5 High-Energy Snacks to Eat Before the Big Game

July 31, 2017

When you’re in the middle of a big game, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your rumbling stomach! To keep visions of pizza and pasta from dancing in your head, we recommend doing some snacking before your next sports tournament. In addition to keeping you focused, the right snacks can provide much-needed boosts of energy that can help you play at your full capacity. Rocky Top Sports World has put together a list of five of our favorite high-energy snacks for young athletes.

1. Trail Mix

Trail mix is a great snack for athletes because it is easy to eat quickly and loaded with energy. We suggest choosing (or making) a mix that has plenty of nuts and seeds, because these foods are excellent sources of natural protein and healthy fat. Other classic trail mix ingredients include dried fruit, pretzels, and popcorn. If you’re a picky eater, throwing in some dark chocolate chunks is a good way to reward yourself for eating all of the healthier ingredients.

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is very popular these days – and with good reason! This creamy snack can have twice the protein of “normal” yogurt, making it perfect for the sidelines. Greek yogurt is also high in calcium, vitamin B12, and probiotics (which improve digestion). Honey or berries are wonderful natural sweeteners for Greek yogurt.

3. Peanut Butter Sandwich

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple of childhood cuisine…and NBA locker rooms! According to this article from NPR, eating PB&J sandwiches has become a pregame tradition for virtually every team in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks even have a PB&J buffet with numerous varieties of nut butters, jams, jellies, and breads.

What makes PB&J sandwiches the perfect pregame snack? Aside from the mood-boosting nostalgia factor, peanut butter is chock full of protein, good fat, and antioxidants. To make your peanut butter sandwich even healthier, you can use whole grain bread and substitute banana for jelly.

4. Fruit

While it may not be quite as fun as a PB&J sandwich, fruit is always a solid choice for a snack. Some of the best fruits for a burst of energy include apples, oranges, banana, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, papayas, pears, and avocado. Bananas and oranges are especially convenient for athletes on the go because they come with their own natural “packaging”!

5. Hummus and Pita Chips

Made from chickpeas, sesame, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, hummus is a tasty dip that has really caught on in recent years. Hummus is an excellent snack for athletes because it comes in easy to transport containers and is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. There are many tasty ways to enjoy hummus: with pita chips, carrot sticks, or even just a spoon!

Healthy Choice Meal Plans at Rocky Top Sports World

While snacking is definitely a good idea for game day, it is also important to have a nutritious lunch before you take to the field or court. Rocky Top Sports World makes it easy for athletes to eat well by offering Healthy Choice Meal Plans. When you sign up for our meal plan before your tournament, you will find a delicious lunch waiting for you at our sports complex. Athletes can choose from a variety of delicious options, including a Crispy BBQ Chicken Wrap, Turkey and Cheese Hoagie, Grilled Ranch Chicken Wrap, and Pasta Power Salad.

BBQ chicken wrap . Located minutes away from the heart of Gatlinburg, TN, Rocky Top Sports World is the ultimate tournament destination. With six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, seven fields, team rooms, and an onsite grill, our 80-acre sports campus has everything you need for an incredible sports event. To see a complete listing of our upcoming tournaments and camps, check out the Rocky Top Sports World Events Calendar!