Beach Volleyball is a physically grueling sport. Don’t think so? Just try walking in the sand. Now imagine jumping, sprinting, diving, lunging, and squatting on and off as fast as you can for up to 60 minutes in the sand. That is just one match and as a professional, I can play up to five matches in one day. While training has helped me endure these grueling day long sessions, it is equally important to my stamina and performance that I eat right as well.
While I try to eat lots of foods that are healthy, natural and packed with energy like dried fruits, nuts, oatmeal, salad, and spinach, the frequency of my eating is equally important to my performance. On a day when I am playing in matches or just training, I try to eat every 2 to 3 hours. By eating this often I am able to avoid hunger, stay alert and keep my metabolism rocking and rolling. It is my key to getting through even the most grueling of workouts. Of course, this practice of eating healthy and natural foods early and often is not just for professionals. It is also a great dietary approach for anyone looking to control cravings, have more energy and maybe even lose some weight. If any of these things match up with what you’re looking to accomplish with your diet, then I recommend you try eating like a pro.
- Angie Akers
Tags: angie akers, avoid hunger, beach volleyball, control cravings, diet, dried fruit, energy, healthy, jumping, lose weight, metabolism, nuts, performance, pro, professional, Running, salad, spinach, sprinting, stamina, workout
