Snacking in a Hurry

Grab ‘N Go Foods for College Athletes

By Noah Fisher|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on January 27, 2022)

Food can become a significant stressor for college students, especially student-athletes. Finding time for meals and making sure the meals are giving all the nutrients necessary is challenging, to say the least. We're here with five of the most convenient foods for an athlete to make and eat.

1. Eggs: There is nothing simpler and more filling than cracking an egg open, cooking it, and scarfing it down. Eggs are great because they provide protein and allow you to add some variety to your dish: veggies, dairy, sausage, you name it. This versatile food is perfect for athletes on the go. If you want to be really thrifty, boil a pot of eggs over the weekend. Hard-boiled eggs stay good in the fridge for 7 days, so you only have to cook once, and you'll have a snack for every day of the week!

2. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is among the most nutrient-dense foods available. High in carbs, fiber, and protein, oatmeal gives athletes the perfect combination of what they need to get the day started. Just add some fruit on top for a sweet finish! You could even make them the night before as overnight oats – no cooking involved!

Related: Dorm-Friendly Protein Oatmeal

3. Greek Yogurt: The rich flavor of Greek yogurt is a clever facade for its lower sugar content. This makes it a healthy and tasty choice for athletes looking to grab something in a hurry. High in protein and calcium, Greek yogurt also helps to improve bone health, and overall wellness.

4. PB&J Sandwich: A packed-lunch classic, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches prove to be an excellent choice for athletes. The high protein and plant-based fats allow athletes to feel full and promote the building of muscle. Furthermore, the simple sugar from the jelly allows a short burst energy for the athlete to run to their next practice.

5. Nuts: While seemingly pretty boring, nuts are a great snack for athletes. Eating nuts has been shown to reduce the risks of high cholesterol and blood pressure while providing nutritious, high-calorie snacks athletes can enjoy in a pinch. They can even be tossed into a snack mix or on a salad!