Ball Game:
A generally healthy eating pattern helps to support the needs of a fit, energetic, and lean basketball player. Nutrition is often based around lean proteins for muscle repair and recovery, and carbohydrates are appropriately timed for fuel. In addition, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains provide important vitamins and minerals, along with some healthy fats. Individual nutrition requirements will be determined by training load, specific athlete needs, training goals, body composition goals, health, and adjustment for growth in younger athletes. Many basketball players have high energy requirements due to their body size, training demands, and growth for junior athletes. Here is what you should eat if you want to ace the ball game -:
Whole grain pasta/bread-
Whole-wheat pasta is best for athletes when they are loading on carbs one or two days before their event. Whole-grain pasta and bread will provide good carbs, fiber, and a little protein (but you should add protein to your pasta with something like chicken).
Broccoli-
Contains important antioxidants that help counteract the free radicals that can damage cells, brought on by exercise. Broccoli also contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber, important for proper digestion and elimination.
Oatmeal-
Oatmeal is a great carbohydrate and fiber source for basketballers. It also contains a small amount of essential fatty acids. Oatmeal should be unsweetened and the kind you cook on the stove, not the instant kind that you add hot water to. The instant type of oatmeal contains a lot of sugar and food additives that are not considered healthy.
Soy/almond milk-
These are great sources of protein and fat and carbohydrate and can be used in protein shakes.
