The Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle
Jiu-Jitsu is about eating right just as much as it is training hard. Consider food the “fuel” that allows
you to practice efficiently. If you fuel your body the wrong way, then you won’t be able to maximize your time at the gym. Let’s take a look at exactly what you should eat to make the most of your BJJ lifestyle.
Carbohydrates Before Practice, Protein After Practice
Carbohydrates, which include pastas, breads, and white rice, are fine to eat before practice, since they’re a great source of energy and you’ll burn them off quickly. But you should avoid eating them after practice since, if you aren’t exercising shortly after, your body will absorb them as stored fat. Proteins are perfect for post-exercise meals. Protein-rich foods include:
- Eggs
- Tuna
- Almonds
- Chicken Breast
The benefit to eating protein-rich meals is that you’ll be able to quickly repair those muscles that were worn down during practice. These foods can also contribute to building muscle mass, and they generally aren’t very fattening compared to carbohydrate-rich foods.
Eat More Leafy Greens
Green vegetables aren’t only good for your Jiu-Jitsu career, but they’re also great for your health as a whole. Green foods like lettuce, broccoli, green peppers,and even cucumbers are perfect at stimulating your digestive system, thus, helping you remove digestive waste daily. They should be eaten daily in conjunction with the carbohydrate-rich or protein-rich options discussed above.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
When it comes to dieting for the BJJ lifestyle, water is your best friend. As a general rule of thumb, consider drinking between half-a-gallon and whole gallon of water per day. This might sound like a lot, but you’d be surprised by just how much water you lose in an hour-long BJJ practice. If you’re feeling out of energy at practice, or find yourself making many mental mistakes, chances are good that you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day.
Eggs – The Ultimate Source of Vitamin B12 for Grapplers
Vitamin B12 is an “extrinsic factor”, meaning, that it can only be acquired through your diet. This vitamin plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells in the body. With a higher RBC count, your body will be able to circulate a larger amount of oxygen during practice, ultimately increasing your endurance. Eggs are a vital source of Vitamin B12, and should be consumed daily to ensure that you maintain a steady production of RBCs.