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5 Foods to eat during a Poker grind!

As a Poker player, you are expected to be fast, have amazing decision making skills and be able to pull an all-nighter. What is essential is to consume a diet that contributes to your health and keeps you fresh throughout the game. During the current situation due to the pandemic, sitting through a 10 hour game irrespective of it being online or not, you are expected to be on your toes! 

We, at Gutshot have come up with a few basic solutions that could help you get over your craving for that extra crunch and attain Zen! 

A NUTRITIONIST’S PERSPECTIVE

Cravings are essentially an irresistible urge to consume foodstuff that you are utmost interested in, but that instant urge could result in long term issues. Intake of useless toxins may satiate your cravings for that moment, but in the longer run, it would not be beneficial. For example, the belief that a shot of caffeine, energy boosters will keep you fresh for hours together is not entirely true. The energy only lasts for a few hours and later makes you drowsy again. Energy drinks work in the same manner. Aerated beverages contain excess amounts of sugar which could worsen your game too in the long run. While social media is abuzz with influencers that provide alternatives to foodstuffs you have been consuming, you need to give it a thought.

A balanced diet for a poker player is a must. Rahul Tarfe, Mumbai based professional bodybuilder and certified nutritionist says, “If high carbohydrates are consumed, it will make the player drowsy or sleepy, but if it is reduced all together, the energy levels will go for a toss and they will lose their focus.The solution is to consume good fats and complex carbs. Good fats are present in walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc which will help in improving the brain functioning and complex carbohydrates will provide energy for prolonged period. Fats are essential since it is good for the brain, in order to boost their thinking and focus in a better manner. Vitamin C enriched fruits are also very good for people that require instant energy.” 

5 food suggestions : 

• Vitamin C – Orange, Kiwi, Strawberries, buleberries, Apple 
• Complex Carbohydrates – Mashed Potatoes, Oatmeals, Brown Rice variants 
• Proteins – Poached Egg whites, Paneer/Tofu Salad, Chicken steak or black bean chicken, Protein bars/ Protein Shakes 
• Healthy fats -Peanut butter sanwiches, Avocado toast
• Hydration – Coconut water 

FINDING AN EDGE!

A shift from our natural habitat to a more disciplined and composed life could take a while to adapt. A meal or exercise that works for another player may not essentially be the right one for you too. Exercising and eating at regular intervals will help you monitor your body and definitely make you a better and organized player. Routine Routine! Regular exercises helps keep the mind and gut clean, which will eventually help in quicker decision making skills during a game. 

The age old quote, “We are what we eat!” should be practiced in order to keep your gut and mind clean. Rahul also mentioned, “A Keto diet could be the perfect meal plan for a poker player. It basically includes high fats, low protein and very low carbohydrates. With a Keto diet, their goal of playing a game for hours together could be achieved easily.” Regulating your metabolism is the key to get a successful and healthy body. The belief that fats and carbohydrates are not right for you, could be due to certain presumptions that we hold! 

Between the rush of a game, the huge prize that you could take away home and the multiple decisions that you are expected to make, a calm and composed mind would surely work in your favour. For more information related to food while grinding, stay tuned to www.gutshotmagazine.com!

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