Competitions can be hectic and exhausting–especially for your students. To ensure a strong and healthy season, here’s a handful of meal and snack ideas.

Bring Your Own Food for Breakfast

Travel with a box of whole-grain cereal and portion it out into zip-lock bags for those early mornings. For some added protein, add to a container of Greek yogurt.

Make a Snack Tote

Between costumes and makeup, many students will forget to pack food. Pick up a tote at the dollar store and fill it with nonrefrigerated snacks, like whole-grain crackers, 100-calorie packs of nuts or granola bars, for your students to snack from.

Be Mindful of Portion Sizes

When eating out is the only option, have kids split an entrée or take half
of it to go.

Skip the Starchy Sides

Convention centers and theater concessions don’t always provide the healthiest options, so, if possible, tell your students to avoid ordering the french fries and opt for a side of vegetables or grilled protein. This will help keep energy high for those long performing days.

Stay Hydrated

Have your students pack a reusable water bottle when traveling. This is the easiest (and cheapest) way to keep the water flowing.