What athletes eat can have effects on game-day performance. Carb-loading, however, is not a beneficial strategy for everybody. Loading up on carbs has both its pros and its cons for different athletes. With this in mind, we have put together our game day nutrition general list of some foods to consider before, during, and after a game.

Because a game usually lasts longer than an hour of strenuous activity, it is recommended that you eat some type of snack or meal before your game. Aim to have a snack or a small meal 1 to 3 hours before your game. This will give your body enough time to digest any foods before the game.

You can have tummy troubles or GI discomfort if you chow down right before. These competing demands can become a challenge for optimal performance.

Carbohydrates provide the primary fuel for exercising muscles. Athletes should focus on eating carbs, which are broken down in the small intestine. As mentioned before, having food during exercise may result in stomach cramps.

See more hydration tips for athletes. Understand the role of carbs. Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for the brain, red blood cells and muscles during moderate to high-intensity exercise. The body's stores of carbohydrates are limited, so it is necessary to consume enough carbohydrates daily, as well as just before exercise.

Athletes who train multiple times per day or who participate in frequent endurance activity cross-country running, swimming, etc. To determine weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2. Eating well isn't just for game day. While athletes may pay special attention to nutrition right before a big game, a consistently healthy diet is essential to get the most out of training all season long.

Learn more about effective sports nutrition. What to eat for breakfast on game day Breakfast is an opportunity to start game day right. A winning breakfast may include: Whole grain cereal, low-fat milk, sliced strawberries Greek yogurt with blueberries and a sprinkle of granola Eggs, whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a fruit smoothie Oatmeal topped with chopped almonds and sliced bananas Pre-game meal ideas Athletes should eat a balanced meal containing carbohydrates, protein, and fruit or vegetables hours before game time.

Pre-game meals may include: Whole wheat chicken sandwich with vegetables Brown rice, salmon and roasted vegetables Whole wheat turkey wrap with vegetables and hummus Whole wheat pasta with sauce, grilled chicken and vegetables Healthy pre-game snacks Athletes can eat a light snack minutes before game time.

Optimal pre-game snacks for athletes include: Fruits Homemade energy bar Whole wheat toast with almond or peanut butter Whole grain crackers with cheese Hummus with whole grain crackers How to fuel during a game The most important nutritional factor during exercise is to stay hydrated.

Post-game food to help athletes refuel Nutrition after competition is just as important as fueling up before and during games. Healthy snack options after exercise include: Fruit smoothie with Greek yogurt Cottage cheese with berries Apple and string cheese Banana with almond or peanut butter Greek yogurt topped with granola or fruit Chocolate milk Homemade protein bar One to three hours after a game, athletes should eat a balanced meal that contains carbohydrates, protein, vegetables or a fruit.

Healthy post-game meal ideas include: Turkey chili with whole wheat roll Baked chicken with quinoa and vegetables Whole grain turkey sub with vegetables Beef burrito on whole wheat tortilla Chicken stir-fry with brown rice Whole wheat toast with eggs and fruit What to eat before a tournament Athletes headed into a long tournament, which can include multiple games over one or two days, need to make meal planning a priority.

Consider the following snacks between tournament games: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread Turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread Pretzels or whole grain crackers with nut butter Fresh fruit and beef or turkey jerky Chocolate milk or Greek yogurt cups Learn more The dietitians at Children's Health Andrews Institute can help athletes reach peak performance through meal planning before, during and after game day — and all season long.

Thank you! You are now subscribed to the Performance Playbook newsletter. Sign up for Performance Playbook Receive the latest advice from our orthopedic and sports performance specialist -- right in your inbox. Specialties Sports Medicine Meet Our Team Sports Medicine Locations News and Updates Sports Medicine Conditions Sports Medicine Services Sports Medicine FAQs Sports Medicine Articles Resources For Providers Sports Medicine Research Sports Medicine in Schools and Organizations Information for Coaches Sports Medicine Internships Sports Medicine Resources Sports Medicine Articles 8 Signs Your Child's Knee Needs To Be Examined ACL Injuries in Children and Adolescents Allowing Youth Sports to be Child's Play Antibiotic Resistance Are You Prepared for Your Sport?

Breaking Stride Can I Go Back In Yet? Is Your Rotator Cuff A Sore Subject? Kid's Sports Injuries: The Numbers are Impressive Little League Elbow Low Back Pain: Could it be a Spondy?

Making Healthy Choices on the Road Mouth Guards in Sports: A Necessary Piece of Equipment New Guidelines: Sports and Energy Drinks Osteochondritis Dissecans Let's Play Ball Preventative Measures for Asthmatic Athletes Promoting Youth Fitness Scapular Dyskinesis Somatic Dysfunction Sports Safety Stocking a Medical Kit STOP THE MADNESS - How to be a Good Fan Strength Training for Children Strength Training with a Limited Budget Stretching Stretching for Swimmers Swelling: The Body's Reaction to Injury Swimming with a SICK Scapula Shoulder Blade The ABCs of Blister Care The Sprains and Strains of Sporting Injuries Tips for New Runners: How Much is Too Much?

To Tape or to Brace