Food gives us joy, makes us feel full, and technically, it gives us the energy needed to live our daily lives. But more than that, it is everyone's favorite thing and many of us athletes LIVE for it. I may be a figure skater, but trust me, we love to eat just as much as everyone else. So here's a day in the life through what many care about most, the food; so you can see what this varsity athlete eats on the reg.
6:15am- Breakfast
Wakey wakey eggs and bakey! Just kidding, this morning I threw together a piece of wheat toast, peanut butter, an apple, and a protein bar. I do live off campus and have access to a full kitchen, but no college kid should be trusted that close to the stove so early in the morning, so a toaster is the way to go.
8:30am- Snack
It's SNACK TIME! Post weight lifting I refuel with a homemade protein smoothie: a frozen fruit medley, protein powder, and almond milk. Even us skaters have got to make those gains, you know?
10:45am- Snack 2
When you're in the middle of a lecture and your stomach starts to sound like a dying whale, that's when you know it's time for that second snack! This time I'm taming the beast that is my hunger with some beef jerky and carrots with hummus for some protein and healthy fats to get me through until lunch, and so that the kids sitting next to me will stop staring.
12:15pm- Lunch
Time to eat, again... For lunch it's a tuna bowl: tuna with some mayo on top of some baby kale and spinach, with tomatoes, carrots, and celery sticks. And no lunch for me is complete without a can of (knock-off) La Croix, aka store brand flavored seltzer water. It's just another day in the life of trying to be trendy on a college budget.
3pm- Snack 3
Snack, snack, snack! I've got to break through that afternoon slump with some almonds and a strawberry greek yogurt. With more healthy fats, fiber, and protein I'm full all of the way through practice.
5:45pm- Dinner
Winner, winner chicken dinner! Which, a matter of fact, is usually what I have. Tonight's dinner is some whole grain penne pasta with baked chicken and sautéed spinach, tomatoes, onion and garlic. At this point I'm STARVING after practice and can't wait to put almost anything edible into my body. As much as I want to, loading up on potato chips and Halloween candy probably isn't the best choice, even if it sounds good, so I'll stick to my chicken.
8pm- Late Night Snack
As our day in the life comes to a close, and you think all of the eating is done, the kitchen comes calling once again! Time for one last hurrah before settling in to do the seemingly endless amounts assignments. Tonight it's some kettle corn that does the trick! Of course, I don't snack every night, but if it's true hunger, or I just need to treat myself, it's important to eat so that I can be ready to do it all again tomorrow!
So, basically snacking is life and is the best way to survive any day, athlete or not. If you liked hearing what a varsity athlete eats, check out these other spoon articles if you're interested in more great snack ideas!