Why are basketball players sloppy eaters?

Because they’re always dribbling!

Keep yourself energized. Make sure to eat before and after exercise.

Eating a meal two to four hours before an event:

• Fuels the muscles and body
• Prevents hunger during exercise
• Helps prevent injury related to dehydration or lack of energy
• Helps kids continue to grow and develop

Fuel Up Before the Game

Have a light meal so it can be digested easily. The pregame meal should include a variety of foods but focus on carbohydrate-rich food such as bread or pasta. Make sure to include grains, fruits and vegetables in the meal. Drink plenty of fluids.

Example of a Pregame Meal:

• Glass of skim milk
• Small piece of baked chicken
• Grapes
• Two slices of bread with butter/margarine

(Approximately 500 calories)

What to Eat After the Game

What you eat after a game can affect your recovery. Drink plenty of fluids along with food after activity. Eating a post-game meal replenishes your glycogen and also rehydrates your muscles. (Glycogen is made up of glucose, which is used as energy in your body.) This is most effective within
four hours after an event.

Sample Menus — Post-game Meals:

• Fruit such as bananas, oranges, apples, kiwi, individual servings of canned fruit, dried fruit and fruit juice
• Protein foods such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter sandwich or lean meat sandwich on whole-wheat bread with lettuce and tomato
• Carbohydrate-rich foods such as breakfast cereal
• Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, fat-free milk and low-fat string cheese

PBJ Waffle Sandwiches

Makes four servings. Each serving has 390 calories, 60 grams (g) carbohydrate, 15 g fat, 5 g fiber and 514 milligrams sodium.