Five Snack Options for Student Athletes This Semester

August 30, 2024 · Read Time: 1 Min

All athletes require great nutrition to reach their potential on the field or court. The need for the right foods might be even more important for student athletes who have to balance their sporting pursuits with a rigorous academic schedule. When you add it all up, they are asking a lot of their minds and bodies each day, and only the right snacks for student athletes will keep them going.

Nutritious meals will be the foundation of their dietary plan, but the right healthy snacks for athletes also play a major role in this equation. By working with InReach to place the right snacks in the right places around campus, your athletes will never need to look far to get fueled up and ready to get back to work.

Five Healthy Snack Options for Student Athletes

  1. Greek Yogurt

A theme that runs through these snacks that you will quickly notice is the presence of plenty of protein. Getting enough protein to build and repair muscle is critical for athletes in almost every sport. It makes sense, then, to start our list with Greek yogurt, as it is packed with protein in addition to being delicious. Also, Greek yogurt is elevated with the addition of some fresh fruits, so it’s a natural place to toss in some strawberries or blueberries. Those berries taste great and deliver anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

  1. Peanut Butter and Banana

This is a classic quick snack option for athletes, and it is one that your student athletes have likely been enjoying since they were young. Peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats to the party, while the banana contributes quick energy in the form of sugar. There is also plenty of potassium in every banana to help muscle function and prevent cramps.

  1. Trail Mix

The portability and stability of trail mix make it a great on-the-go snack for any athlete. A small bag of trail mix can be tucked into a bag without any worries about it going bad, and when energy starts to dip, a few bites can provide a quick jumpstart. Depending on the specific blend of items in the trail mix, this is a snack that can offer protein, healthy fats, carbs, and a bit of salt.

  1. Hummus and Veggie Sticks

Another excellent way to consume plenty of protein in snack form, hummus is a delicious chickpea blend that is surprisingly filling. It’s also a great way to encourage your athletes to consume some fresh, raw vegetables, as carrot or bell pepper sticks are perfect for dipping into hummus.

  1. Protein Bars

While it is possible to get into a bit of dietary trouble with protein bars—some are little more than candy bars dressed up with extra protein—these can be a quality snack option for busy athletes when selected carefully. The key is to limit the amount of added sugar present in the bars you make available. Protein bars with minimal added sugar are great healthy vending machine snacks that will deliver plenty of energy in a compact, shelf-stable format.

Better Performance Is InReach

Is it an exaggeration to say that snacks for athletes could be the difference between winning a championship and coming up short? We don’t think so. The results athletes get are directly tied to the fuel that goes into their bodies day after day. Present the right snack options in a convenient manner and watch your teams and players thrive. Turn to InReach today to learn more.