PRE-EVENT MEAL & TRAVEL TIPS for ATHLETES
Across
- 1. When traveling _____ the most vital sports equipment, shoes, clothing, etc. into a carry-on travel bag to avoid lost luggage during airline travel
- 4. _____ sources prior to an event should be lean/low-fat and eaten in moderate amounts to limit slow gastric emptying and/or possibly abdominal cramps
- 8. Four hours or more prior to an event, _____ (or slow) glycemic-index carbs are recommended due to their slower absorption rate (& lower rise in blood glucose level) providing a longer, more sustained fuel source for the muscles
- 9. As the time frame for an exercise event becomes closer, the size, and the carb & calorie content of a pre-event meal should be _____
- 13. High _____ (or sodium) foods/beverages consumed in advance of exercise may benefit athletes prone to severe muscle cramping, but may also cause fluid retention and/or bloating
- 15. _____, palatable, and well-tolerated foods & beverages are best to consume prior to an important exercise competition
- 16. _____ and caffeine intake may possibly increase risk for hydration, especially during airline travel
- 17. Plan _____for out-of-town travel by researching in advance hotel accommodations, healthy restaurants, grocery stores, sporting goods shops, work-out facilities, etc. to provide for any exercise and/or nutritional needs that may be needed or forgotten upon arrival
- 18. The ACSM guideline for fluid consumption: Drink ~ 500ml of water or sports drink _____ hours prior to exercise, and then continue to sip on appropriate fluids until competition begins
Down
- 2. The macronutrient that is most important for consumption prior to competition to achieve optimal glycogen stores and a healthy blood glucose level is _____
- 3. Healthy sports _____, bars , gels, and/or beverages (or beverage packets) should be packed in advance when traveling to ensure availability of sports fuel products at the destination that are well-tolerated by the athlete
- 5. Number of days it takes for the circadian rhythm to adjust for each single time zone change during air travel
- 6. Possibly consider a _____ -type meal during air travel since it may likely be higher in carbs and lower in fat content, but would still provide healthy protein
- 7. Traveling _____ -ward across 3 or more time zones takes longer for adjustment and complete recovery than the opposite direction. (HINT: Human body clock has an endogenous circadian rhythm that is longer than 24 hrs making it more difficult to “shorten” the internal time clock than lengthen it)
- 10. Safety and ____ standards may vary significantly across the world increasing risk of potential diarrhea & dehydration – use caution!
- 11. High-fiber and gas-producing foods should be _____ in a pre-event meal to prevent potential gastric distress
- 12. The total _____ content of a pre-event meal is highly dependent on the size of the athlete, type & intensity of exercise performed, duration of the event, and time frame to the start of the event
- 14. Allow an appropriate amount of time (~ 2 weeks if possible) to _____to different altitude and/or heat conditions prior to out-of-town competition for optimal performance