When you are getting ready to play in a game of sports, it is important to choose foods that will give you enough energy to last the entire game. A good pregame meal will keep you from getting hungry, stabilize your blood sugar and hydrate your body, reports the Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. You will want to eat this meal 3 to 4 hours before you play because a full stomach can hinder your performance and the best benefit from your food will come once your body begins to digest it.
Fried and Fatty Foods
Fried foods are higher in fat and calories than others and will sit in your stomach because it takes your body longer to digest them, according to the Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. You will want to skip a fast food meal, fried meats, fried vegetables, frozen pizza, gravy, sour cream and oils. Instead, fill up your plate with carbohydrate rich foods, which will give you long lasting energy that will help you power through your game, but won't leaving you feeling so full you are too sluggish to give it your all. Try whole grain pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables or potatoes, recommends USA Football.
Beans
In general, beans are a food that should have a place in a healthy and balanced diet, but eating them before a game can give you gas, making it hard to perform, reports the Illinois Cooperative Extension. Avoid burritos, tacos, chili and any other food that contains beans. To get the protein you need to play your game, substitute eggs, fish or low-fat dairy for beans. Other foods that may produce similar problems and should be avoided include popcorn, nuts, peas and some raw fruits and vegetables. The foods that will hinder performance may differ from person to person so stay away from the ones that cause you problems. You can figure this out by writing down what you eat before a game and how it made you feel while playing.
Sugary Foods
It is best to skip dessert before a game because consuming a lot of sugar before you play can result in a drop in blood sugar, which, according to the Illinois Cooperative Extension, will leave you feeling too tired to finish. This means avoiding honey, candy, soda and baked goods like cake, pie and cookies. Some pasta sauces are also high in sugar and should be skipped. Better alternatives that still taste sweet but contain carbohydrates for long lasting energy are raisins, bananas or orange juice, reports AskDrSears.com. Watch what you are drinking because many beverages are very high in sugar. Drinking 100 percent fruit juice is a much better choice than fruit punch. Also, forgo soft drinks because of sugar content as well as caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Member Comments