4 Healthy Snacks That Will Keep Athletes in their Best Form |
Posted: November 9, 2014 |
The nutritional requirements of athletes are different from that required by an average person. If you’re serious about improving your performance as an athlete, then you need to be careful about what you eat.
Athletes are Ruled by Rules
Athletes need to follow strict dietary rules if they want to be in excellent form. This is part of the commitment they have when they enter whatever type of athletic field they choose. Even when it comes to snacks, they need to be watchful and make sure they eat only healthy snacks for athletes.
Of course, nutritious snacks for kids are better than any snack that has no nutritional value at all. But healthy school snacks for kids are not enough for athletes, since they are involved in activities that are definitely more strenuous than the physical activities of school children.
If you or your child is an athlete, here are some types of healthy snacks for athletes you need to consider.
1. Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds are considered protein-rich foods and this is precisely what athletes need. They also offer beneficial fats as well as calories. You can eat ½ cup of nuts and seeds and it will provide you with all your nutritional requirements after a rigorous work out. Just stay away from salted varieties since they are laden with too much salt. If you want to make them tastier especially if you’re preparing them for your child who is an athlete, toss small amounts of cinnamon powder, grated ginger, or even cheese.
2. Yogurt Another rich source of protein is plain, low-fat yogurt. If you want to make it tastier, you can add fresh fruit such as pineapples, or bananas. To make it more complete, add some complex carbohydrates such as organic crackers, and natural vitamin supplements.
One cup of yogurt contains protein (14 grams), calcium (500 milligrams), calories (140), and fat (0.5 gram).
3. Chocolate Milk There are times when you don’t feel hungry after a workout. But that does not mean that your body is not in need of nutrients. This is the best time for you to drink low-fat chocolate milk. One cup of this healthy drink contains calcium (290 milligrams), calories (158), fat (2.5 grams), protein (8 grams), carbohydrates (26 grams) and fiber (1 gram).
4. Cottage Cheese with Vegetables The tangy flavor of cottage cheese blends well with the fresh tastes of bell pepper and tomatoes. Aside from that, one cup of cottage cheese will provide you with protein (28 grams), fat (2 grams), and calories (163). Diced bell pepper and tomatoes will also provide you with vitamin C (120 milligrams), fiber (3.5 grams), protein (2.5 grams) and calories (57).
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