Pre-Meet Diet

Avoiding high-fat or sugary foods during the period two weeks before the meet to help control weight. When a gymnast's weight changes it can lead to poor performance with the weight gain. The heavier work load in the training  before the meet require a change in eating. The gymnast needs to ensure she has the correct amount of fuel to meet the demands of training. It is essential to maintain levels of hydration during heavy training periods. Eating small meals frequently help with speeding up the metabolism and eating more carbohydrates so the food burns slower in training. And consuming foods that help with reducing lactic acid buildup, drinking pineapple juice as an example.

 

 

 

 

The Dinner Before

The ideal dinner the night before a meet  is pasta or rice  as it ensures that the muscles can store a sufficient amount of glycogen to help them work at their best.The pasta or rice should include mixed vegetables and lean meat with fruit for dessert. Eating carbohydrates will help maintain the right levels of energy the night before a meet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day of the Meet

For breakfast the gymnast should eat something light, such as toast or oatmeal with banana and honey, to give the gymnast energy while competing. During the meet healthy snacks and sips of water throughout the day will help to maintain energy levels. When the gymnast feels hungry during the meet eat some nuts, dried fruit, protein bars or a spoonful of honey are a great option as they provide energy without the feeling of being bloated or heavy.