Meal-Prepping for Race Day: Three Foods That Will Fuel the Body
The big day has finally arrived.
Over the last few months, you have spent hours in the pool perfecting your strokes, turns and dives for this moment.
And now it’s time to compete.
While training is crucial for high-performance, so is maintaining a healthy and complete diet.
Especially when it’s competition day.
So, here are 3 foods you can use to fuel your body on race day.
1. Peanut Butter Toast
Photo Courtesy: Paeton Lesser
Growing up, this was a favorite of mine. Pairing nicely with a smoothie or a banana and yogurt as well, peanut butter toast is a great example of what to eat the morning of competition.
The complex carbohydrates and easily digestible protein will provide you with the fuel you need to sustain a long day at the pool without making you feel queasy.
On top of this, I also found peanut butter toast (especially when accompanied by a mango smoothie) was something I could still stomach before a competition, even when the nerves hit.
2. Pasta Salad
In addition to proper hydration, a whole grain pasta salad with some of your favorite vegetables can be a great midday snack.
And if you prefer to meal-prep before the big weekend, pasta salad is something that can be easily made beforehand and eaten as leftovers throughout the meet.
But of course, remember not to overeat and to make sure you leave a proper amount of time in-between races for digestion.
Because the last thing you want to be worrying about before a big race is your stomach.
3. Chicken, Rice, and Your Favorite Veggie
Photo Courtesy: Paeton Lesser
Replenishing and refueling your body’s nutrients after race day are just as important to your recovery as your cool down (despite what some swimmers may say about it).
Consuming a lean piece of chicken with a side of rice or potatoes, and your favorite vegetable are a great way to get the nutrients you need to recover and prepare for another day of competition.
And drinking a glass of water with this will go a long way in helping to recharge your body.