Eat for Performance
At Lamont, we’re all about the Graceful Pursuit of Becoming More—more alive in the moment, more unstoppable in our stride, more present in every play we make. If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines, heart pounding, boots gripping the field, teammates firing up the last-minute hype, you know that pursuit doesn’t begin when the whistle blows. It starts long before—sometimes days ahead—when you’re staring at a plate, a fridge, or a gas station snack run, deciding what’s going to power you through the sprints, the sweat, and the chaos of game day. What you eat isn’t just fuel; it’s a commitment to yourself and your team—a way of saying, “I’m showing up fully because we’re in this together.”
Why Fueling Matters
Life doesn’t hand out perfect conditions. Between late-night practices, early mornings, a packed work schedule, and everyday responsibilities, prepping for game day can feel impossible. We’ve all been there—rushing out the door, stomach growling, wondering if last night’s pizza will carry us through. Spoiler: it usually won’t. But here’s the truth we live by at Lamont—greatness doesn’t require perfection. It’s not about a gourmet meal plan or a personal chef. It’s about making intentional choices that match your effort, even when time isn’t on your side.
The Night-Before Game Plan
The night before a big game is about setting your foundation. Picture a simple meal: grilled chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. A roasted sweet potato with its natural sugars primed for steady energy. A side of steamed broccoli or spinach—nothing fancy, just something to support recovery and keep inflammation in check. The protein helps repair the muscles you’ve been pushing all week. The carbs sustain you through long stretches of effort. The greens keep everything running smoothly. It’s not about complexity; it’s about effectiveness.
Quick Fixes: Fueling on the Go
Sometimes, game day sneaks up on you. You’re racing out the door, gear bag slung over your shoulder, phone buzzing with a teammate’s “Where you at?” message. Cooking isn’t an option, and that’s fine. Grab a banana for fast-digesting carbs, smear peanut butter on whole-grain toast for balanced energy, and toss a handful of almonds into a bag. That’s a power trio—quick carbs for immediate energy, steady grains to sustain you, and healthy fats to keep you going. One of our Lamont crew swears by this combo before every game, calling it “jet fuel without the jitters.”
Finding Your Fuel Routine
This isn’t about strict meal plans or forcing down foods you don’t enjoy. It’s about syncing your fuel with your performance. Some athletes swear by steel-cut oats with honey, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt. Others prefer scrambled eggs with avocado and rye toast. One of our runners sticks to brown rice, grilled salmon, and a splash of soy sauce before every race—her way of locking in focus before the storm. The key is personalizing your approach, listening to what your body needs, and fine-tuning what works best for you.
Timing It Right
Eating at the right time matters just as much as what you eat. Ideally, have your main meal two to three hours before the game to allow proper digestion. If that’s not possible, a light snack 30-60 minutes before can bridge the gap—just keep it simple and easy to digest. Hydration is non-negotiable. Drink at least 16-20 ounces of water an hour before playing, and keep sipping throughout warm-ups. Dehydration drains your energy and focus, so avoid soda and greasy fast food, which will only weigh you down.
Fueling for the Team
Every bite you take is a step toward being stronger, faster, and more locked in. It’s about pushing beyond fatigue, staying sharp under pressure, and giving your team everything you’ve got. We’ve seen it firsthand—one of our Lamont athletes powered up with a simple oatmeal-and-berry breakfast before a cold, rain-soaked game and was still going full speed when others started fading. Coincidence? No. Preparation.
Next game day, don’t just eat—fuel with purpose. Treat every meal, every snack, as part of your game plan. What’s your go-to pre-game meal? Share it in the comments—we’re always looking to swap strategies with the Lamont crew. Let’s keep chasing more, together.