When it comes to traveling for tournaments and games, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often seem like a challenging task! But do not fear, we are here to guide you throughout Target USA CUP in hopes of fueling your body for success and keeping energy high during competition. In this blog, we will share mouthwatering recipes, valuable tips, and smart snack ideas that will empower you to make wise choices to thrive both on and off the field. Get ready to fuel up for the cup like never before!
Staff Recipes
Sara’s No Bake Protein Balls https://buildyourbite.com/energy-balls/
Ingredients: Protein Powder (Vanilla), Honey, Peanut Butter, Salt, Rolled Oats, Chocolate Chips
Step 1: add the peanut butter, rolled oats, honey, salt, chocolate chips and protein powder to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Stir with a rubber spatula to combine.
Step 3: Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
Step 4: Use a mini cookie scoop to drop balls of energy bite batter onto the paper.
If you do not have a mini cookie scoop, just use spoons.
You want balls around 1 inch in size.
Roll the energy balls with your hands to form the shape.
Step 5: Once you have put all of the batter on the baking sheet, place it in the fridge for one hour, or until the energy balls are firm to the touch.
Once set, serve immediately, or store for later!
Favorite Pre-Game Meals and Snacks
Twin Cities Rush Players: Protein and Granola Bars, Chicken, Fruit, Gatorade, Body Armour, and water!
Zara Jordan, Minnetonka United: Goldfish
Johnathon, Max, Alex, Gladiators from IL: Granola Bars and Bananas
Pre- Game Meals from the Pros
Dani Cameranesi Brodzinski: For me, it is best to keep things simple with chicken and pasta (no sauce) and a banana!
Jonny Brodzinski: Night before a game was gluten free pasta with meat sauce. When he got to the rink, Jonny would have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a banana before hitting the ice.
Tips for on-the-go snacks
Sara Soli recommends getting healthy snacks that are portable and easy to eat. The Soli family favorites include cheese sticks, beef jerky, yogurt, fruit, individual cups of peanut butter with whatever to dip!
How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
Sara: Drink water, water, and more water! Also, be mindful to arrange dinners as a team that will help all athletes fuel in-between games.
Dani Cameranesi Brodzinski: fruit will give you a lot of energy before games, I personally have clementines before games!
Easton Brodzinski: Get plenty of rest and allow your body to recover!
Kelli Goodrich: Make sure to drink lots of water! It is hot, and especially those coming from long flights, the plane can make you very dehydrated.
In the whirlwind of tournament travel, it is easy to overlook the impact of nutrition on an athlete’s performance. By consistently and consciously fueling our bodies with nutritious meals and snacks, we can reach new heights of athletic excellence. You can fuel yourself to excel on and off the field, and it starts with what you choose!