Must-Make Easy Recipes for Game Day! (2024)

FAQs

What is a good finger food for a football game? ›

Nutrition for Athletes Before Game Time

“Eat a bigger meal with plenty of fluids, especially water,” says Turner. “An athlete's plate should be half full of starch, a quarter protein, and a quarter non-starchy vegetables. With more than 2 hours before game time, I suggest having a more substantial meal.

Nutritionists recommend a bigger meal with plenty of fluids like water for what to eat before a game. Your plate should be about half starches, a quarter protein, and a quarter non-starch vegetables. Pasta, rice, potatoes, grilled chicken, sandwiches, pork chops, green beans, and asparagus are all great options.

Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Bratwurst

We know that most people associate these three foods with baseball, but they are also a perfect football food. We think that as long as you can fire up the grill, you should fire up the grill as far into football season as you can.

Chicken wings are the most popular game day food in NFL cities during the season — with a 25% increase in average order volume on Sundays in the season compared to Sundays out of the season.

Choosing a variety of whole grain breads, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruits and vegetables ensures players are getting not only the carbs necessary to perform but also essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, which have a slew of important functions. In particular, these help to decrease inflammation and support recovery.

Granola bars, crackers, pretzels, and popcorn are crowd favorites and offer plenty of carbs for energ. Even some sweets, like fig bars, animal crackers, or oatmeal cookies can be good options. Look for lower-sugar snacks made with whole grains to give your child's sports team a nutritious treat.

Ideally, you can eat a banana 30 minutes to an hour before a football game to benefit from its easily digestible carbohydrates and electrolyte-balancing properties. The natural sugars in bananas provide a rapid energy boost, while the potassium content supports proper muscle function and hydration.

Eat a Good Breakfast

Oatmeal made with milk; last night's dinner leftovers; an egg sandwich; or a smoothie made with fruit, yogurt, and milk are all great breakfast choices.

What to cook for football team? ›

We're talking football favorites like tons of buffalo chicken recipes, never-ending party dips, and loaded nachos or cheese fries fit for a crowd! After all, everyone knows your Super Bowl party is only as good as what's on the food table.

Choose games that don't take a long time to play, unless you're sure everyone is going to spend the entire evening playing just one game. Games that take 20 to 40 minutes allow players to rotate players in and out, and offer everyone a chance to play, socialize, snack, and relax are a good choice.