Pre-game meals

Pre-game meals are important to athletes everywhere because it affects the way they play in games. Not only do the meals the day of matter, but the meals the night before have a lot of effect as well. Along with eating the right thing, making sure to hydrate is another key component in being a success athlete.

How many people do you think realize what they are putting in their bodies before a game? I've been playing and watching sports for a long time, and many teams do not put enough emphasis on this component of the game. Players and coaches think about the strategy, the conditioning, and the preparation to win a game, but sometimes forget that staying hydrated and eating the right foods can influence the outcome of a game.

A great meal the night before a game is some sort of pasta dish. Spaghetti is a fantastic meal, along with something simpler like mac and cheese. Noodles give a player the extra carbs they need to be successful, and if eaten the night before, that will allow the foods to be broken down and used by the next day. Why carbs? Carbs are important to the body because they give off energy. Granola bars are also a great source of food for games. These can be eaten the day of or before a game because they break down much faster than a plate of spaghetti. Along with carbs, protein is also a key ingredient in playing well. Protein bars and shakes are used by many players because it is an easy way to get protein fast. Lean meats are also good to eat because of the amount of protein in them are helpful.

What things should I stay away from? Players should stay away from sweets and sugars both the day before and on game day. These things slow down the body, which makes the players unsuccessful because speed is a key component in sports. Some specific examples are, desserts, such as cookies and brownies, sodas, and fatty foods (fast food).

Along with the meal, drinking is another key component to success. Water is the best! Anytime a person can drink water is great because everything in the body runs off water. Dehydration is common among athletes because they workout everyday but don't drink enough at night and throughout the day. This leads to cramps during games, which is not a good scenario for the player of the team. Another great thing to drink after a game or the night before is Gatorade. Gatorade replenishes electrolytes much faster than water, and that's what the body needs to stay hydrated.

I've learned from personal experiences that these tips and strategies do work, and have helped me succeed in many sporting events. If you are looking for that extra edge against your opponent, pre-game meals are the answer!