05/21/2025
During the off-season, athletes need to change how they eat to match their different activity levels. The main goals are to adjust your food intake for how much you're moving, pay attention to how your body fat and weight are changing, and make sure your eating matches your training.
Everyone's goals are a little different in the off-season. This is a great time to work on better eating habits, like drinking more water, eating breakfast every day, or staying away from fast food. Even though it's a time for rest, always keep your training goals in mind.
If you're trying to gain muscle, a good goal is to gain about half a pound to one pound of muscle each week, so you don't gain too much fat. Eat often, about every 2-3 hours, to make sure you're getting enough food.
If you're looking to lose weight, focus on foods that are low in calories but high in nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Aim to lose 1-2 pounds a week so you don't lose muscle.
For maintaining your weight, since you're probably not as active in the off-season, you'll need to eat fewer calories and carbs to avoid gaining extra weight. Remember to eat regularly, but cut back on how much you eat at each meal. Try to avoid high-calorie extras like creamy sauces, dressings, and desserts.
It's always a good idea to talk to a sports dietitian if you need help figuring out the best eating plan for you.