The Perfect Healthy Meals & Snacks for Athletes

I am always on the lookout for great ideas for my young athletes! I’m not only a mom but a sports mom (and proud of it). So today on Cooking with Chris on the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page, I shared The Perfect Healthy Meals & Snacks for Athletes!

I have done a lot of research on the perfect healthy foods for athletes. I also write for a Sports Moms website so I have definitely looked into this topic:)

So here are a few things I have learned about feeding our little (or big) athletes before, during and after a big game or practice.

The Perfect Healthy Meals & Snacks for Athletes

This Penne Pasta with Broccoli is so easy to make. Cook your pasta and broccoli separately. I usually undercook the broccoli in case you want to reheat it. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pasta. Mix in the cooked broccoli. Add some parmesan cheese to the top. Serve!

Pre-Game Snacks or Meals

• Whole-Grains (pasta, brown rice, crackers)
• Penne Pasta with Broccoli
• Turkey Sandwich
• Ham & Egg Burrito
• Grilled Chicken, potato and veggie
• Scrambled Eggs with toast
• Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
• Hardboiled eggs
• Peanut butter & crackers
• Fruit
• Veggies
• Yogurt

This Ham & Egg burrito is also a very simple recipe. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a hot pan. Cook half of a white onion, chopped until it’s clear. Add chopped sandwich ham to warm up. In a mixing bowl, whisk two eggs together and pour into hot pan with the ham and onion. Once the egg is scrambled, remove the mixture and put in the middle of a large flour tortilla. Add shredded mexican cheese to the top and fold the burrito. Serve or add to hot pan to sear the opening of the burrito.

Half-time Snacks

• Water!!!
• Bananas (sliced)
• Orange slices
• Grapes
• Apple wedges

What’s in your post-game snack bag? This one includes water, banana, string cheese, dried fruit roll up & applesauce.

Post-Game Meals or Snacks

• Chocolate milk
• White milk
• Gatorade
• Fresh or frozen fruit
• Dried fruit, including roll-ups
• Granola bars (low in calories and sugar)
• Oatmeal Cookies
• Peanut Butter Crackers
• Yogurt
• String cheese
• Popcorn, pretzels, baked chips
• Trail mix with dried fruit

What do you like to give your athletes before, during and after a big game or practice?