The 5 Best Snacks for Gamers
Today, I'm pleased to have another wonderful collaboration here on my blog with registered dietician, Ms. Patty Coleman. My last collaboration was focused on mental health and its correlation with Esports with Dr. Adrienne Meier. This time we are focusing on the nutritional aspect of desk/gamer life and most notably snacks.The nutritional side of gaming has typically been about crushing energy drinks and deciding which type of Doritos to chow down on. I want to change that today with some super easy fixes for you to implement right now. Plus, that Dorito dust makes your fingers and controller/mouse so nasty. Experienced gamers, who dedicate hours each day practicing his or her craft, will have unique nutritional requirements. Generally speaking, gamers will require a variety of small snacks and meals throughout the day to enhance their performance and get the competitive edge!
THE NUTRITION GOAL
Eat the right amount of calories for energy (not too much and not too little), which includes “smart carbs,” vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant superfoods) to amplify: memory, cognitive function and focus! And, since most gamers are sitting indoors for long periods of time, snacks can also provide needed vitamin D and stretch breaks!
Gamer Snacks
In each of these headings, I've also included links to additional information for you if you want to do some further exploring. Here are some suggestions from @dietitianpatty Patty Coleman RDN, LDN, a Wellness focused Registered Dietitian Nutritionist:
Blueberries – the memory enhancer - add them to your breakfast cereal or eat them alone or as part of a snack.Pros: they’re “shelf-stable” (held at room temp) and are convenient to store on the coffee table in a bowl.
Almonds – protein and essential fats – great for a long-lasting boost of energy. You only need about ¼ cup at a time; more may bring too many calories and possible stomach/GI upset.Pros: shelf stable, make your own trail mix.
Carrots and Hummus – the vitamin A from the carrots are essential for optimal eyesight. Hummus provides some vegetable protein.
Hard-boiled Eggs – the vitamin D in the yolk is essential for an indoor-gamer. Make a batch in advance, then access them anytime from the fridge for long-lasting energy and protein (have up to 2 for one snack).
Apple with Nut/Peanut Butter - a childhood staple that is ideal due to its lower glycemic index fruit add nut or peanut butter to provide protein and energy. Use about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter per apple.
Water – DRINK WATER!!!!….you think better when you are well-hydrated. If your urine looks dark (gross I know, but worth mentioning) you are dehydrated. Make sure your urine is a light yellow tone.Stretch – follow suggestions from @thewellnessblog for the best gamer stretch tipsMeal Planning – Try to consume 3 meals and 2-3 snacks. Incorporate protein and a fruit or vegetable to each snack to enhance game performance. As important as ergonomics and equipment setup is to desk life, it's also important to be well rounded in your overall wellness. Proper nutrition and water intake are monumental in allowing you to perform at your best throughout the day. Increased energy and mental sharpness are just some of the benefits of eating healthier throughout your workday. Making even the smallest changes (like throwing some blueberries in your yogurt) can snowball into you eating healthier one day at a time; and that's the goal of this blog! Thanks for reading,Dr. Drew FTW!