Tennis Tips: What Should I Eat Before a Tennis Match?
February 25th, 2016 by Do It Tennis
Going into a tennis match with the right equipment, the right mental attitude and just the right amount of warm up time are all important factors to how well you will perform. But, several players, beginner and experienced, still ask: What are the right foods to eat before a tennis match.
This is an important question, and the answer is going to be different for everyone, but nutritionists have suggested that a diet rich in complex carbohydrates is a great place to start.
Complex carbohydrates, as opposed to simple carbohydrates--the distinction is an important one-- provide the long-lasting energy required to see you through the entire match.
Foods Rich in Complex Carbohydrates
• Green vegetables • Whole grains and foods made from them, such as oatmeal, pasta and whole-grain breads • Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and pumpkin • Beans, lentils, and peas In contrast, and to make the distinction clear, simple carbohydrates are found in Baked goods, Cereals and Chips.How Much Should I Eat Before a Match?
How many calories from these complex carbohydrates one should eat before a match is the question each tennis player can only answer on their own. How long before a match one can eat, is also a personal matter. Some people can eat an hour before heavy exertion, and some need to wait hours between consumption and play. Being mindful of your body and eating habits is key here. Don't wait until the day of your match to figure these questions out, use lesson and practice time to experiment with your best pre-match eating habits.
