If energy is the engine of the 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 for learning and growth, without proper nutrition the development of the player will not be completely satisfactory.
Concern is growing when we are close to a tournament or a more demanding confrontation. The desire not to miss a single hit withour racket and play at the highest level leads us to rethink what to eat before playing an important Padel match. An inadequate diet a few hours after the tournament can ruin months of training.
Food to Eat Before Playing Padel
The nutritional contribution that any athlete ingests hours before playing Padel has a direct impact on their performance, whatever the level of the competition. The intake of food before a Padel tournament must be done three hours before it. This previous meal will include vegetables, fruits, food, carbohydrates and protein products such as meat, fish or eggs. You should not only rethink what to eat before playing a Padel game, but also maintain a constant balanced diet.
Performance is the consequence of a balanced diet and in order for the energy source to be continued in training and competition, it is necessary that the nutritional preparation extend beyond the hours prior to the tournament. More like a few days before its celebration.
It goes without saying that constant hydration is essential in the wheel of a balanced diet. Fluid replacement is essential before, during and after the end of the game. Frequent drinking of water prevents the player from arriving to the match dehydrated or from drinking only when thirsty. Apart from water, isotonic drinks 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 outline a diet rich in healthy foods. However, at Pádel ProShop we have considered that a diet prior to a Padel match must contain at least one of the products mentioned below.
proteins
In a balanced diet, proteins account for almost 50% of the subject's caloric ration. This section includes meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
- Meat: the recommended meats to eat before a Padel 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 eat it grilled or boiled.
- Eggs: eggs are another of the easiest food supplements to consume and together with the above foods they are a source of essential protein in a player.
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt or cheese, alternative sources of calcium and vitamin D
carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are really important in an athlete's diet and are a great source of energy. Some recommended sources of carbohydrates to consume before playing a game are:
- Fruits and vegetables: both products are a contribution of sugars, mineral salts and vitamin C. Any balanced diet contains these two types of food. An alternative is potatoes, a slow assimilation 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 excessive alcoholic beverages, ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks and foods.
Faced with the situation of what to eat before playing Padel, athletes will progressively reduce the consumption of fatty and high-fiber foods the days before the tournament. On the contrary, it is common for athletes to increase carbohydrate consumption on the days close to the match.
