What and How to Eat to Play at Your Best

Healthy Eating in Poker:

What and How to Eat to Play at Your Best

In any sport, choosing the right foods and diet plays a huge role in performance. Every professional athlete knows this. Nutrition for poker players is no exception. So, let’s talk about creating the right diet for athletes in this sport.

Poker Nutrition: Principles of Healthy Eating in Poker Players
Healthy food isn’t just about calories

Previously, scientists believed that the main role of food was to supply cells with building blocks and energy in the form of calories. However, this approach was too general and didn’t provide a complete picture of the process. Now, researchers are conducting more in-depth food analyses. They are studying how food affects the human body as a whole.

With new data, it has become possible to create a more healthy diet that can support brain function and other organs. For example, foods with a high concentration of omega-3-6-9 fatty acids have a positive effect on brain function. The impact on cognitive function allows for better processing and memorization of information. The effect is observed in both the short-term and long-term. Individuals with limited exposure to sunlight should include vitamin D sources in their diet or consume appropriate foods to supplement and synthesize this vitamin from external sources.

A cake or juicy shashlik produces the opposite effect. They contain a huge amount of saturated fat with minimal nutritional value.

Proper Nutrition for a Poker Player

When considering a diet suitable for a poker player, the following foods are worth considering:

Green leafy vegetables
Red fish
Nuts, especially walnuts
Berries
Dark chocolate

A small amount of grains
Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids such as olive oil, avocado, and flaxseed

Foods containing vitamin D3: wild salmon, cod liver oil, egg yolk (chicken).

What foods should a poker player avoid?

Since card sports require a lot of mental work, it’s important to pay special attention to your diet. Eating foods with healthy levels of acids and fats that are beneficial for brain function isn’t enough every day. You should also avoid foods that reduce overall performance and negatively impact cognitive function.

Try to eat less red meat or avoid it altogether, as it contains a significant amount of saturated fat. The body requires additional energy and calories to process it. Avoid overindulging in fried foods, as they irritate blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the brain.

Sugar-containing foods aren’t good for your brain. High sugar levels cause dementia and other mental disorders. Refined carbohydrates have the same effect. Eating white bread will cause a spike in blood sugar.

Healthy Eating for Poker Players

There are many healthy eating recipes online that are suitable for creating your own daily diet. The game is very serious and requires mental activity. Players often spend time at multiple tables. These tournaments can last for hours, sometimes even days. A sensible approach and dietary adjustments are key. Even caffeine can sometimes be beneficial, but you need to know when to stop. In such stressful situations, brain function is crucial for an athlete. Choosing the right diet and maintaining a routine will not only positively impact a poker player’s health in the short term but also have lasting effects.