Healthy Fast Food Options For Athletes:
When you think of fast food, you might picture those golden arches high above. Places like McDonalds, Burger King, and Taco Bell are probably right around the corner from your practice facility. I have seen these following scenarios many times...
# 1: You finish a really hard workout, so it's off to celebrate with fries and a milkshake!!!
# 2: You are traveling (whether that is on vacation or to an away meet) and a fast food restaurant is the most convenient option on the route.
# 3: It is a multi-day event, the coach and athletes do not realize or plan for the late night schedule, and they end up having to go to a fast food restaurant for a late dinner between competition days.
By all means, enjoy life!!! If an athlete plans appropriately with a healthy balanced week of eating, and decides to indulge occasionally with some "joy calories", that is fantastic! Fast food gives you convenience, affordability, and can even build team camaraderie after a long practice. However, if an athlete is not strategic, and decides to consume fast food right before a competition or during prime time recovery period, this could be detrimental to performance.
Like I said before, it is completely normal to have fun foods, occasionally. Sometimes, the fruit cup just won't be satisfying enough and you will want the fries. Other times, you may be able to get by without eating that extra packet of chick fil a sauce to save on added calories/fat. It is all about finding that balance between feeling satisfied (joyful social foods) and feeling nourished (healthy whole foods).
If you do find yourself on line, here are some healthy options to consider:
-Opt for choices low in saturated fat, calories, and sodium
-Choose chicken instead of beef for a lower fat animal protein
-Grilled instead of fried for a lower fat option
-Baked potato instead of french fries
-If available ask for a whole wheat or whole grain bun without added butter
-Add a side salad with light or minimal dressing
-Water instead of sugar sweetened beverage
Another tip I like to tell my athletes is to pack plenty of healthy grab-and-go snacks for travel meets. That way, if there is a stop at a fast food restaurant, they could get plain grilled chicken at the restaurant to pair with their healthy snack sides (fruit/protein bar/greek yogurt/trail mix).
If you have any specific questions or would like help in brainstorming a perfect travel plan fit for you, please feel free to reach out. I would love to talk with you about how we could boost your athletic performance through simple nutrition changes.
