(ThyBlackMan.com) Looking for the 5 best meals for basketball players? Well, first of all, it’s important to note that athletes should maintain a healthy diet every day, not just on game day, for overall well being.
Basketball is a sport that requires players to run and remain in constant motion for extended periods of time. Because of this, what players eat during the day before a game is very important. The way in which certain foods affect a player can have a positive or negative effect on how they play the game.
Eating Before a Game
If a player eats something with a lot of sugar, he may feel a quick energy boost in the short term, but he’ll most likely have a crash in energy as the game
progresses. It is best to eat a meal rich in complex carbohydrates an hour or two before the basketball game starts. This will give the player a consistent boost of energy throughout the entire game. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates include pasta, cereal, vegetables, peanut butter and bread. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day as well as during the game itself.
Here’s what we suggest:
1. Chicken. Chicken makes a great pre-game meal for basketball players as it is a great source of protein. Protein helps basketball players remain balanced and powerful throughout the game. There are also many great dishes that go with chicken, including salads and baked potatoes.
2. Pasta. One of the most important aspects of a pre-game meal for basketball players is carbohydrates. When it comes to pre-game nutrition, you want to find a healthy balance between protein and carbohydrates. Pasta is a fantastic source of carbohydrates, and if you can eat some whole wheat pasta, that is even better.
3. Eggs. If your basketball game is in the morning, you will most likely not be interested in eating pasta. Like pasta, eggs are a fantastic source of protein. With some eggs and whole wheat toast, you will have yourself a great pre-game meal.
4. Sub sandwiches. If you are short on time, sub sandwiches are an adequate pre-game meal for basketball players. You will get your carbohydrates from the bread, and if you put some meat on the sandwich, such as turkey or beef, you will be getting some protein as well. Just make sure you don’t grab that bag of chips to go with your sandwich. If you can, have a bag of peanuts or nuts as a side dish, as they are both great sources of protein.
5. Fruits and veggies. Fruits and veggies may not seem like a meal to some, but if you make yourself a fruit or vegetable salad, then you have a meal. If you want to enhance the taste of your meal, you can mix your fruits in with some low-fat yogurt, and if you aren’t a fan of vegetables, you can pick up a drink that has a daily serving of vegetables in it. A pre-game meal of fruits and veggies is great for someone who does not want to be running around on a full stomach, yet still wants to get some carbohydrates and proteins.
Written By Brittany Gatson