So in preparation for the ILMSA State Meet and for Nationals I feel it's important for us to take a moment to focus on the nutritional aspects our bodies need especially during competition.
Now - this comes from me - who when I usually give my list of events at a meet - people usually get bug eyed and ask if I'm positively insane. (You can sub "positively" with several other words ending in "ing"). That being said - I'm starting to feel like I've managed to capture that balance of nutrition during a meet that allows me to not feel bloated -but simultaneously - full of energy on the demands that I put on my body.
I personally don't do anything different with my diet before a meet. I feel that that only puts extra stress on your digestive system to adjust. During a meet - I pretty much strictly consume fruits (any will suffice, but I like bananas) and tons of water. After the meet - I love me some protein. Keeps me from over eating too.
What works for you? What do you eat? What do you drink? Is there something you eat before a meet? Something during? After? Perhaps this is something that can help you SFF Ande? ;)
What do you drink? Is there something you eat before a meet? Something during? After?
I drink Glacier Freeze Gatorade or water. I'll drink other flavors if necessary. If I am hungry during a meet, I'll eat half a power bar 30-60 mins before my race. Other than that, I try to eat just enough so I am not hungry at the pool.
When it comes to normal meals, it depends on when I am racing. For example, I swam an event this past weekend which was the first event of the session. So I had a very light breakfast: one small muffin, glass of oj, banana, and a half of a power bar. If I have more time before my first race or I know I can cruise through prelims, then I will have anything ranging from cereal + yogurt to pancakes/eggs/french toast.
Lunch at meets is usually a 6" - 12" sub or something simple like chicken fingers. It's typically lighter than what I would usually eat for lunch.
Then dinner I will eat a solid portion and I don't limit myself to anything in particular. Bacon Cheeseburger, chicken fingers, or pasta are the most common things I eat. Almost always a sit down establishment rather than fast food.
Occasionally, I will even eat a couple little debbie snack cakes at night.
What do you drink? Is there something you eat before a meet? Something during? After?
I drink Glacier Freeze Gatorade or water. I'll drink other flavors if necessary. If I am hungry during a meet, I'll eat half a power bar 30-60 mins before my race. Other than that, I try to eat just enough so I am not hungry at the pool.
When it comes to normal meals, it depends on when I am racing. For example, I swam an event this past weekend which was the first event of the session. So I had a very light breakfast: one small muffin, glass of oj, banana, and a half of a power bar. If I have more time before my first race or I know I can cruise through prelims, then I will have anything ranging from cereal + yogurt to pancakes/eggs/french toast.
Lunch at meets is usually a 6" - 12" sub or something simple like chicken fingers. It's typically lighter than what I would usually eat for lunch.
Then dinner I will eat a solid portion and I don't limit myself to anything in particular. Bacon Cheeseburger, chicken fingers, or pasta are the most common things I eat. Almost always a sit down establishment rather than fast food.
Occasionally, I will even eat a couple little debbie snack cakes at night.
