By: Amber Steffen
Photo by: Austin Foto Works

Amber Steffen is a former cheerleader at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she earned three NCA Collegiate National Championship titles in Division I. She cheered for two years on the small coed team and one year large coed (2008-2011). After graduation, Amber began her journey in professional fitness and moved to Austin, Texas, with her husband, who is also a former collegiate cheerleader-turned fitness professional. Amber now holds multiple fitness titles and is continuing in her passion for health and elite fitness.

Fitness titles:

• 2014 - 1st place Fitness: NPC Texas State Championships in Irving, Texas, on August 16 (National Qualification)
• 2015 - 1st place Fitness: Height Class A, NPC Junior Nationals (Earning my IFBB Pro Fitness Status)
• 2016 - Top 10, ninth place - IFBB Pro Fitness Debut, Tim Gardner's Wings of Strength Chicago Pro
• 2016 - TBA - Tim Gardner's Wings of Strength Tampa Pro

It's summer, and you're probably getting ready to go to camp or two-a-day practices with your team. You're beyond excited, but you know long days are ahead.

While at camp, you'll need the right fuel to maintain long-lasting energy to show off your new skills with ease. This quick snack can help you perform your best!

Peanut butter and banana sandwich

• 1 piece of whole wheat bread or 2 rice cakes (gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon of nut butter (try natural)
• 1/2 of a banana

Instructions:

Spread one tablespoon of nut butter over the bread or one rice cake. Slice the half of the banana in small slices and place over the nut butter. Finally, fold over the piece of bread or put the other rice cake on top of the covered rice cake. Place it into a plastic baggie and save the other half of the banana for later. Pair it with two packs of string cheese if you have access to a cooler, or a handful of nuts for another quick energizing snack.

The Health Facts:

• Whole wheat bread and/or rice cakes provide quick carbohydrates that fuel your mind and body for all-day energy.
• Nut and peanut butters provide healthy fats and protein that sustain mind and body energy. The extra protein will also help keep hunger at bay during those long camp sessions.
• Bananas are rich in carbohydrates and potassium, which are essential for energy and recovery of fatigued muscles.

Amber will be sharing more of her clean eating and healthy snack tips, so stay tuned!