There are many different nutrition philosophies and beliefs that people choose to adhere to, but the most important factor of finding a great nutritional philosophy is finding the one that will make YOU feel awesome, while ensuring you get the results you’re looking for.

While there are many ways of reaching a healthy nutrition plan for people who box, there are certain rules that are constant throughout them all, including eating breakfast, drinking water, snacking regularly, and eating the right foods before bed. Read on to learn more about each one.

Nutrition Commandments

Eating Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it replenishes the glucose your body used to rebuild your muscles overnight. It also provides you with your first dose of the many essential nutrients that keep energy levels up throughout the day. When you eat breakfast, your body understands that the sleep period is over and it’s time to get going

Drinking Water

While nutrition for boxers may primarily focus on the food you eat, water is just as critical to optimal body function. Drinking 8-10 cups of water a day (more if you work out) ensures that your system maintains ideal body temperature, helps remove waste, and keeps your joints lubricated. In fact, 90% of the chemical reactions in our body require water to work efficiently!

Snacking Regularly

Since breakfast wakes your body up and encourages it to use tons of energy, eating the right foods throughout the day is what keeps you going. Apples, bananas, strawberries, carrots, avocados, cucumbers, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds all create healthy energy.

Remember, snacks are NOT meals, but mixing a few of these snacks into your day can be very helpful in fighting hunger.

Eating the Right Foods Before Bed

During sleep, fats are your primary fuel source, so when you eat sugary foods before bed, you can cause glucose spikes that lead to fat storage. As your body rests, healthy fats (poly and monounsaturated) and casein protein release slowly and ensure a steady supply of energy and amino acids throughout the night. To support this energy flow without causing a sugar spike, choose cottage cheese, salmon, canned tuna, and olive oil as your pre-bed snack.

Eating Right

Nutrition is the key to a boxer’s overall health. While for some, nutrition is the result of their lifestyle, for others, nutrition shapes their lifestyle. Following these quick tips is a great way to quick-start your own diet that’s appropriate for your boxing regimen.

Talk to your Gloveworx coach about the right nutrition solutions for you!