Novice athletes often struggle with under-fueling their workouts, particularly when taking on a new challenge or athletic endeavor. So, I recently sat down with three members of the University of Arizona’s TriCats, to find out about how they go about consuming a healthy number of nutrients before, during and after their training.
Andrea Nunez-Smith explained that before a workout she typically consumes carbs, a bit of protein, and healthy fat, such as a banana with peanut butter. If Andrea has an extended workout, she will eat during her training session. This might include a gel or simple bar. Following workouts, she focuses on rehydrating while once again, consuming protein, healthy carbs and fats.
Andrea enjoys RBars because, “They provide a lot of great nutrients to keep one going through a workout and are great snacks to have on-the-go. I like the flavors they have to offer to their clients [customers] and they have very natural ingredients”. She continued explaining, “They help replenish lost fuel during and after workouts and help keep me going.”
I was curious as to how Andrea pushes herself to #DoMore and she said, “I #DoMore by pushing myself each day to be a better version of myself and by fueling my body smartly.”
Conrad has similar eating habits before, during, and after training, typically eating something easy and full of energy that does not upset his stomach. During training, he stays away from food such as rice cakes because, “They tend to fall apart on the rough roads here in Tucson [cycling]. Which is why RBars work perfectly during workouts; they’re quick and easy to consume with natural ingredients.”
Conrad explained, “The first thing I check before ingesting a food is what the ingredients are. The less the better, so of course, RBars fit right into that mold”. Along with being easy on the stomach, Conrad said that RBars are “bursting with flavor” and “provide energy when feeling sluggish”. As a member of the Tucson community, Conrad said, “One major perk is that my purchase of RBars benefits a local company!”
Before a workout, Kelly typically eats whole wheat toast with peanut butter, but does not eat duringworkouts. One exception includes a long endurance ride, in which she’ll eat a bar with natural ingredients. Following a workout, Kelly typically eats a smoothie or a veggie scramble. While choosing what foods to eat, she considers the ingredients list, always looking for a short list with natural ingredients, because eating heavily processed foods makes Kelly feel lethargic.
As a vegetarian, Kelly appreciates that RBar accommodates her lifestyle by offering vegan products. She explained, “RBars are a great go-to energy source because, they're easy to throw in my backpack on days when I have workouts and classes back to back!”
Lastly, I asked Kelly “How do you #DOMORE?”
She responded by saying, “I do more by trying to spend as much time outdoors as possible with other people. I try to be super productive at work and school so I can hit the trails or pool with friends or teammates!”
These three students are great examples of how nutrition impacts one’s ability to perform, train, and improve. It’s important to listen to your body and to explore new, healthy avenues of getting the nutrients that you need!
Let us know how you #DOMORE in the comments below. Thanks for reading!