Snack attack: Evaluating and rating snacks for athletes

摘要

Snacking has been described as the fourth meal, but for many athletes, snacking is also the fifth and sixth meals. Athletes often need extra calories and nutrients to support training and fuel competition and replace losses after a hard workout. Athletes should be encouraged to choose snacks that provide more than energy by selecting snacks that meet their nutritional needs and provide nutrients that may be lacking in their diets. This article reviews snacking and snacking occasions and suggests some snacks that might benefit athletes. Evaluation of snacks from fast-food and quick-service restaurants, energy bars, and weight-loss and weight-gain snacks is presented as well as the top 10 best snacks for athletes.