The general consensus decades ago was that baseball players looked like Babe Ruth: fat, large and a beer belly to go along with it. However, as the years go on, the times change. Baseball players now extremely athletic and very fit. John Kruk, a former player on the Philadelphia Phillies once said, "I ain't an athlete lady, I'm a baseball player." If you mentioned to Alex Rodriguez today that he was not very athletic, you would probably be escorted out of the building by security. Baseball players need to ensure they stay fit. Eating healthy and maintaining a balanced diet is one way to ensure this happens.
Drink Fluids
Consuming the highest amount of fluids is the easiest way to stay healthy as a baseball player. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade, are helpful during a game, but before and after a game, water should be the primary liquid consumed. Do not consume carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages or caffeine, as they can throw off your body and upset your stomach.
To determine how much you should be drinking during a game, weigh yourself before and after a game. The difference in body weight is the amount of weight you sweat during a game. You should consume the same amount of fluids that you are losing--one pint of water or sports drink equals one pound of body weight.
Eat Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should be eaten during every pre-game meal. Eating foods, such as pasta, bread, crackers, rice and potatoes, can help give you quick bursts of energy throughout the game. Eating a snack with carbohydrates every three to four hours throughout the day can help keep your energy up as well. A great snack to eat during these times are cereal/cereal bars, bagels, granola, pretzels, nuts or trail mix.
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup and other sugar sources promote unhealthy weight gain and can upset your stomach while doing athletic activity. Avoid any foods that are high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose or glucose. Foods you should avoid include candy, baked goods, fruit juices that are not 100 percent natural, desserts and any other type of sweet food.
High-Protein Foods
Protein is not burned or excreted by the body during games or exercise routines, so there is no need to overload on high-protein foods. However, eating them at least once a day is still very helpful and necessary to stay fit and healthy during the season. Foods that are high in protein include beef, veal, pork, fish, lamb, milk, cheese, poultry, nuts, yogurt, eggs, beans, soy, tofu and other nut butters.
Post-Game Meals
After a baseball game ends, you will most likely be hungry and looking to get your hands on anything that you can put in your mouth. After a game, it is important to eat foods that have a bit of fat in them to help refuel your body and last you through the night. Foods that can help do this include roast beef, ham or turkey subs, pancakes or waffles, grilled chicken sandwiches, eggs, fruit smoothies or pizza. Lower intakes of these foods will help fill you up, while not keeping you up all night. Though they seem unhealthy at first glance, they will actually help your body maintain regulation throughout the night and during your athletic activity.
Member Comments