Many of the best athletes excel because of their dietary plans both during training and in anticipation of games and meets.

Having a high carbohydrate lunch before a practice or a game is extremely helpful to performance. While it is not advisable to eat too much the day of a big athletic event, it is essential to constantly drink small amounts of water every chance given. Hydration is most critical during any sort of exercise because it replenishes water lost in sweat.

Immediately after an athletic contest, it is crucial for athletes to consume any form of energy drinks that contain electrolytes, vital minerals lost along with water in sweat. It is also important for athletes to eat within 30 minutes of completing a strenuous exercise as it helps with muscle recovery. Fatty foods are not preferable as the fat takes longer to break down.

Here are some of the best foods to eat before and after a workout:

Bailey Griffen
Banana: This fruit gives the athlete easily digestible sugars and natural electrolytes. Bananas are known to be the best source of potassium, which your body needs to regulate fluids and prevent muscle cramps and spasms.

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Berries: These superfruits provide antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, which help protect against oxidative stress and free radicals that form in the body during strenuous physical activity.

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Salmon: Although salmon is not an athlete’s go-to before or after a workout, it is a not so thought about food that provides lots of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation that can hamper athletic performance.

Bailey Griffen

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a great breakfast for athletes as it contains complex carbohydrates and has high levels of protein and Vitamin B, a vitamin important in aiding metabolism. For these reasons, it helps regulate healthy amounts of cholesterol.