I am someone who loves sports, and have been playing them my whole life: soccer, tennis, skiing, basketball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and more. After trying out almost every sport imaginable, I stuck with soccer and have been playing it competitively since I was about 10 years old, now playing on my high school's varsity soccer team.
I have attended countless practices and games through the years and I am all too familiar with the dragging feeling that athletes get when they have low energy. Grabbing a few sips of water or Gatorade is never a bad idea, but sometimes that just isn't enough. Snacking is important when you are feeling fatigued, but make sure you know how to do it right.
1. Almonds
Almonds are the perfect grab-and-go snack to eat mid-practice when you need an energy burst. Almonds are packed with healthy fats and fiber to keep you feeling full. Another added benefit of almonds is that they help your body in building stronger muscles.
So, while you're munching on almonds to stop your hunger craze, you are simultaneously becoming stronger than your rival. What could be better?
2. Bananas
Raise your hand if you have ever felt a deep tightness in your muscle during a workout? I know I have, and sometimes it is to the point where I can't move. That is called a muscle cramp. Eating bananas is a simple way to avoid getting unnecessarily painful cramps because they are a great source of potassium. Plus, bananas are perfect on the go.
3. Eggs
Eggs are an amazing pre-workout snack because they contain of a ton of protein that you will be able to use as fuel during your workout. Additionally, eggs are a great source of vitamin B, which will help convert your food into energy.
An easy way to make eggs a more accessible snack is to prepare them hardboiled and pack them into a small baggie or container.
4. Nut Butter
Nut butter is awesome for so many reasons. For one, there are so many different types of nut butters to choose from, whether it's cashew butter, almond butter, peanut butter, or another funky flavor. Additionally, nut butters are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Some nut butters even come in small packets, which are perfect for mid-practice. If you have more time, try pairing nut butter with whole wheat toast, a banana, or an apple.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a delicious snack if you have a little more time in between games or practices. There's an endless amount of brands and flavors, and they're perfect to take on-the-go with a plastic spoon. Greek yogurt is an amazing source of calcium and protein, containing around 15-20 grams per package. It makes you feel fuller for longer, so you can avoid another hunger craze later in the day.