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HEALTH
Eat Right
The Best Fuel For Your Workout
Washing a Luna Bar down with Gatorade isn’t the best way to amp up before a game. Here’s what to eat pre-game for a powerhouse performance.
Game day Lunch.
Before Whatever the caf is servin’ up—sloppy Joe, burger, chicken nuggets.
After A midday meal that’s high in carbs preps your muscles. Eat a whole wheat sandwich with turkey or a baked potato with broccoli. And drink lots of water.
Afternoon Snack.
Before Chips, tots and fries may seem safe, but fried foods can cause cramping or discomfort, according to ChicagoHealers.com practitioner Dr. Martha Howard.
After Go for something lower in fat, like air-popped popcorn, baked chips or Pirate’s Booty.
To Chug During Practice.
Before A sports drink may seem perf, but can contain almost as much sugar as Kool-Aid, says Dr. Howard.
After Chug electrolyte-enhanced aqua to help rehydrate. “Nuun [nuun.com, $7 for 12 tabs] has the right amount of minerals,” Dr. Howard suggests. “Drop one into a bottle of water and you’re ready to go.”
An Hour Before the Whistle.
Before It’s tempting to polish off the brownies the team captain made for a quick jolt, but rich foods can weigh you down.
After Go light with a bit of sugar. Dr. Howard recommends fresh fruit. Still hungry? Snack on yogurt or a bagel. And gulp at least 12 ounces of water.
Celebration Dinner.
Before Pizza with the works and a sundae? So good, but fat-laden foods can make you feel sluggish while fresh fruits and veggies will help your body recover.
After Dr. Howard says the ideal meal after exercise is high-carb and easy to digest. Try whole-wheat pasta or a grilled chicken sandwich.
BEST EVER HALFTIME SNACK!
If you’ve got a break in the action (at least 10-15 minutes), drink water and eat a couple orange slices. Sweet, and you’ll get into gear faster!
Game day Lunch.
Before Whatever the caf is servin’ up—sloppy Joe, burger, chicken nuggets.
After A midday meal that’s high in carbs preps your muscles. Eat a whole wheat sandwich with turkey or a baked potato with broccoli. And drink lots of water.
Afternoon Snack.
Before Chips, tots and fries may seem safe, but fried foods can cause cramping or discomfort, according to ChicagoHealers.com practitioner Dr. Martha Howard.
After Go for something lower in fat, like air-popped popcorn, baked chips or Pirate’s Booty.
To Chug During Practice.
Before A sports drink may seem perf, but can contain almost as much sugar as Kool-Aid, says Dr. Howard.
After Chug electrolyte-enhanced aqua to help rehydrate. “Nuun [nuun.com, $7 for 12 tabs] has the right amount of minerals,” Dr. Howard suggests. “Drop one into a bottle of water and you’re ready to go.”
An Hour Before the Whistle.
Before It’s tempting to polish off the brownies the team captain made for a quick jolt, but rich foods can weigh you down.
After Go light with a bit of sugar. Dr. Howard recommends fresh fruit. Still hungry? Snack on yogurt or a bagel. And gulp at least 12 ounces of water.
Celebration Dinner.
Before Pizza with the works and a sundae? So good, but fat-laden foods can make you feel sluggish while fresh fruits and veggies will help your body recover.
After Dr. Howard says the ideal meal after exercise is high-carb and easy to digest. Try whole-wheat pasta or a grilled chicken sandwich.
BEST EVER HALFTIME SNACK!
If you’ve got a break in the action (at least 10-15 minutes), drink water and eat a couple orange slices. Sweet, and you’ll get into gear faster!
By: Katie Abbondanza
POSTED IN nutrition
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