It’s the morning of competition day. You wake up and think of the day ahead of you. You’ll likely be performing at least five separate times with some rounds right after the next and others with a five-hour gap. There’s so much to do, and you're anxious to get started, but in all of the excitement, you must remember to eat. It's easy to forget this small but crucial part of the day, especially with no appetite, but a square meal to start the day is just what your body needs to dominate the baton twirling competition. Here are some helpful tips from the experts at Star Line:

Eat Something Familiar: This is not the day to revamp your diet and be a health goddess with acai bowls and carefully measured almonds. You should be eating healthy regularly, but massive diet changes can wait until after competition day. You want to eat something you know you like to start your day. Also, this is not the day to be overly adventurous because nothing will put more of a damper on your day than food that might make you nauseous. Keep it simple.

The Best Time to Eat: Normally, you don’t need to know or care about how long digestion takes, but being aware of this process is beneficial when timing your meals. You know how after drinking a large amount soup or other liquids your stomach might feel sloshy? That’s because it’s still digesting. The same applies to food. If you eat a large meal (especially a fatty one) right before you twirl, you may feel a little heavier and slower. Meals take about 2-4 hours to digest, so eat well before you compete followed by small snacks throughout the day.

Examples of What to Eat: On competition day you want food that will give you the energy you require, so break out the carbohydrates and the protein. Foods like fruits, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain cereals, and potatoes are great examples of healthy things to eat before you compete. Don’t forget the small, healthy snacks and to drink plenty of water.

Remember not to let pre-performance nerves keep you from nourishing your body. Make eating a healthy breakfast part of your competition ritual, and know that you are ready and energized for all of your baton twirling routines.

Posted: 5/17/2017