Forget about your soda, chips, and sugary food.
These are the best foods you’re able to eat to improve your gaming performance!
Chips and sodas might be the closest food you associate with gaming.
Every gamer trying to improve their performance needs every advantage they can get, including food.
While healthy choices are rarely associated with gamers, it doesn’t mean they should be neglected.
In fact, like sports, gamers have superfoods that might enhance gaming results.
So, what kind of food can you eat to improve your gaming performance?
What kind of nutrients does a gamer need?
What dishes can gamers consume to fulfill all of it?
We rounded up the most important aspects of gaming and nutrition for you!
What kind of nutrients does a gamer need?
Some might remember that many energy drinks mentioned gamers as their target audience.
Spoiler alert - caffeine is not on the list.
One of the main ingredients in these drinks is caffeine, which can improve concentration.
Nutrients, explained byMerriam-Webster, are substances or ingredients that promote growth, provide energy, and maintain life.
Your body needs nutrients to function properly every day.
A gamer needs a set of nutrients to improve their prowess.
According toUPMC, a gamer’s most important nutrient is protein.
Protein is necessary to support muscle health and brain function like other athletes.
This also leads us to the next item on the list.
Another nutrient that is important to gamers is complex carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates provide sustained energy so you might play longer without feeling tired.
Maintaining a certain energy level is vital to perform other activities better and not lose focus.
You might think gamers don’t need to eat calorie-rich food.
It depends on how intensive your gaming sessions are.
You need many calories if you play high-intensity games requiring concentration, like esports titles.
That’s because your brain is working hard, and it takes a lot of calories to do that.
Calories are essential to sustain mental energy and focus for extended periods.
Calories-rich food is consumed, preferably before and after playing a high-concentration gaming session.
What kind of Micronutrients does a gamer need?
Such micronutrients are:
These micros are also essential to maintain focus and endurance during long gaming sessions.
Electrolytesimpact your coordination, muscle contractions, and reflexes.
They are crucial for maintaining optimal gaming performance, especially high-action esports titles.
Omega-3s support the brain health and cognitive function of a gamer.
They enhance focus and mental clarity during your gaming session.
Vitamin and antioxidants play an essential role in overall health and immune function.
Ironis a micronutrient that is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
Low iron levels can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function, thus crucial in long gaming sessions.
Last but not least, hydration.
Staying hydrated is crucial for optimal performance and helps maintain focus.
Hydration also helps to prevent fatigue and support overall well-being.
Protein is the first nutrient that is needed, and one of the easiest to find.
Every meat contains a certain amount of protein in its macro composition.
However, do count how many carbohydrates that are consumed.
Excessive consumption of carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure.
Micronutrients like electrolytes, omega-3 acids, and Iron can be found in food already mentioned above.
For example, fish like salmon contain omega-3 acids, while root vegetables like potatoes contain electrolytes.
Lots of fruits contain essential vitamins and antioxidants that a gamer’s body needs.
The best fruits are:
These fruits can fill your needs for vitamins and antioxidants.
Lastly, water is your best bet for hydration.
Water doesn’t have any calories or any other nutrients besides hydration.
Both drinks, without sugar, are considered healthy and can boost your focus with caffeine and some micronutrients.
However, making dishes containing all the needed macronutrients and micronutrients is not that hard.
These dishes are simple, healthy, and somewhat cheap to make.
Making every dish rather than buying it is recommended as it is significantly cheaper.
The first dish we can make ispan-seared Salmon with pesto fettuccine.
Salmon, depending on where you are living, can be expensive.
The alternative dish that is cheaper while retaining some macros needed isblack bean-sweet potato tacos.
The last dish that we can recommend to make is apeanut butter banana smoothie with oats.
This is a great smoothie for those who don’t want to eat solid food.
There are many other ingredients to combine to match your taste buds, so adapt and get creative!