If energy is the engine of sport, food is the gasoline of this machinery. Food plays a fundamental role in the development of a player. And, although it is well known that training is the basis of learning and growth, without proper nutrition the player's development will not be completely satisfactory.
The concern increases when we find ourselves close to a tournament or a more demanding confrontation. The desire not to miss a single blow our shovel and playing at the highest level leads us to rethink what to eat before playing an important padel game. Inadequate nutrition just a few hours before the tournament can ruin months of training.
Foods to Eat Before Playing Paddle Tennis
The nutritional intake that any athlete ingests hours before playing paddle tennis has a direct impact on their performance, whatever the level of the competition. Eating food before a paddle tennis tournament should take place three hours before it. This previous meal will include vegetables, fruits, foods, carbohydrates and protein products such as meat, fish or eggs. You should not only rethink what to eat before playing a game of paddle tennis but also maintain a constant balanced diet.
Performance is a consequence of a balanced diet and for the source of energy to be continuous in training and competition, it is necessary that nutritional preparation extends beyond the hours prior to the tournament. Mrather a few days before its celebration.
It goes without saying that constant hydration is basic in the wheel of a balanced diet. Replenishing fluids is essential before, during and after the end of the game. Drinking water frequently prevents the player from arriving dehydrated at the game or from drinking only when he is thirsty. Apart from the water, the isotonic drinks They are also a common source of hydration for players. On the other hand, carbonated or sugary drinks produce counterproductive effects.
As the player plays more games and tournaments, he will shape a diet rich in healthy foods. However, in Padel ProShop We have considered that a diet prior to a paddle tennis match must contain at least some of the products mentioned below.
Proteins
In a balanced diet, proteins make up almost 50% of the subject's caloric ration. This section includes meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
- Meat: the meats recommended to eat before a paddle tennis match are lean meats. On the other hand, it is not recommended to consume fatty meats.
- Fish: blue fish are a very good option to consume hours before playing a match. In addition, they are very easy foods to prepare. You can consume it grilled or boiled.
- Eggs: eggs are another of the easiest food supplements to consume and, together with the previous foods, they are a source of essential proteins for a player.
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt or cheese, alternatives to provide calcium and vitamin D
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are really important in an athlete's diet and are a great source of energy. Some advisable sources of carbohydrates to consume before playing a game are:
- Fruits and legumes: both products provide sugars, mineral salts and vitamin C. Any balanced diet contains these two types of foods. An alternative is potatoes, a slow-assimilating product. Likewise, fruits can be interspersed during the development of the match itself.
- Cereals: bread, rice, oatmeal or pasta. The case of whole oats is an example of a perfect carbohydrate source in an athlete's diet, apart from its satiating capacity.
Fats
Fats also occupy a small space in a balanced and varied diet. Animal and vegetable fats are a source of vitamin E, monopolyunsaturated fats and fatty acids.
What should an athlete not eat?
Athlete or not, any rich and varied diet must do without excess alcoholic beverages, ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks and foods.
Faced with the question of what to eat before playing paddle tennis, athletes will progressively reduce the consumption of fatty and high-fiber foods in the days before the tournament. On the contrary, it is common for athletes to increase carbohydrate consumption in the days surrounding the match.
