What You Should Be Eating Before A Game
We all know just how important nutrition is in terms of health goals and for athletes. Of course, it’s a key component for every person’s health, but each person has different needs according to their goals, lifestyle, and more. If you happen to be a basketball player, for instance, you’re going to need a lot of protein to sustain your muscles and energy levels throughout games and practices. Additionally, even if you’ve been working hard and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for some time, doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want on the morning of a game or the evening before. These are the most crucial times for you to get in nutrients that will help you play your best. So let’s dive into it and discuss what foods are best to eat before a big game.
Carbs, Protein, and Vitamins
Carbs may be spoken of in a bad connotation, but they are crucial for everyone, especially athletes. They store energy in our cells and make sure we don’t crash or lose momentum. Protein, as we’ve mentioned, is important for sustaining muscles and burning more calories to maintain a healthy physique. Vitamins are a no-brainer. When the body is missing key nutrients, it won’t be able to function at its best. Ensuring you have no deficiencies will make a huge difference in the way you play. Carbs can be found in foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, and grains. Protein is mostly in foods like eggs, meat, and dairy. Vitamins are found in most fruits and vegetables.
Calcium and Iron
Focusing on two specific nutrients, calcium and iron are especially important for athletes. Calcium is vital for bone health, while iron is essential for energy levels and strength. So it’s no wonder these two nutrients have to be kept up. Calcium can be found in dairy foods mainly. Other sources include dark, green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified products like orange juice.
Water
Liquids are immensely important for all athletes. You’ve probably seen athletes drinking water during breaks. That’s because athletes need to replenish fluids before, during, and after a workout. Whenever you sweat, you lose water through your skin while your body is cooling you down. However, if you lose too much water, you’ll get dehydrated. For this reason (among many others), drinking water is crucial for all athletes before, during, and after a game. When you’re dehydrated, you won’t be able to play well. You’ll feel weaker, tired, and possibly even dizzy or lightheaded. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, keep drinking throughout the workout or game.
Meal Examples
Now that we’ve broken down what each meal needs to have before a game, let’s list some great meal ideas that follow these rules. If you’re wondering what to eat, you can have things like protein smoothies with leafy greens, loaded salads that include proteins and carbs as well, pasta with a lot of vegetables, eggs with toast and veggies, or even some Greek yogurt with fruits and some granola.