Basketball is definitely a sport that requires you to give your all; with the mix of constantly running around along with leaping to grab the ball and shoot goals, basketball is quite a labour intensive sport. While physical training and practice are both vital components of pre-game preparation, your diet plan is equally as important. If you want to run faster and jump greater, you have to feed your muscles right. A basketball player’s meal strategy ought to consist of a wide variety of healthy, fresh foods that assist in satisfying your heavy carbohydrate needs while offering enough protein to develop and maintain muscle mass.
Basketball Diet plan Staples
A basketballer’s diet needs to be high in carbohydrates and low in fat. A lot of carbohydrates should originate from healthy foods such as entire grains, fruits, vegetables and milk to optimise minerals and vitamin intake. Lean red meat, skinless poultry, seafood or beans can assist in satisfying your everyday protein needs. For heart health, include healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, the ideal goal to eat five to seven times throughout the day so there is no need for big meals, small and healthy prepared meals are the best way to stay on track.
Breakfast and Treats
When you’re doing heavy and intense training regimes before the big game, it’s important to stay sustained throughout the day. It’s true what they say, that breakfast is the most important part of the day, so forget about finding your favourite basketball hoodie in the morning before you head out for the day, breakfast is way more important.
A healthy high-carb breakfast meal to begin the day right may include a whole-wheat bagel with scrambled eggs, alongside a banana and a cup of low-fat milk. To keep energy levels up for your hard-working muscles, consume a snack a couple of hours after breakfast, such as a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk or a cup of low-fat yogurt with an orange.
Afternoon Meals and Snacks
If you’re game or practice is three to four hours away, ensure you eat a lunch meal that is high in carbohydrates and includes some protein. For instance, cook up some whole-wheat pasta mixed in with broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and prawns with low-fat Parmesan cheese accompanied by a cup of orange juice. One to two hours before practice or a game, consume a low-fat, high-carb treat to get you through, such as whole-wheat bread with jam or a banana with low-fat milk. That should be enough food intake before the game, it’s time to get your basketball shorts on and get pumped up to play. Keep in mind that plenty of water should be consumed to ensure you are hydrated before you head out onto the basketball court
Dinner: Eating for Recovery
What you consume after games and practice is as important as what you eat beforehand. To promote muscle healing and recovery, consume a snack that contains carbohydrates, protein and fat within thirty minutes of finishing the game, such as an apple with peanut butter or a cup of low-fat chocolate milk. Consume a healthy supper meal three to four hours later to continue to renew energy and construct and rebuild muscle. A healthy dinner meal for a basketballer may consist of grilled chicken with a big baked potato, peas, tossed salad and a glass of low-fat milk.
Throughout the whole day it is important to drink water. The most beneficial times are when you wake up and before, during and after the game so you remain hydrated.
