5 Foods That Will Improve Sports Performance

You may be familiar with the old saying that you are what you eat. This couldn't ring truer than when it comes to your ability to improve your sports performance based solely on your diet.

Come again? Yes, it's true. While it's important to exercise and train to improve performance and stamina, making simple changes to your diet can enhance your ability on the field. Consider these nutrient-dense foods to amp up your performance before your next workout or game:1. Pasta: If you're going to sprint back and forth for hours in a Winter Soccer Camp in Austin, then you need fuel for energy from sources of complex carbohydrates. Pasta can fuel the body by filling up glycogen levels, which will be quickly used by fast-twitch muscle fibers in a sports game. When you add protein into the mix, you have the perfect storm to provide energy and stamina before a heavy workout or game.


2. Wheat Germ: Wheat germ is high in zinc and can greatly improve hand-eye coordination and agility during a sports game. How does it work? Increasing your zinc intake will boost the efficiency of the central nervous system, as well as provide your body with sustained levels of energy. Wheat germ can be sprinkled on any food that you desire, like steamed veggies, rice, or a salad, before a big game.


3. Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are rich in choline, a type of vitamin B that will feed neurotransmitters in the brain and improve reaction times. This is yet another way to boost agility on the field, while improving awareness during a critical game. You can enjoy a balanced, rich omelet made with fresh vegetables on the morning of a game or practice to get the choline you need to remain nimble and quick on your feet on the field.

4. Bananas: Bananas are easily digestible and high in potassium, which is often depleted during intense physical activity. Potassium is necessary to support a well-functioning nervous system, making it an essential mineral to improve sports performance. For the best results, eat a banana several hours before an athletic event with a well-rounded breakfast.


5. Sweet Potatoes: To minimize post-game recovery time, especially with an injury, it's important to fill up on vitamin A rich foods to create new white blood cells. Sweet potatoes are chock full of vitamin A and will help the body to fight off infection and recover from a rigorous workout by fixing small tears in the muscles. It's recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin A before a rigorous workout to keep your body in the best condition to bounce back quickly after a game.

Of course, it's important to drink water regularly before, during, and after a sporting event. Athletes and regular exercisers can easily suffer from dehydration. Maintaining proper hydration several days before an event is key to improve performance and reduce the risk of muscle fatigue.
By making simple changes to your diet, you can transform your performance at your next game or practice with noticeable results in stamina and longevity!