feet by making him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread. While white bread isn’t the best choice for an ongoing diet, the simple carbohydrates in the bread and jelly provide a quick burst of energy, while the peanut butter is satisfying and full of protein for stamina.
Popcorn
As long as you don’t douse it in butter, popcorn is a wildly healthy alternative to potato chips. Popcorn is light on the stomach, and by definition, it’s 100 percent whole grain. The whole grains in popcorn will leave you feeling full for an entire game.
Yogurt and granola
A tasty container of yogurt provides carbohydrates and protein for energy, and as a bonus, it’s also full of healthy calcium. Not only that, but yogurt tends to sit well in active tummies and can even help improve digestion. We like adding a pinch of granola on top for a yummy crunch and a burst of carbs.
Roasted almonds
Almonds are a fabulous snack all year long, and not just on game day. They’re loaded with protein and vitamins B and E for total-body health. They’re also one of the lowest-calorie nuts you can get your hands on, meaning they’re undoubtedly good for your waistline. We love that they’re highly portable, so you can bring them to a game in your purse or gym bag.
Apple slices with Swiss cheese
The humble apple is often forgotten when listing the best snacks around. The peel is full of fiber, and the tasty fruit has a healthy dose of vitamin C and glucose for energy. Kick it up a notch by pairing slices of apple with slices of Swiss cheese for extra staying power.
Steamed edamame
These delicious little bites aren’t just glorified green beans. Edamame pods are actually young soybeans, which are well known as an excellent source of carbs, protein, fiber, folates, manganese and vitamin K. Steam edamame pods with a pinch of sea salt for a tasty and nutritious snack!
Dried fruit
Although dried fruit is high in calories and sugar, it’s perfect for athletes who are about to compete. Think about it: The calories and sugar in dried fruit provide easily accessible energy for sprinting, jumping and tackling. Also, a kid can put away a couple of pieces of dried fruit without feeling weighed down.
Chocolate milk
Did you just do a double take? Surprisingly, chocolate milk is popular as a recovery drink following an intense workout. Chocolate milk delivers the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates and calcium for maximum recovery after a grueling game.
Hard-boiled eggs
Yes, you can be the mom who whips a hard-boiled egg out of her purse. And it’s OK — no matter how embarrassed your child is — because hard-boiled eggs are a light source of protein, vitamin D and heart-healthy fats (when eaten in moderation).
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