By Tasija Karosas, Swimming World College Intern
Swimmers are hard workers. We practice for countless hour, we are pushed to our physical and mental capacity everyday, and on top of that we are expected to have energy for school, family, and a social life. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own swim lives trying to be the best in and out of the pool, we forget how much time and work our parents put in to help us achieve our goals.
One of the many ways our parents help us is by providing us with food! There is nothing like walking through the door after a long day of school and practice to the smell of a fresh and homemade meal. This is a luxury many college swimmers are not accustomed too but have learned to appreciate after they leaving for school.
Let’s dive in and see what home-cooked meals some college swimmers are thankful for.
1. Beef Chili
Now who does not like a big bowl of chili! Especially when it is your mom’s homemade chili. This special mama uses beans, vegetables, and beef as the base and tops it off with cheese and a side of toast to make it extra special. When you have four hungry mouths to feed what is easier and more delicious than a big pot of chili!
Favorite meal of: Jordan Surhoff– Baltimore, Maryland
2. Steak and Caprese Salad
In my family, my father always does the grilling but that is not the case in the Miles household! You can catch Mama Miles at the grill, cooking her steaks medium rare for her four athletic children. On the side, she serves a caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and avocado. From the words of her swimmer daughter Smacker Miles’ mouth– “I could eat this meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!”
3. Sweet Potato Pancakes
We are all thankful for dinners. When we walk through the door after a long day and the smell of food fills our nostrils, how can we not be thankful? But breakfast is the most important meal of the day and some parents go out of their way to make sure their kids are getting a nourishing breakfast. To start the day out fresh and energized, this father likes to cook his world-class sweet potato pancakes topped with fresh blueberries and pecans.
Favorite meal of: Remedy Rule– Crozet, Virginia
4. Rice Krispie Chicken
I know some of you may be wondering, “What in the world is Rice Krispie chicken?” Rice Krispie chicken is just chicken breaded with Rice Krispies! Interesting, right? We all have those weird but delicious family meals that we hold close to our hearts. If you are looking for another way to eat chicken, this is it. This special mama likes to make her Rice Krispie chicken with a side of asparagus and salad.
Favorite meal of: Brynne Wong– Newport Beach, California
Thank you to all the parents who make a conscious effort to provide hearty and healthy meals for their children! A big meal goes a long way, especially for a swimmer. And remember swimmers, don’t forget to thank you your parents after every meal!
Lupita Ayon Jorge Peña
Lene Jensen