What Shouldn’t You Eat Before Gameday
We have all known what it feels like to be improperly fueled before we workout, practice, or play a sport. We all want to feel our best, especially on a gameday. Whether you are training or playing a sport there are three things you always need to consider when it comes to food: what you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat. Each of these categories can have a huge impact on how you feel and how you will perform. Many student athletes can get into the wrong headspace and skip meals or eat too light in fear of feeling sluggish if they overeat. But eating the right foods is very important. That is why we designed the SportsGrub menu to provide delicious game day meals that are perfectly portioned. In this guide we will discuss those three big questions about pre-game meals.
When Should I Eat Before My High School or College Game day?
There is an important timeline to consider when preparing for a soccer game, basketball game, swim meet, or cross country run. That timeline starts the day before.
- The Night Before The Game: Hours befoer the game your goal should be to find food that is a good source of carbs and filled with protein. During the night your body will be able to convert those carbs and protein into the tools you need for hours of exercise. Many nutritionists recommend pasta, rice, potatoes, grilled fish, grilled chicken, pork chops, and sandwiches. A good meal the night before will give you the energy you need for the next day. Many people also avoid dairy as it can impact your digestion which can be a distraction the next day.
- The Morning Before The Game: If you have a morning or early afternoon game you will want to eat a healthy breakfast. A small portion of eggs, toast, or a bagel sandwich with turkey, can be very helpful to give your body the start it needs. Another common option is a good breakfast smoothie. Like the meal you had at dinner, you want to focus on protein and carbs, but in a smaller portion to prevent yourself from feeling too full.
- Right Before Or During A Game: Many athletes avoid eating right before or during a game and focus purely on hydration. Drinking water and sometimes sports drinks like Gatorade can help you stay hydrated during your game. If you are feeling hungry, many athletes will eat something small like a handful of nuts or a banana to stay energized.
What Foods Should You Avoid?
You should avoid foods high in fat and especially foods that cause stomach problems. Dairy, spicy foods, and anything that might upset your stomach should be full cut out of your diet for more than 24 hours before you compete. While it may seem counterintuitive, many athletes also avoid vegetables and fruits right before a game because many foods rich with fiber can also cause digestive issues. Of course, above all you should avoid fried foods, and beverages that cause dehydration like coffee and soda.
Get The Perfect Game Day Meal From SportsGrub
SportsGrub provides delicious meals to players throughout Massachusetts. We deliver gameday meals for high school students and colleges throughout the area. For more information give us a call.