Horse shows can be fun, tiresome, rewarding, and exciting. They also rev up my appetite BIG TIME. I find that after my class I am starving! It is like once the butterflies and nervousness subsides, whats left is starvation.
Eating poorly at horse shows is so easy to do. There might be vendors nearby or on the grounds that offer big, juicy burgers, tacos, and all the things we want to eat.
How can you eat healthy at horse shows? There are many ways to not only eat healthy, but save money on buying the expensive show food so you can stay on budget.
Here are a few tips to try at your next competition so you feel energized and don’t break the bank with all the unhealthy, expensive show food.
Keep in Mind the WHY
Why should you eat healthy? You’re burning calories like crazy, you’re tired, you’re starving, and you’ve got another three days of this. Remember that as a competitor you are an athlete. Loading your system with huge heavy meals, lots of sugar, alcohol, etc. can actually make you more tired and can kill your energy.
Also, having healthy snacks and lighter meals before you ride will help fuel the body and keep your mind clear and focused. Treat yourself like a competitor and athlete and eat like one too.
Bring Your Own
This is the easiest way to remove the temptation of buying expensive, unhealthy items at a horse show. I have found pre-made snack packs at Walmart and Target consisting of apples, nuts, a hard-boiled egg, string cheese, carrots and celery.
Or, try making your own snack pack. Bring a cooler to the chow and load it with string cheese, healthy snacks to grab when you’re hungry. Sandwiches and salads are also goof items to keep in your cooler.
Protein shakes and lots of water are also good items to keep in your cooler. They help hydrate and fuel your system throughout the day.
Other items to pack/try are:
- Deli meat, cheese, and crackers
- Fruits – apples, grapes, oranges, berries
- Chips and salsa, humus
- Protein bars
- String cheese
- Nuts – cashews or almonds (unsalted)
- Trail mix
- Yogurt
- And don’t forget the coffee☕☕☕
Choose Wisely
If I do grab an item from a horse show food vendor, I try to make a healthy choice. Yes, they might have some added items that aren’t the best for you, but chicken sandwiches, chicken salads, some of the breakfast burritos and other options are a bit healthier for you than lets say, cheese fries or nachos.
Choose wisely for the duration of the show, and treat yourself afterwards Click To Tweet
Treat Yourself (In Moderation)
Congratulations on a wonderful competition!
After the show is over, or on one of the nights near the end of the competition, I usually treat myself. We will go to dinner, have our customary end-of-show margarita and whatever “cheat” meal I want. This is an excellent way to wrap up the show with friends and family and reflect on the time all of you (including your horse) have spent together.
I don’t feel bad or guilty for this cheat meal because horse shows are hard work, and for the majority of the time I have made healthier choices. Keep in mind that choosing healthier foods is not punishment, it is a lifestyle. Your horse eats well and healthy and you need to do the same for optimal performance.
Happy showing!!