For boxers, meal schedules are just as crucial as a proper menu. As in other combat sports, boxing athletes have a specific diet plan. Their meals must supply them with nutrients that build their muscles and provide the energy they need during training and boxing matches. They tailor their eating habits to their practice so they can avoid undernourishing or overeating. Below are some tips boxing fighters can follow to achieve a healthy diet.
Diet Timeline Tips for Boxing & Training
1. Do Not Wait Long Between Meals
Your hunger only grows when you wait too long between meals. This slows down your metabolism and prompts you to overeat, increasing your fat storage. Eating every two to three hours, or roughly six meals a day, is ideal for maintaining your energy throughout the day.
2. Eat Big Meals Upon Waking & Before Training
A big breakfast meal can jump-start your metabolism, keep your cravings at bay, and reduce your stress. Take your breakfast after your workout, as running with a full stomach can trigger nausea. Ideally, have your meals two hours before a long training, so you have enough energy to hit punching bags and work on your cardio.
3. Eat Snacks in Between Meals
Eating snacks in between big meals can keep you energized while helping you avoid cravings. Eliminate sugary drinks and refined carbs from your diet, as these have been stripped of their nutrients. To facilitate physical recovery, be sure to take light meals at night.
One way to test your diet, training, and skill is by taking part in a match with a professional female boxer. Honolulu-based fighter Tessa Moon at TM Productions showed athletic prowess at a young age of 7, winning first place in a boy-dominated West Coast karate tournament. In 2008, she began her boxing training at a boot camp, where former California bantamweight champion Paris Alexander noticed her talent. Since then, she has been bringing her remarkable abilities to boxing matches, ensuring her contenders a good and fair fight. For more information, reach out to her by calling (808) 291-7817. View her profile on her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram for updates.