What To Eat After Baseball Pitching Practice

What to Eat After Baseball Pitching Practice

May 26, 2011 | By Steve Silverman

In addition to perfecting the skills needed to pitch regularly, a pitcher must also work on conditioning, get enough rest and have the proper nutrition. There have been many stories in baseball history about superstar players who ignored these aspects of the game. Players such as Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle would have been even better had they paid attention to these areas. Pitchers must have the proper intake of nutrients and liquids to replenish their bodies after tough pitching workouts.

Carbohydrates

The body uses carbohydrates to fuel many of its activities. This is true for baseball pitchers, who can burn significant amounts of calories when they are performing in warm or hot weather. Meals should always include complex carbs, including rice, pasta, bread, fruits, vegetables and potatoes to replenish energy reserves.

Protein

To help you maintain strength and build a strong body, you need to have the proper intake of protein. The best proteins for pitchers include beef, pork, lamb, fish, shellfish and poultry. These proteins can be eaten before and after practices and games.

Late-Night Eating

Many baseball games are night games and players may not finish until nearly midnight on many occasions. Even though it's quite late their bodies are absolutely craving food. Stay away from spicy foods and try grilled chicken, a roast beef sandwich, a turkey sub, eggs, waffles or pancakes and smoothies, according to Baseball Nutrition author Steven Ellis.

Problems With Alcohol

Many players will relax with a beer or two after practices and games. This can cause problems with food intake and proper nutrition, according to Dr. Dan Benardot, a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Benardot says that alcohol interferes with B-vitamin metabolism and that can lead to a loss of energy and increase the dehydration risk. Benardot says that red meat in the diet can help supply protein, iron and zinc, but pitchers can use glycogen found in bread, cereal, fruits and vegetables to support muscle mass.