Even bodybuilders deserve to enjoy something brought on Halloween or special events—or maybe just want to instantly snatch something of your kid’s trick-or-treat while he/she is at school.
If taking a between-meal treat and not feeling guilty is your objective, which items make the top list? We turned to sports dietitians from all over the country, as they have some favorite must-haves in their field.
1. Peanut M&Ms
Based on the MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, sports dietitian of the 2020 Super Bowl Champs Kansas City Chiefs and owner of Active Eating Advice by Leslie, “Bodybuilders should take an adequate amount of protein but also have enough carbs in your diet to facilitate muscle protein synthesis”. Fat also affects mouthfeel and satiety by giving a constant energy release while you lift. As such, it’s okay to eat Peanut M&Ms because they provide just a small amount of sweetness with salty crunch of peanuts for a treat that is both crunchy and loaded with nutrients. Also, you have the opportunity to take long pauses between each bite which will satisfy you.
Per 2 snack size packets: 180cal, 10g total fat, 3g protein, 20g total carbs, 1g fiber, 18g total sugar.
2. Reeces PB Chips
As Amy Goodson, a MS, RD, CSSD, LD, a sports dietitian and an author of the Sports Nutrition Playbook, puts it: “you can satisfy your cravings without breaking your calorie bank and a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup does just that much”. Goodson suggests buying them individually wrapped, which you can find around Halloween time, to eat just one portion or “cup
Per snack size peanut butter cup (10.5 oz): 110 calories, 6 grams total fat, 2 grams protein, 12 grams total carbs, less than 1 gram fiber, 11 grams total sugar.
3. Gummy Worms
“Gummy worms are a fueling secret for cyclists at endurance activities due to the fact that they are ingested quickly and digested with high speed,” says Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, a registered dietitian, and author of Healthy One Pan Dinners. “However, since bodybuilders can also benefit from cross-training, take a couple of gummy bears before your next
Per 3 pieces: 100 calories, 0 g total fats, 1 g protein, 13 g sugar.
4. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Along with Angelo White, this recipe is sweet and salty, however, still keeping in the calorie budget. Served with under 18 calories each as well as 50% fewer sugars per serving; chocolate-covered pretzels is probably the best choice you can have among candies.
Per 1 ounce (about 8 pieces): 130 calories, 5 g total fat, 2 g protein, 20 g total carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 11 g of total sugar.
5. Mr. Goodbar
“Hence Mr. Goodbar provides the quick energy from the chocolate together with the slow releasing energy from the nuts,” states Bonci. Moreover, being a one-pack bar with four 4.4 ounce blocks, you can either break them into two halves for pre-and post-workout snack, or add a little sweetness to meals.
Per 1 block (4.4 ounce bar): 160 calories, 10 g of total fat, 3 g protein, 17 g total carbs, 1 g fiber, 15 g total sugar.
Being a bodybuilder doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on some of your favorite snacks, so feel free to indulge and also keep moderation in mind.
