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5 Healthy Eating Tips for Athletes

The holidays are quickly approaching and with them a whole menu of seasonal favorites. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and Christmas cookies are just a few of the forerunners. 

Proper nutrition is a key component of the CrossFit method and during the holidays many athletes find themselves struggling to find a balance between over-indulging, under-indulging, and maintaining a diet that supports high-intensity training. Here are some common mistakes and helpful tips to arm yourself with this holiday season to keep your fitness journey on track. 

1. Don’t “Save Up” for a Big Meal

Skipping meals or snacks in the days leading up to a holiday is a common tactic people use to justify a big meal. This often leads to binge eating and a restricting diet in the following days. As an athlete, this method spells disaster for your training. Low energy from poor nutrition will cause low energy, intensity, and endurance as well as a slower recovery time which could compromise your consistency. Instead of “saving room” for your holiday feast, eat as you normally would – this includes a proper breakfast! You can easily overcome feeling a little full at the end of dinner with a workout the next day. 

2. Don’t Mindlessly Eat Sugary Snacks 

Go ahead and eat the cookie. It’s the holidays and you’re allowed to enjoy a sugary treat, but if you find yourself reaching for the cookie tin again and again, check in with yourself. You could be craving sweets due to a carb deficit or dehydration. Practice proper nutrition and hydration throughout the day, and you’ll be less likely to over-indulge when the desserts are brought out. 

3. Load Up on Veggies

Go for green. Snack on a veggie platter before the big meal or choose a second helping of green beans over stuffing.

4. Out of Sight, Out of Mind.

It’s hard to escape a holiday spread, but if you feel yourself getting full, try to remove the food or yourself. When food is visible you can eat more than double what your body is used to. If keeping the dishes out of sight is an option, it’s a great way to avoid over-indulgence and next-day sluggishness. 

5. Prioritize Your Workout 

Between travel, family, and food, it is easier to push your workout to the back burner during the holidays. Rather than looking at gym time as another item on a growing to-do list, see it as a chance to recenter and recharge for the holiday festivities. Even if you can’t meet your normal activity levels, carving out time to work out during the holidays will allow you to enjoy the food and downtime, and get back to the grind in time for the New Year!

For more tips on holiday nutrition for athletes, visit Holiday Nutrition for Athletes from Kelly Jones Nutrition or The Athlete’s Top 11 Tips for Holiday Eating by Race Smart. Have your own method for conquering the holidays? Share it on Facebook or Instagram and tag us @crossfitgettysburg to start the conversation. 

Beginning June 15, our KidsFit classes are coming back! KidsFit is designed to instill a lifelong love for fitness into young athletes. Within our classes, we help our athletes learn to move their bodies in space, build a foundation of core strength, coordination, and flexibility, and most importantly, have fun! The class is open to kids ages 6-13. Summer sessions will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. Our classes are one hour and follow a schedule of a 10 minute warm-up/game, 10-15 minute strength/accessory skill work, a 5 minute workout explanation, and a 20-25 minute WOD (workout of the day!). Athletes are also taught the importance of nutrition, sleep, hydration, and stretching. If you have any additional questions or need assistance enrolling email crossfitgettysburgkidsfit@gmail.com.

Classes will be taught by Coach Sarah. She has her B.S. in Exercise Science and her M.S. in Adapted Physical Activity. She’s currently a special education teacher and loves to instill a love for fitness in young athletes.

Cost is once a week is $65/month or $80/month for twice a week.

If you have any additional questions or need assistance enrolling email crossfitgettysburgkidsfit@gmail.com.

Beginning June 12, Adams County will be in the green phase, which means we can officially reopen. We will have to limit each class to 12 people. You must register for each class. If you cannot attend anymore, we ask that you cancel ASAP to allow for someone else to take your spot.

We are now taking new athletes and are offering free foundations for anyone who commits to three months. If you know anyone who is interested, please have them email clay@crossfitgettysburg.com.

In order to follow CDC Guidelines, we will have disinfectant spray available throughout the gym and ask that you clean all equipment prior to and after you use it. This includes the rig, barbells, plates, collars, dumbbells, kettlebells, jump ropes, poker chips, markers, ab mats, yoga mats, the floor, and anything else you touch.

Beginning in June 2020, we will be offering new members who commit to three months, free foundations.

The CrossFit Program was developed to enhance an individual’s competency at all physical tasks. Our athletes are trained to perform successfully at multiple, diverse, and randomized physical challenges. Foundation courses are to help you learn each movement before beginning classes.

To learn more, click here.

Crossfit Gettysburg is pleased to announce the launch of our new website!