Who will last longer on the court, the athlete who ate half of a bag of chips and half of a banana just before the game, or the athlete who had a sweet potato and tuna for lunch? Here’s an obvious hint, fried potatoes and half of a banana won’t properly fuel most of the top athletes.

What does? Foods that offer nutrition, protein, and proper vitamins to nourish your body.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple that can be tossed into protein shakes, and amp up the carb and calorie count if you’re looking to gain a little weight. Just make sure that you opt for steel-cut.

Instant oats can cause an insulin spike due to their high glycemic index, which can cause you to store all those carbs as flab.

Oatmeal is a great source of carbohydrate energy for athletes, is high in fiber and will keep you full for a longer amount of time.

Fruits

Bananas are great option for busy athletes. They are easy to take along with you and pack a major punch in nutrition.

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, electrolytes that get lost while you sweat and they help to maintain low blood pressure. Bananas contain good carbs that will fuel your muscles, plus they taste great with chocolate milk and peanut butter which are also great foods for athletes.

Oranges are another athlete-friendly food that is easy to take along with you everywhere. Oranges are rich with vitamin C to help with healing and boost your immune system. They are a juicy and refreshing fruit that makes for a great snack during halftime.

Eggs

Eggs are an incredibly nutritious food and perfect for breakfast before a big day. They are high in protein, a source for good fats, and the yolks are rich in carotenoids which can help with the health of your eyes.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are easy to prepare and incredibly potent fueling options for athletes. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, with some B vitamins too. Athletes can eat sweet potatoes for lunch, dinner or a snack. Try topping it with a protein source like cottage cheese or black beans.

Salmon

Salmon is a heavy hitter when it comes to athlete nutrition. It is packed full of muscle building proteins and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. This can help you recover from bumps and bruises easier.

Drizzle olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over a salmon filet and toss it in the oven for one of the best pre or post game meals.

Speaking of olive oil, it’s a great source of monounsaturated fat which in turn has anti-inflammatory benefits to athletes who put a lot of stress on their bodies.

Warren Academy, powered by DREAM, has been helping student-athletes increase their performance, mentally and physically since 2008. With over 10 years of service, Warren Academy has helped guide hundreds of athletes to college. Interested in learning more about Warren Academy’s youth sports training Omaha programs? Contact us today!