How-To

Diet secrets of the Elites

Pro angler nutrition is serious business. Find out the diet secrets that allow these Elite Series anglers to keep on keepin’ on.

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<p>Ken Hoover, founder and president of <a href=
Ken Hoover, founder and president of Athletes Outdoors/Eat2Compete, is a constant fixture on the Elite Series.
<p>For the last seven seasons, Elite anglers have taken advantage of Hoover's program of nutritionally sound lunches and snacks. But these aren’t just ham sandwiches. Several years ago, Hoover ran heart-rate studies on several anglers to see how many calories were burned during an typical competition day. He found that, on average, an angler burns more than 3,600 calories while running and casting about a fishery.   </p>
For the last seven seasons, Elite anglers have taken advantage of Hoover’s program of nutritionally sound lunches and snacks. But these aren’t just ham sandwiches. Several years ago, Hoover ran heart-rate studies on several anglers to see how many calories were burned during an typical competition day. He found that, on average, an angler burns more than 3,600 calories while running and casting about a fishery.   
<p>Hoover’s lunches are designed to offset a portion of that caloric burn to help maintain energy. </p>
Hoover’s lunches are designed to offset a portion of that caloric burn to help maintain energy. 
<p>For the anglers taking part, Hoover prepares lunches designed to replace some of that lost energy, helping them perform better over a longer period of time. </p>
For the anglers taking part, Hoover prepares lunches designed to replace some of that lost energy, helping them perform better over a longer period of time. 
<p>While the items vary according to an angler’s taste, some are found throughout. This GameON drink provides energy and calories during a grueling day of fishing.</p>
While the items vary according to an angler’s taste, some are found throughout. This GameON drink provides energy and calories during a grueling day of fishing.
<p>Most of the foods and drinks are NCAA compliant, like Cytomax, a drink Hoover says is much better than Gatorade. It has a sustained release of electrolytes.</p>
Most of the foods and drinks are NCAA compliant, like Cytomax, a drink Hoover says is much better than Gatorade. It has a sustained release of electrolytes.
<p>While beef jerky has long been a staple in an angler’s boat, this is Ostrim Beef and Elk Sticks, which helps keep protein numbers up in an angler’s body.</p>
While beef jerky has long been a staple in an angler’s boat, this is Ostrim Beef and Elk Sticks, which helps keep protein numbers up in an angler’s body.
<p>They can also munch on a peanut butter and jelly Supreme Protein bar.</p>
They can also munch on a peanut butter and jelly Supreme Protein bar.
<p>Or a brownie designed for energy while providing protein.</p>
Or a brownie designed for energy while providing protein.
<p>And there’s more than just one flavor of jerky.</p>
And there’s more than just one flavor of jerky.
<p>Honey Stinger organic gummies provide quick energy and calories during the course of the day.</p>
Honey Stinger organic gummies provide quick energy and calories during the course of the day.
<p>For even more energy, they can try some Extend in Lemon-Lime Sour flavor.</p>
For even more energy, they can try some Extend in Lemon-Lime Sour flavor.
<p>Hoover says that, regardless of the brands, he believes it’s important that anglers replace calories during the day. “At the very least, drink plenty of water,’’ he says.</p>
Hoover says that, regardless of the brands, he believes it’s important that anglers replace calories during the day. “At the very least, drink plenty of water,’’ he says.
<p>Many anglers, like Mike McClelland, agree.</p>
Many anglers, like Mike McClelland, agree.
<p>Before the anglers go through registration, they get a four-day supply.</p>
Before the anglers go through registration, they get a four-day supply.
<p>Hoover says the items vary at each event, depending on availability, but the ones picked for each day have a reasonable amount of fats, carbohydrates and protein. </p>
Hoover says the items vary at each event, depending on availability, but the ones picked for each day have a reasonable amount of fats, carbohydrates and protein. 
<p> â€œCarbohydrates are a good source of energy, so are fats,’’ Hoover says. “Protein is important to help maintain muscle and to sustain delivery of carbohydrates over a longer time. Balance is crucial over the day."</p>
 â€œCarbohydrates are a good source of energy, so are fats,’’ Hoover says. “Protein is important to help maintain muscle and to sustain delivery of carbohydrates over a longer time. Balance is crucial over the day.”
<p>Hoover poses with some of the top anglers on the Elite Series. They rely on him to build the snacks and lunches they believe will help them perform at a higher level.</p>
Hoover poses with some of the top anglers on the Elite Series. They rely on him to build the snacks and lunches they believe will help them perform at a higher level.

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