It takes a lot of physical effort to play lacrosse. It’s quite difficult for you to function at your best without the right meals and fuel to boost your energy.
So let’s discuss what to eat before, during, and after lacrosse sessions and games in this piece. Morning training may begin as early as 7 am, particularly if you are attending a summer camp. So it’s crucial to pay attention to your nutrition in order to have adequate energy without making yourself sick.
Why Is It Important To Eat The Right Food Before A Lacrosse Game?
Eating the right food before a lacrosse game is important because it helps to fuel your body with the necessary energy and nutrients to perform at its best. This includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle repair and recovery, and healthy fats for brain function and overall health.
Additionally, eating the right food before a game can help to regulate your blood sugar levels, which can prevent fatigue and improve focus and concentration during the game. Proper nutrition can also help to reduce the risk of injury, as well as improve your overall health and well-being.
Overall, eating the right food before a lacrosse game can help you to perform at your best, both physically and mentally, and can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
What To Eat The Night Before A Lacrosse Game?
Typically, the night before a workout or game, you should eat a lot of carbohydrates. By this point, it is a pretty standard practice among players. Pasta, brown rice, quinoa, and wheat bread are among the choices you can think about. I never select simple carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, or pizza over complex carbohydrates. It’s mainly because I feel bloated after consuming simple carbs the day after, which severely affects my performance.
The goal of eating a lot of carbohydrates the night before is to provide your muscles’ high demand for glycogen. Carbohydrates are crucial for giving your body the energy it needs for practices and games because of the amount of running and sprinting that is required. Don’t forget to eat enough vegetables and protein as well.
What To Eat The Morning Before A Lacrosse Game?
It is important to fuel your body properly before a lacrosse game to ensure optimal performance. Here are some options for what to eat the morning before a lacrosse game:
- Oatmeal with fruit and nuts: Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that will provide sustained energy throughout the game. Adding in some fruit and nuts will provide additional nutrients and protein to help repair muscles after the game.
- Egg and vegetable scramble: Eggs are a good source of protein and the vegetables will provide nutrients and fiber.
- Banana and nut butter toast: Bananas are a great source of potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps during the game. Nut butter will provide protein and healthy fats.
- Greek yogurt with berries and granola: Greek yogurt is high in protein and the berries and granola will provide additional nutrients and carbohydrates for energy.
- Smoothie with protein powder: A smoothie with protein powder, fruit, and milk or yogurt will provide a quick and easy way to get in some protein and nutrients before the game.
Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and drink plenty of water before the game as well.
What To Eat The Afternoon\Lunch Before A Lacrosse Game?
Before your late-afternoon practice or game, you should eat a balanced, light, and healthy meal. Incorporate fruit, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates into your lunch. Consider using chicken, beef, eggs, beef jerky, salmon, and beans as excellent sources of protein. In order to prevent any stomach problems on game day, I personally avoid drinking milk and consuming any dairy products.
I find that consuming 40% protein, 30% carbs, 20% vegetables, and 10% fruit is a healthy ratio. Avoiding overeating is one thing to remember. You want to manage your food intake so that you feel full and light. Finally, make sure to hydrate yourself well. Having an energy bar is also a smart move if you’re feeling a little peckish before the game. Or, if you want to make a simple halftime treat, think about packing some beef jerky, nuts, or fruit for a quick boost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to choose foods that provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats before a lacrosse game. Foods such as whole grain pasta with chicken and vegetables, oatmeal with nuts and berries, or a turkey and avocado sandwich on whole grain bread can provide sustained energy and help fuel muscle recovery. It is also important to hydrate well and avoid heavily processed or sugary foods that can lead to a crash during the game. By following these guidelines, players can optimize their performance and feel their best on the field.
