Nutritional Considerations

Eating on the Go

(NCAA website with information provided by Sportwell Nutrition and the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois)

Between early morning workouts, classes, weight lifting, and practice, it is hard to take the time to prepare meals or snacks, let alone sit down and eat. No matter where you are off to, you have time to grab a nutritious snack. The key is to plan ahead and be prepared. Whether you are in a hurry to go to a meeting or just want a snack for later, here are some nutritious ideas:

Snacks to throw in your backpack.   It’s a good idea to keep a stash of some of the following items in your room or kitchen to grab on the run:

  • Bagel
  • Dried Fruit
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Muffins
  • Trail Mix
  • Fig bars
  • Raw veggies
  • Low-fat cookies
  • Cereal
  • Popcorn
  • Graham crackers
  • Granola bar
  • Juice box
  • Raisin bread
  • Pretzels
  • Nuts
  • Cheese sticks 
  • Peanut butter crackers
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    Refrigerated Snacks.   The following items should be refrigerated. If that is not possible, keep them in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack:

  • Cottage Cheese
  • Fruit Fresh
  • Veggies
  • Milk
  • Bagel with Cream Cheese
  • Fruit Juice
  • Yogurt
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    Vending Machines.  Almost everywhere you go, you can find a vending machine. It is not always easy to find nutritious snacks, but some are better choices than others:

  • Rice Krispie Treats
  • Zoo Crackers
  • Chocolate Milk
  • Cheese Crackers
  • Peanut Butter Crackers
  • Pretzels
  • Graham Crackers
  • Dried Fruit
  • Juices