Young athletes, even those who are serious about their game, are typically the worst offenders when it comes to realizing the importance of consuming the proper nutrients. (See Nutrition Guidelines for Basketball Players.) NBA players have their own private chefs, making it easy to be extremely selective about what they eat. But high school athletes can struggle when it comes to knowing what an effective pre-game meal looks like. (We do. See Basketball Nutrition: Pre-, During and Post-Game Meal Strategies.)

The following meal is simple, yet it works because it:

• Contains both quick and slow digesting carbohydrates for immediate and long-term energy
• Contains protein, fiber, and fats for long-term energy
• Provides a wide variety of vitamins and minerals
• Is readily digested, so it doesn’t sit in the stomach and cause bloating

Basically, this meal gives you an immediate energy boost so you’re ready for the first quarter, then supplies energy throughout the game so you’re not worn out by the fourth. Consume it 60-90 minutes before your game.

The Ultimate Pre-Game Basketball Meal

• Grilled salmon fillet
• Water, green tea or any other zero sugar beverage
• Apple, banana or grapes
• A handful of almonds

At most, it takes 15 minutes to prepare, and all you’ll need is a simple George Foreman grill.

Consume this meal, and you won’t have to worry about whether you have enough energy for overtime.

Photo: www.salad-in-a-jar.com