What you eat before a softball game will have significant impact on how you perform on the field. An experienced athlete knows the importance of focusing on what a pre-game meals contains, to help maximise their energy levels and performance.
Delicious pre-game snacks to help you smash it on the softball field!
A healthy snack before a big softball game provides a final opportunity to top up the fuel stores in your muscles and liver. A high carbohydrate, low fat snack is the best choice. Ideally, a snack should be consumed 1-2 hours before the game, to allow time for it to be digested.
Carbohydrates, fat and protein
Carbohydrates are the key ingredient in a pre-game snack. Not only are carbs the body’s main source of energy, but are also digested faster than fat and protein, making them perfect before exercise. Some basic carb sources include toast, pasta, bananas, rice or potatoes. You should include a small amount of fat and protein as well. Your carb choices may already provide some fat and protein, but the main consideration is to make sure the amounts consumed fit into your daily nutritional intake guidelines.
Drink before and during a softball game
Keeping well hydrated is just as important. Stick to plain water, 100% fruit juice or sports drinks, avoiding anything that contains caffeine.
Pre-game snack ideas
- Bagels with low fat cream cheese and salmon
- Low fat yoghurt with fruit and nuts
- Cereal with low fat milk or yoghurt
- Toast, muffins or crumpets with a small amount of honey or jam
- Fruit smoothie
- Tinned spaghetti on toast
- Sandwiches with low fat fillings
- Fresh or canned fruit
- Pasta or rice with low fat sauces
Whatever you choose, make sure you try it first during training; never try something new just before a big competition or important softball game.
