Everyone knows that proper nutrition is absolutely necessary
for athletes. To be fair, it’s necessary for everyone, but it’s especially
important for athletes since they push their bodies to the brink.
And, while good nutrition is important every day, it’s
particularly important on game day. This is a day when hockey players need
plenty of energy and stamina, and the best way to get that is by eating the
right foods.
So, what should a hockey athlete eat on game day?
Healthy Carbohydrates
Hands down, the most important thing to eat on the day of a
big game is carbohydrates...but not just any carbohydrates. Athletes need to
pick healthy carbs, not the refined, sugary sort that leave them feeling
bloated.
The reason carbohydrates are so important is because they
are the quickest way to send energy to the muscles. Yes, protein is important
for long-term energy, but when players need a quick boost, carbs are the way to
go.
Sample Meals
So, what are some good pre-game meals? While any combination
of protein, healthy carbs, and even some good fats will do the trick, here are
some easy (and delicious) go-tos:
l A
whole wheat bagel with peanut butter
l Grilled
chicken with whole-wheat pasta
l Fruit
with a healthy dip, like yogurt or peanut butter
l Salmon
with brown rice
l Whole-grain
cereal and milk
l A
whole-wheat wrap with chicken or other lean protein and vegetables
Water
Finally, while food is most definitely important on the day
of a game, hydration is just as important.
When the body is dehydrated, it cannot perform at its peak.
Plus, the risk of losing electrolytes through sweating, which can be dangerous,
is all too real when a player is dehydrated.
For that reason, be sure to chug plenty of water on game
day.
If an athlete follows these simple tips in conjunction with
good regular nutrition- after all, one day can’t make up for a week of bad
eating- he should be rearing to go once he hits the ice!. To be fair, it’s necessary for everyone, but it’s especially
important for athletes since they push their bodies to the brink.
And, while good nutrition is important every day, it’s
particularly important on game day. This is a day when hockey players need
plenty of energy and stamina, and the best way to get that is by eating the
right foods.
So, what should a hockey athlete eat on game day?
Healthy Carbohydrates
Hands down, the most important thing to eat on the day of a
big game is carbohydrates...but not just any carbohydrates. Athletes need to
pick healthy carbs, not the refined, sugary sort that leave them feeling
bloated.
The reason carbohydrates are so important is because they
are the quickest way to send energy to the muscles. Yes, protein is important
for long-term energy, but when players need a quick boost, carbs are the way to
go.
Sample Meals
So, what are some good pre-game meals? While any combination
of protein, healthy carbs, and even some good fats will do the trick, here are
some easy (and delicious) go-tos:
l A
whole wheat bagel with peanut butter
l Grilled
chicken with whole-wheat pasta
l Fruit
with a healthy dip, like yogurt or peanut butter
l Salmon
with brown rice
l Whole-grain
cereal and milk
l A
whole-wheat wrap with chicken or other lean protein and vegetables
Water
Finally, while food is most definitely important on the day
of a game, hydration is just as important.
When the body is dehydrated, it cannot perform at its peak.
Plus, the risk of losing electrolytes through sweating, which can be dangerous,
is all too real when a player is dehydrated.
For that reason, be sure to chug plenty of water on game
day.
If an athlete follows these simple tips in conjunction with
good regular nutrition- after all, one day can’t make up for a week of bad
eating- he should be rearing to go once he hits the ice!
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