Athletes share favorite workout snacks

By: Duke Morisset

Staff Writer

UMW athletes shared which healthy snacks they eat when preparing for competitions.

“Clif bars, Muscle-Milk shakes and snacks like almonds, and trail mix are good ways to replenish lost electrolytes in games and practices,” said senior elementary education major and club softball player Shannon Kehoe. 

According to a Healthline article, “When you’re working out, your muscles use up their glycogen — the body’s preferred fuel source, especially during high-intensity workouts. After a workout, the body tries to rebuild its glycogen stores as well as repair and regrow those muscle proteins. Eating the right nutrients soon after you exercise can help your body get this done faster. It’s especially important to eat carbs and protein after your workout.”

Blake Johnson, a senior sociology major and president of the club softball team, prefers Gatorade protein bars, cashews and propel drinks for her pre-game snack cravings. 

“[These] energy drinks are my normal go-to’s,” said Johnson. 

Kehoe’s not a big fan of protein bars, but she is in favor of the Gatorade Energy gummies. 

“These were a good way to have some extra energy during games and practices. I personally am not on a strict diet but I definitely pay attention to what I’m putting in my body. I eat lots of fruits, vegetables and protein,” said Kehoe. 

Tyshaun Gaines, a senior music major and the vice president of the men’s club football team, chooses certain snacks to help him recover after playing a big game.

“Your body needs protein to heal and recover from exercise,” he said.

Gaines said that those who enjoy protein bars and shakes should make sure the snacks don’t have too much filler.

“Fillers can be a way food companies get their products to be more dense in weight, but the additives that are used in the fillers can prevent positive nutritional gains,” said Gaines. 

Pre-game and post-game snacks can have mental and physical benefits after athletes burn calories.

“Eating healthy is good as long as you remember that what you put in is what you are going to get out of it,” said Johnson.