When we have a track meet – we always are careful to pack healthy, nutritious, and filling snacks. It took us a few years of trial and error to find the perfect balance. I thought I would share our list with you. Feel free to tweek it for your families needs, and share your list! I get the joy of being a mom and a coach . On the days before a big race – my mom hat makes sure that we are prepared – because my coach brain often forgets to eat!
1 – Hard boiled eggs. These are a quick punch of filling protein, easy to cook the day before. We started peeling them, and bagging them as two packs to allow each athlete to grab and go.
2 – Cooked pasta. This is a quick carb grab. We find the athletes grab them around linch – or at the end of a long day. I pre-portion into quarter cups of cooked pasta. this keeps the amount they eat smaller – and allows us to know how much they ate.
3 – Cheese/Pepperoni/Cracker. Much like eggs and pasta – this is a quick hit of protein and carbs, and it allows an athlete (or a coach) to assemble a few – and walk away. I spend a little more and get the pre-sliced cheese just to make preparation a little smoother.
4 – Fruit and Veggies. I usually let the boys decide which they want. we try to have Apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and then cucumbers, celery and carrots. These are great for fiber to keep them full- sugar for some natural energy – and the bananas add potassium for cramping.
5- Nuts/nut butter. another quick hit of protein to help give energy and maintain fullness. We are cautious to be aware of our athletes allergies – but – our athletes are aware that we have nuts in our bag – and also – that our bag is a community bag – so – we often leave with no food left!
Grab the Printable shopping list!
6 – Water. We all have reusable water bottles – but on a track meet daywear do bring a case of water bottles. We bring them home to recycle – but there is not always a place to refill water bottles. Also, many track meets underprepared their concession stands.
7 – Cookies. I know, I know…cookies are to healthy. HOWEVER – as a coach I really enjoy when at the end of a long day my athletes grab a cookie and smile. Whether they won, lost, had a personal best, or tripped – they worked hard. I believe that a little something sweet and the smile it brings is worth it! also – see – stopping the guilt.
These are the snacks for track meets – specifically on long days/weekends. We pack all of this up into a few coolers, and grab bags of ice to keep it all cool. I bring a sharpie for labeling water bottles, a roll of paper towels, and a trash bag or two. This way when we leave – everything has a home.
What are your absolute favorites for sporting events that last all day?
Problem number one – The grocery store was out of spaghetti squash! so, I improvised and used squash noodles – zucchini, summer squash and butternut squash noodles! I baked them in the oven for just a few minutes – I wanted them to be warm when I added them to the butter!
Next I chopped the garlic, sage, and basil, and sprinkled the sea salt in. I started to melt the butter! This recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup of butter, I used that much, but, you could cut it back if butter is a problem for you.
Then I added the chopped ingredients into the butter. I let them sit on low for a few minutes.
