In the sport of baseball, one of the biggest factors is endurance and staying mentally sharp during long games. Nutrition can play a big role in helping to keep your head in the game all season long. 

To get nutrition on your side it is important to get in control of your energy levels and nutrient timing. For this reason, dugout snacks are highly recommended! These snacks should include a fast-digesting carbohydrate and a source of protein. Carbohydrates are going to be important for providing continuous energy through your long games. Proteins will help with slowing the digestive process and keeping you feeling full longer to avoid over-snacking. Listen to your body and eat when you are feeling hungry, this will likely be every 2-4 hours. 

Eating regularly and snacking during games is going to help keep your blood sugar levels consistent. If you don’t eat consistently, you will end up on an energy roller coaster! Long periods without eating will leave you feeling slow, sluggish, and not performing at your best. We often compensate for this feeling by overeating at our next meal and are riding an energy high that will soon end in another crash. Since baseball games are so long, it is important to eat consistently leading up to the game, as well as during so you can avoid ever stepping on this roller coaster. 

Some good dugout snacks include: 

- Fresh fruit 

- Applesauce 

- Fruit snacks 

- Pretzels 

- Goldfish

- Trail mix 

- Granola bars 

- PB&J 

- Beef jerky 

- Sports drinks 

-ENRG Bites from All Around Snack Co. 

If you are a baseball player feeling overwhelmed by performance nutrition or uncertain how to fuel for your long days, scheduling a consult with one of our dietitians would be a great idea!