Episode 6 - The Performance Pantry: What Every Athlete's Kitchen Should Have Stocked

We break down the three sections every performance pantry needs (performance carbs, grab-and-go snacks, and nutrition boosters), why athletes are almost always under-fueling carbs, the nut butter fridge vs. pantry debate, how to stop buying things you already have, and why the "junk food shelf" actually has a place in a healthy kitchen when you time it right. Plus we talk about the snack drawer situation, the go-go squeeze comeback, and why clear bins from Dollarama might be the best investment you make this month. If your athlete keeps saying "there's nothing to eat" and your pantry is full of things nobody touches, this episode is the fix. In this episode: The three pantry sections: performance carbs, grab-and-go, and nutrition boosters Why carbohydrates are still the main fuel source for athletes (and why they're under-eaten) How carbs support sleep, immune function, and recovery — not just energy Rice, pasta, oats, quinoa, potatoes — what to always have stocked Simple carbs for game day: dried fruit, applesauce pouches, go-go squeezes Grab-and-go snacks: granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, rice cakes Why protein bars should supplement your diet, not replace whole food protein Nut butter: fridge or pantry? The great debate Nutrition boosters: canned tuna, sardines, beans, lentils, tomato sauce The pasta shape strategy for picky kids Common pantry mistakes: hidden snacks, too many single ingredients, no quick meal options The snack drawer situation (and why toddlers will find it) Where "junk food" fits: movie night, moderation, and timing Why clear bins and grouping similar foods changes everything The Dollarama and Bulk Barn pantry organization hack Quick inventory checks before grocery runs to avoid duplicates The Hosts Sylvie Vilaca — Performance Nutritionist & High-Performance Coach at GRP Sylvie works directly with youth, junior, and professional athletes inside the GRP high-performance environment. She specializes in fueling development, performance longevity, and building sustainable habits that extend beyond the gym. Isabelle "Izzy" Dimambro — Nutritionist & Athlete Development Associate at GRP Isabelle combines her athletic background with her academic training in nutrition to apply evidence-based strategies that help individuals fuel properly, recover effectively, and build sustainable habits that optimize performance. Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you're looking to take your game — and your family's performance — to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for elite hockey players. Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you're looking to take your game — and your family's performance — to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for elite hockey players 👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GRP Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt