Snacks Before, During and After Swimming – What Do You Prefer?

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Open water swimmers often talk about food – what to eat before, during, and after a swim.

It could be a workout or a qualification swim; it could be a competition or a relay; it could be a solo channel crossing or an ice swim. Whatever the discipline, venue, distance, or conditions, food is an important element in every swimmer’s preparation and execution.

Some swimmers studiously avoid a major meal or any food at all before their swims; others prefer to be satiated (full). Some swimmers only take hydration during a marathon swim; others have all kinds of options and can tolerate consuming many calories during a swim. Some swimmers like homemade snacks; others prefer gel packs with specific formulations of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Some swimmers like sweet; some like bland. Some swimmers like crunchy; some like starchy. Some swimmers like to chew on things with texture; others like to suck and savor. Some swimmers hate getting something stuck in their teeth; others do not mind and gives them something to do while swimming. Some swimmers like chocolate; some prefer pasta. Some swimmers grab just one; some grab a handful. Some swimmers hire a nutritionist; others go by feel and change things up on a daily basis. Some swimmers never think of food during a swim; others cannot stop thinking of a post-swim meal.

There is no right answer that meets everyone’s needs and desires, but there are specific preferences for each individual.

Thrillist posted an American-centric list of the greatest snack foods, chips, and candies (see here and below) according to its editors. The Thrillist ranking had a number of products (sadly, almost 100%) that I have consumed in my all-too-unnutritious lifestyle. Admittedly, I have consumed many of these snack foods and candies in the oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers around the world, either during training or competition – or while serving as a kayaker, referee, official, volunteer, reporter, announcer, or administrator.

I have eaten Starbursts and chocolate chip cookies during SCAR in Arizona. I have thrown down a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup before swimming across Lake Windermere in England. I have gobbled a bunch of M&M’s in the Cayman Islands. I have survived on Snickers in Okinawa. I have chomped on Red Vines, Lays Potato Chips, Oreos, Gummy Bears, Rice Krispies Treats, Milky Way, and 3 Musketeers on escort boats across the Catalina Channel and Molokai Channel and on officials boats during FINA World Cup or Grand Prix competitions.

While I prefer anything with chocolate in, around, and near the water, I avoid chips unless they are accompanied by guacamole after a swim. I will take sweet over salty any day if it involves the open water.

But what are your favorites in, around, and near the water?

What do you prefer before, during, or after a swim?

Do you like chocolatey, gooey, goodness – or baked cheesy crunchiness?

Do you grab a handful of gummy bears, Jelly Babies or jelly beans?

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Snacks Before, During and After Swimming – What Do You Prefer?

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