Quick Meals Pre-Ice Time

A pre-game/practice meal is obviously a necessity. But following the pasta and chicken trend that has been set forth as the go-to meal for hockey players can stick you with more than pre game jitters. It’s a heavy meal, that might work for some but not for others. I find that I’m not too hungry before hitting the ice but ravenous afterwards. Not to mention as a recreational player, my ice time usually falls before noon. Chicken and pasta at 9 am doesn’t exactly make an appealing option. Here are some of my favorite easy options to chow on before you take the ice!

Running late? Here’s a quick to make perfect smoothie while en route to the rink!

1 container Muscle Milk Light (vanilla or chocolate) or 2 scoops Muscle Milk Light powder  * I’ve also subbed other protein powders and 1 cup milk of choice (I like almond) to mix it up a bit.
4 frozen strawberries
1 banana

Toss in a blender for 30 seconds. A perfect smoothie while en route to the rink!
Frozen strawberries are fairly inexpensive by the bag at places like Walmart or even the Whole Foods 365 brand. If strawberries aren’t your fruit of choice, peaches and blueberries work really well too.

It’s freezing outside and the rink is probably warmer than the trek to get there. The thought of an ice cold smoothie is worse than your Original Six team rival winning the Stanley Cup. Oatmeal is the way to go.

½ cup dried instant oats (makes 1 cup prepared with water)
1 tbs dried cranberries
¼ cup fresh fruit (blueberries are my favorite)
A splash of milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc etc etc
½ tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Brown Sugar

Follow the instructions for the oatmeal usually ⅔ cup water to ½ dried oats; microwave for 2 minutes. Then add the rest, stir and enjoy. It’s a great breakfast even if you aren’t heading to the rink.

Finally the most adventurous option stems from a Euro trip. It sounds awful, but I promise it’s pretty delicious.

1 slice Wheat Bread toasted
2 tbs Jam
½ avocado sliced
Spread the jam on your toast, then top with sliced avocado. It’s nutritious, filling and I promise really good!