How To Make Snacks For Track Meets

A bowl of beef jerky.

Image Credit: ELizabethHoffmann/iStock/Getty Images The ability to run track efficiently, whether in speed or endurance races, starts with sound nutrition. Consuming foods that help repair muscles while also providing energy can enable a track and field runner to prevent both injuries and burnout. Ideal snacks are those that combine proteins with carbohydrates and contain electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. Keep portions small so that you can refuel between races without being slowed down by a full stomach.

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Step 1

Pack organic peanut butter spread on whole-grain crackers. The peanut butter is easy to digest and contains protein, monounsaturated fats, potassium and magnesium. The whole-grain crackers contain energy-boosting carbs, fiber and sodium.

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Step 2

Consume beef jerky at the track meet. Beef jerky is pure protein, which can feed your tired and hungry muscles. Purchase snack-size bags or make your own by placing single servings in zipper-locked bags. Check the beef jerky package to determine a serving size.

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Step 3

Cool off with creamy yogurt or cottage cheese. These snacks require a cooler, but their nutritional value make the extra effort worth it. Inside each is protein, carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Step 4

Bake baby new potatoes the day before your track meet and refrigerate. Sprinkle the potatoes with salt before you leave for the meet and pack the salted potatoes in zipper-locked bags. Potatoes contain potassium, magnesium, iron and fiber, and the salt helps to restore your sodium levels.

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Step 5

Peel a banana to eat between races. Bananas contain carbohydrates and potassium, and they come in their own wrapper.

Step 6

Bring berries, apples and oranges. These fruits are easy to pack and contain natural sugar for energy and plenty of vitamin C, which helps with cell repair. Fresh fruit also contains water, which can help you to rehydrate.

Step 7

Drink water with your snacks. Staying hydrated can help your muscles perform more efficiently. Water also can help prevent injuries, such as pulled muscles, which can happen when you are dehydrated.

Things You'll Need

Peanut butter Whole-grain crackers Beef jerky Yogurt Cottage cheese Cooler Dry ice Baby new potatoes Salt Banana Berries Apples Oranges Water

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  references
  
      MSNBC: Weird Energizers: Runners Share 7 Secret Food Weapons
    
      Fitness Magazine: The Top 7 Foods For Runners
       




  references
  
      MSNBC: Weird Energizers: Runners Share 7 Secret Food Weapons
    
      Fitness Magazine: The Top 7 Foods For Runners
    




A bowl of beef jerky.

Image Credit: ELizabethHoffmann/iStock/Getty Images

Peanut butter
Whole-grain crackers
Beef jerky
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Cooler
Dry ice
Baby new potatoes
Salt
Banana
Berries
Apples
Oranges

Water

   MSNBC: Weird Energizers: Runners Share 7 Secret Food Weapons

   Fitness Magazine: The Top 7 Foods For Runners