Game Day Fueling Plan for Athletes (2024)

The night before

  • Eat a high carbohydrate meal and be sure to drink plenty of fluids
  • Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep

Teriyaki chicken rice bowl

Spaghetti and meat sauce

Soft tacos

1-2 cups brown rice 1-2 cups whole wheat pasta 3-4 whole wheat tortillas
4-6 oz chicken 1 cup spaghetti sauce 1-2 cups rice
Mixed vegetables 3-4 oz lean meat 3-4 lean ground meat or grilled chicken
Low fat milk Italian bread Beans
Salad with low-fat dressing Cheese
Corn, lettuce, tomato

Evening Snack

  • Peanut butter sandwich
  • Low-fat popcorn
  • Yogurt parfait
  • Pretzels with string cheese
  • Cereal with milk
  • Trail mix
  • Granola bar
  • Banana and peanut butter

4 hours Pre Game

  • Eat a meal high in whole grain carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fat.
  • Be sure to have at least 20 ounces of fluids

Grilled chicken

Grilled fish Sandwich
3-4 oz grilled chicken 3-4 oz grilled fish 3-4 oz ham, turkey, chicken or roast beef sandwich on whole wheat bread
Sweet or baked potato with toppings of choice (watch high fat choices) 1-2 cups mashed potatoes Baked lays or pretzels
1 cup vegetables 1 cup vegetables

1 hour Pre Game

  • Be sure to have snack high in carbohydrate
  • Avoid foods that are high in protein or fat (they take a while to digest and may upset your stomach)
  • Drink another 8-10 oz of water
  • Ideas for snacks:
  • Peanut butter sandwich
  • Pretzels or crackers
  • Fruit
  • Granola bar

Game Time

  • Try to drink 4 oz of fluid every 15-20 minutes of participation
  • For continuous activity lasting longer than 60 minutes drink 20-32 oz of a sports drink for every hour of exercise to keep fuel stores and electrolytes balanced

For optimal performance, remember the three R’s:

Refuel,Rehydrate,Replenish

Post-Game

  • Refuel as soon as you able after exercise; within 15-60 minutes is optimal
  • Have a snack within 15-60 minutes and a well-balanced meal 1-2 hours following exercise

Roast beef

Grilled chicken sandwhich Whole wheat pasta
1-2 cups brown rice 1-2 cups whole wheat pasta 3-4 whole wheat tortillas
4-6 oz chicken 1 cup spaghetti sauce 1-2 cups rice
Mixed vegetables 3-4 oz lean meat 3-4 lean ground meat or grilled chicken
Low fat milk Italian bread Beans
Salad with low-fat dressing Cheese
Corn, lettuce, tomato

Consult your primary care physician for more serious injuries that do not respond to basic first aid. As an added resource, the staff atNationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicineis available to diagnose and treat sports-related injuriesfor youth or adolescent athletes. Services are now available infive locations. To make an appointment, call (614) 355-6000orrequest an appointment online.

Game Day Fueling Plan for Athletes (2024)
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