6 foods for halftime refueling

By Joe Frollo | Posted 4/3/2015

Competition can be draining, physically as well as mentally. Sometimes, athletes need a quick pick-me-up during the break to get them ready for second half.

Look for foods that are rich in good carbohydrates to replenish what is lost during those first two quarters. Even the best pregame meal can be burned away, leading to fatigue and a decline in performance.

Avoid foods that are high in fat (candy bars), fiber (granola bars) and protein (nuts). Those slow down the digestive process.

Brett Singer of Stack.com offered six options for healthy halftime snacks that offer the boost athletes need to finish the game.

  • Fruit. Bananas, oranges, pineapple and berries are light options packed with carbs.
  • Applesauce. A half cup of applesauce provides 30 grams of carbs.
  • Dried fruit. Dates, raisins and dried cranberries offer a carb punch in small doses.
  • White bread or bagel. Whole grains are better for daily nutrition but are higher in fiber and harder to digest. White bread breaks down quicker and is less likely to lead to an upset stomach. Add jelly or honey if desired.
  • Gels. These products are high in sugar and not good for an everyday part of a healthy diet, but they get the job done during competition. Drink water alongside the gel to help avoid potential tummy aches.
  • Sports drinks. Two in one when it comes to carbohydrates and hydration. Twenty ounces of a sports drink provides approximately 30 grams of carbs.
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