Nutrition for Athletes: Fuel your Body with Breakfast

Athletes are always hungry. They’re ravenous little fiends who seem to be perpetually preparing for hibernation. Part of this hunger comes from the relentless hours they spend practicing, but is also often a result of improper nutrition. The most important meal of the day is breakfast, so it’s crucial for athletes to start fueling their bodies the minute the hop out of bed. Whether you’re an athlete or a parent trying to keep them properly fed, here are some creative, delicious, and nutrient-packed breakfasts for athletes: 

  • Oatmeal: Oatmeal packs a ton of fiber and is a great source of carbohydrates. Add in milk and you get protein and calcium. Add banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chips: BOOM you’ve got potassium, more protein, and some chocolate just to keep you happy. Oatmeal is always delicious, but particularly great on those cold mornings when getting out of bed just seems a little too tough.
  • Smoothie: It’s not hard to power pack a smoothie with protein. Start with a base of Greek yogurt, milk, and maybe some whey protein powder. Add some frozen fruit to make your smoothie more like a milkshake and to give it some belly-filling fiber. Smoothies are a particularly great choice for the dog days of summer or for anyone living in a constantly hot climate
  • Parfait: Parfaits are a great way to combine three different essential food types: protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Start with Greek yogurt, which has more than twice the protein of regular yogurt, to keep your muscles strong. Next add in some fruit of your choosing to get in the fiber that will help keep you full. Lastly, top it with a deliciously crunchy layer of granola that has the necessary carbohydrates for long-lasting energy.
  • The Classic: Peanut Butter & Jelly is one of the most underrated foods. Ever. It’s delicious, it will take you back to the sweet days of your childhood, and it rocks in terms of nutrition. It’s got whole grains and carbs coupled with protein. Slice some banana on top to add some fiber and create the trifecta.

The most important thing to focus on is incorporating carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. The combination of these three nutritional powerhouses will be sure to keep any athlete full, energized, and ready to tackle the day.

 

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