RecoveryPump

Back in baseball’s golden age, there was little to no focus on a player’s fitness or diet. Consider Babe Ruth, a player whose exploits eating hot drinks and drinking copious amounts of soda surely hurt his already incredible potential. However, decades ago athletes and trainers started realizing how integral strength training was to a player’s success and the importance of nutrition is now starting to gain momentum.

In major league clubhouses throughout Arizona and Florida, fatty foods and similar items used to dominate the spread. However, that has changed in dramatic ways as foods such as shrimp, baked potatoes, nuts, yogurt and tenderloin are getting more table space. There is a distinct lack of fried foods, and the use of soda is discouraged.

 Players are starting to realize just how much of an impact what they eat and drink has on their performances between the lines as the strength that is shown on the field changes for the better when the diet is improved. The ability to keep playing at high levels during the dog days of summer and through the playoffs in October is improved as well when nutritional eating habits are cultivated during spring training.

This spring, keep your appetite and blood sugar well regulated by eating small meals and snacks throughout the day, and always keep protein rich snacks on hand post-workout. When choosing fruits and vegetables for your training diet, a good rule of thumb is to pick a wide variety of colors in order to insure that you are getting a diversity of vitamins and minerals. Avoid processed foods as much as possible and only choose carb options that do not have added sugar.

What players put into their body has a direct impact on the mental and emotional aspects of their games as well. This is incredibly important in a sport where success and failure can be determined in a matter of seconds, whether it comes in the form of a pitch or a screaming line drive. Responsible eating means more than just giving your body fuel, it means cultivating the strength and mental preparedness that can give you the edge you need, as well as the confidence that goes with it.