Maintaining energy

[Poimen]

So the soccer season starts again today. One thing I have noticed about my playing is that I seem run out of gas by somewhere into the 2nd half. I suspect that it has to do with the fact that I don't eat anything between 2 pm - 9 pm.



In other words I avoid having dinner until after soccer. Besides possibly having a big meal at 12, is there any particular food anyone would recommend for me to eat say a few hours before the game to keep up my energy levels? Trail mix, granola bar, 72 ounce Omaha steak?

 

[Tripel]

Are you intentionally not eating??? You gotta cut that out. Before any high level of exercise, you have to eat. And more than a granola bar. Eat a dinner. Don't go overboard, but get some protein and carbs in your system. Drink lots of fluids, and have something sugary close before you play.

 

[Ivan]

2 PM and 9 PM...why?

 

[OPC'n]

Eat while you're running to kick the ball!

 

[Poimen]

2 PM and 9 PM...why?

Soccer starts at 7 pm and goes to 9 pm. And I find if I eat a lot too close to any type of strenuous activity it slows me down. But now, as per the original post, I feel that I have swung the pendulum too far the other way.

Of course part of the problem is that I am fairly inactive most of the day anyways due to my sedentary lifestyle so I never feel hungry enough to eat protein etc. until later in the day. By the time soccer comes around it is too late so I prolong my 'fast' until late(r) at night.

-----Added 5/13/2009 at 01:01:45 EST-----

Eat while you're running to kick the ball!

Oh so helpful Sarah thank you.

Maybe I should smoke a cigar while I am running and drink a glass of wine too!

 

[Ivan]

It depends on what you eat. If it's something that is heavy or fatty than I think that would be a problem, but something light shouldn't be a problem. If I didn't eat from 2 PM to 7 PM and then attempted to play a sport for the next two hours I'd be flat on my back. That is why you are faded later in the contest.

During the time before, eat yogurt, cereal, energy bars, things that the body can't metabolize quicklyl. In order for an engine to run it must have gasoline. Most of all, stay hydrated. Lots of fluids. Drink fluids every opportunity you have during the game.

 

[ewenlin]

-----Added 5/13/2009 at 01:01:45 EST-----

Eat while you're running to kick the ball!

Oh so helpful Sarah thank you.

Maybe I should smoke a cigar while I am running and drink a glass of wine too![/QUOTE]

 

[OPC'n]

Eat while you're running to kick the ball!

Oh so helpful Sarah thank you.

Maybe I should smoke a cigar while I am running and drink a glass of wine too!

Just trying to come up with good ideas! I do think the cigar and wine is a good idea though!

 

[ewenlin]

sugar shortly before exercise will help you out a lot... and get some energy drink in during half time... that always works for me

 

[Idelette]

If the game is at 7 pm you should probably have dinner at 4:30 or 5. Its not good for your body to go that long without food, and the sport only makes the sitation worse. Its actually better to have several smaller portions throughout the day, rather than loading up during lunch. Make sure you do have some complex carbs and protein, like meat and whole grain bread etc. I would avoid sweets and anything sugary.... in the long run that will actually slow you down even more. Trail mix or a protein shake would be a good snack to have before the game, but you should have dinner before that. Staying hydrated throughout the day is also important, not just right before and during the game. Personally, I wouldn't have energy drinks or any caffiene before the game. Instead, I recommend drinking Smart Water....that's what I drink before and during exercise....it has electrolytes that your body loses during intense activity...but without all the added sugar.

 

[wendy]

Your stomach empties every 2 - 3 hours, so maybe timing your eating will help out on soccer days. If you are able to eat a smaller meal at noon, and refuel again with a moderate meal around 5 or 6 o'clock. A meal replacement shake is one option that's not too heavy, and you could most likely keep your noon meal the same. Stay hydrated during the game with a sports drink that will replace electrolytes lost during all that running, too.