The Proper Diet for Baseball

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Most people know that athletes need to train in order to be in the best possible shape for their sport. But, that means more than just going to the gym. It means fueling their bodies with the right foods, and following diets that help them to perform better. 

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime for a reason. It’s exciting and athletic. But it’s also a game that requires a lot of thinking on your feet and some creativity. 

Because of that, baseball players need to eat a diet that not only allows their bodies to perform well but their minds, too. Players have to stay sharp on the field in order to win games, stay healthy, and avoid injuries. Because of that, they need to remain educated on nutrition, and even sometimes work with nutritionists to determine the best possible diet plan. 

So, what is the “best” diet for baseball players? If you’re a baseball fan, how can you follow along with a similar diet to be just like your favorite players? Let’s take a closer look. 

Fueling the Baseball Body

While there are some jokes and stereotypes about baseball being a sport where the athletes aren’t as “in shape” as other sports, it doesn’t mean they don’t need to follow the right diets for to reach their best fitness and performance levels. Over the last few years, over 80% of the players in the MLB have been confirmed as “overweight.” A proper diet can help to combat that. 

So, what should players be eating to fuel their bodies during practice, games, and even rest periods? 

It’s really about introducing a variety of healthy foods. Players will benefit most from eating a balance of whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Of course, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also important, as these provide essential vitamins and minerals that help the body to function properly. The goal of a baseball player’s body is to be fit, fast, and strong. Those are the keys to winning games from a physical standpoint, and it should be the focal point of any diet. 

Speaking of actual “diets,” players don’t necessarily have to restrict themselves or follow any specific diet plans to stay in shape. But some players choose a sort of “primal” diet. This diet focuses heavily on lean proteins which can build muscle, and healthy carbs and fats for energy. This diet has been shown to increase longevity as well, which can lengthen a player’s career. 

Fueling the Brain for the Field

As we mentioned earlier, baseball players have to stay sharp on the field. Games are about mental skills as well as physical abilities. Players have to be able to think fast on their feet, make adjustments to plays, and always be extremely alert and aware of their surroundings. 

So, it’s important for baseball players to fuel their brains the right way, too. Thankfully, many of the same principals of a diet focused on physical health apply to mental health, too. Whole grains, healthy fats, and leafy green vegetables are all great for providing energy and keeping players on their game. 

There are foods that are also considered brain fuel that can improve concentration, alertness, and focus. Some of these foods can even help players to feel more relaxed on the field, so they don’t make a mistake due to nerves. Some of the most popular “brain foods” include: 

• Fatty fish/Salmon
• Blueberries
• Dark chocolate
• Whole grains

Eating to Prevent Injury

Baseball players have a lot to consider when they’re practicing, training in the gym, or playing in a game. Because they’re so active, they’re constantly at risk of injuring themselves. Thankfully, the right diet can help to reduce the chance of injury and can also promote faster healing if one does occur. 

Players with a stronger immune system from a healthy diet have less of a chance of getting sick, and if they have an injury like a sprain or cut, they can start to heal quicker than those who indulge in a poor diet. 

If a player is dealing with something like chronic pain, the best bet might be to reach for something natural, like CBD oil or other products. Ingesting different over-the-counter or prescription medications can cause side effects like drowsiness and fatigue, which is never good for an active player. Adding things like CBD to some dishes can help to fight chronic pain a natural way, without any harmful side effects. This may be a better solution for a fan than a pro player when considering MLB drug regulations, but it’s still an effective pain management solution once a healthcare provider has been consulted.

As you can see, the diet of a baseball player doesn’t necessarily have to have any crazy restrictions, and players don’t necessarily need to follow any extreme, trendy diet plans. It all boils down to a healthy balance of foods that fuel the mind and body, instead of fat-and-sugar-laden, over-processed foods that can slow players down. If you want to start eating like a baseball player, take a look at some of your own dining habits, and think about changes you can make to improve your own physical and mental performance through what you eat.