No matter the time of year, the hustle and bustle of everyday life sometimes gets in the way of all of us for truly healthy eating.
When you are a young athlete the importance of what you eat cannot be understated.
All Star cheer practice takes a lot of energy.
Between stunts, tumbling, jumps, and dance sections, your body works hard, and it needs fuel to keep up.
Eating the right snacks at the right times can make a big difference in how strong, focused, and energized you feel.
The good news is that it does not have to be complicated.
With a little planning, you can fit in healthy snacks before or even during practice so you stay fueled without feeling too full or weighed down.
The first thing to think about is timing.
If you have at least an hour or more before practice, you can eat a slightly larger snack. This gives your body time to digest and turn food into energy.
If you only have about 30 minutes, then choose something lighter and easier to digest.
During practice, if your coach allows it, you can grab a quick bite or sip to keep energy up.
The key is balance: enough fuel to help you perform, but not so much that your stomach feels heavy.
Before practice, some great snack options include fruit paired with protein.
For example, an apple with a small packet of peanut butter is a quick and balanced choice.
Grapes or a banana with a string cheese stick also work well.
If you like something crunchy, try whole grain crackers with hummus.
Yogurt with granola is another smart option, giving you both protein and carbs for energy.
If you’re rushing from school to practice and don’t have much time, lighter snacks are best.
A granola bar with simple ingredients, a handful of pretzels, or a piece of fruit can give you fast energy without sitting too heavily in your stomach.
Dried fruit, like raisins or dried cranberries, is easy to pack in your cheer bag and can be eaten quickly in the car.
During practice, you probably won’t want to stop for long, but it’s still possible to fuel up.
Practice for any sport can last several hours, so a quick energy boost can be helpful.
Small items like orange slices, a handful of trail mix, or even a squeeze applesauce pouch can be eaten in a short break.
These give you quick carbs, which your muscles use right away.
Water is also important — bring a full bottle and sip often. Dehydration can make you tired and unfocused.
It also helps to prepare ahead.
Pack your cheer bag with snacks the night before, so you are not stuck grabbing candy or chips when you’re in a rush.
Choose snacks that travel well, like nuts, granola bars, or fruit.
Keeping healthy options ready makes it much easier to stay on track.
The best snacks are ones that give you lasting energy, are easy to eat on the go, and don’t upset your stomach.
By planning ahead and listening to your body, you can make healthy snacks a regular part of your cheer routine – a part that will allow you to feel stronger, recover faster, and perform your best at every practice!
