Nutrition Tips during a Taper

As an athlete, good nutrition habits should always be a part of your daily lifestyle. The difference between a win and a loss could be good nutrition versus bad nutrition. If you fuel your body with processed foods full of sugars and chemicals, you probably aren’t performing as optimally as you’d like. Here are some tips to help you through a taper!

1.       Prioritize fruits and veggies

As always, fruits and veggies should be a part of your diet. It is especially very important during a taper. Plus, these options are typically low calorie and give you plenty of energy!

2.       Minimize processed foods

There is no worse feeling than being sluggish from overly processed foods. Whether it’s candy or fried foods, you will not be performing your best. During a taper, keep these types of foods to a minimum.

3.       Drink plenty of water

Water is SUCH an important part of a healthy diet. You should drink water throughout the entire day, at least 8 cups. You can even get water from other sources such as tea, coffee, and even your food.

4.       Bring snacks to the meets

You never know when hunger will strike, so it’s good to always bring snacks along with you. These items need to be convenient as you might not have access to a microwave or stove to prepare foods. Check out these great ideas for on-the-go foods!

5.       Eat during the meets

Swimming exerts a lot of energy and it’s imperative to stay fueled! The best time for a post-race snack is roughly 30-60 minutes afterwards. If time allows be sure to eat between meets for continuous vigor to take on the competition. 

Don't forget to bring these 10 things to each and every swim meet! The Team Meet Mat is a must have!