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What should you not eat before a hockey game?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 11, 2026

High-sugar foods, including juice or white flour breads, burn off quickly making them poor choices for a pre-game meal. You'll get an energy burst that will then crash when you need it most – during your game.

What is the best thing to eat before a hockey game?

Top off your fuel stores by eating a high-quality carb-rich meal the night before your first game. Remember – carbs are the body's main source of fuel during high-intensity exercise such as hockey, so this meal should be healthy and balanced by eating several servings of carbs (bread, pasta, beans, potatoes, etc.)

What foods should you avoid before a game?

Before a game, some athletes also avoid fatty, foods that are slow to digest and try to eat mainly familiar, easily digested, high carbohydrate foods. High-fiber foods such as raw vegetables, seaweed, and mushrooms tend to cause a buildup of gas, so athletes have to avoid eating too much of them.

How long should I eat before a hockey game?

Typical guidelines to power-fuel your body BEFORE hockey practices or games: Larger meals should be consumed 3-4 hours before hockey practices or games to ensure that the food that you eat is digested and you are ready to perform.

What should athletes not eat before a game?

But be careful with what you pick, because if you eat the wrong thing, you could hinder yourself once you get out onto the field or onto the court: “Foods high in protein, fat, and fiber—including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—will digest a lot slower than low-fiber carbohydrates, and should be avoided with less ...

23 related questions found

Are eggs a good pre game meal?

Young athletes should spread protein foods throughout the day, having some at each meal and with most snacks, such as eggs and whole-grain toast with fruit for breakfast or a sandwich with low-sodium deli meat on whole-grain bread with yogurt and raw veggies for lunch.

Are eggs good before a game?

Eggs are an amazing source of protein. Therefore, it is very good for any athlete. Also, scrambled eggs or omelets can be eaten with any kind of meat or fish. However, with omelets, you have to eat some form of carbohydrates so that you have the required supply of energy during the match.

Are bananas good before a hockey game?

Final Snacks

Again, stay away from sugary treats that your body will burn up quickly. Instead, focus on quick-digesting foods such as peanut butter, fruits, and nuts. Peanut butter and banana slices on a single piece of whole-grain toast is both delicious and an effective snack.

What do hockey players sniff?

Smelling Salts for Athletes

Today, smelling salts are still widely used in the NHL, the NFL, and powerlifting and strongman competitions. They cause a quick burst of adrenaline which athletes believe helps them perform better despite the fact that science suggests the effects of smelling salts are extremely brief.

What should a hockey player eat for breakfast?

Nerenberg suggests an ideal game day breakfast would consist of carbohydrate-rich whole grains -- ideally a bowl of oatmeal -- the fiber found in fresh fruit and some protein like eggs, dairy products, or even adding protein powder to your oatmeal.

What should an athlete eat before a game?

Athletes should eat a balanced meal containing carbohydrates, protein, and fruit or vegetables 2-3 hours before game time. Make sure to drink 12-24 ounces of water with a pre-game meal to stay hydrated. Pre-game meals may include: Whole wheat chicken sandwich with vegetables.

Is chocolate good before a game?

Chocolate is not a good pre-exercise energy booster. Sugary foods like chocolate aren't your best choice for a snack before a workout. The sugar in the chocolate may give you a little boost, but it might be followed by a dramatic drop in energy. Plus, the excess sugar can really wreak havoc on your digestive system.

What are 5 healthy snacks for an athlete?

5 Quick and Easy Snacks to Sustain Your Athlete's Energy

  • Scrambled Egg Rice Bars.
  • Half of a PB+J Sandwich.
  • Greek Yogurt with Dried Fruit and Honey.
  • Build Your Own Trail Mix.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs with Apple Slices or a Banana.
  • A Stash of Healthier Quick Options.

What are good pregame meals?

Best fare to prepare for action: Pasta with meat sauce; salad with low-fat dressing; fruit and granola; and low-fat milk. Baked chicken; steamed vegetables; rice; a fig bar; and a sports drink. Grilled steak; baked potato with low-fat sour cream and low-fat cheese; steamed vegetables and water.

How can I get energy before a game?

How to Have More Energy on Game Day

  1. Rest during the day before your game. ...
  2. Eat a dinner based on complex carbohydrates the night before the game. ...
  3. Eat breakfast on game day. ...
  4. Pack a snack to eat before the game and during the game, if necessary. ...
  5. Drink plenty of water as you play.

Why do hockey players spit?

The truth is, when you do high-intensity exercise in cold air, saliva and mucus build up making you want to spit more to clear your airways – that's the main reason hockey players are continuously spitting.

Why do hockey sticks need tape?

The reasons are obvious: Tape makes a stick easier to hold. Tape “softens” the blade, making it easier to corral a pass, lets the puck linger in your cagey control, or allows you to snap a precise wrister through the five-hole. Tape protects the blade, helping it survive the brunt of your cannonading slap shots.

Why do hockey players eat mustard?

The mustard helps hockey players with cramps, Mark Letestu said. After Mark was caught sucking on a mustard packet in a 2019 Jets-Oilers game, the Alberta native explained his habit, saying the mustard gives him relief from muscle cramps. “Over the years, I've seen various guys do it on and off,” he said, per NHL.com.

What should I eat before field hockey practice?

Some suitable pre-match snack ideas include: Yoghurt with fruit salad. Banana and a handful of almonds. Peanut butter on rice cakes.
...
Eating before competition

  • Wrap or sandwich with chicken and salad.
  • Bowl of muesli with yoghurt and berries.
  • Pasta with beef mince in tomato-based sauce.
  • Chicken stir-fry with rice or noodles.

What should you eat between hockey games?

Hockey is an anaerobic sport which requires glycogen as a critical fuel. Glycogen in slow to recover. You can boost your stores of glycogen by eating carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, bread, fruit, or milk along with a source of protein.

What should I eat while watching hockey?

Hockey Snacks

  • Walk Away Steak with Chili Beer Dip. Grilling steak is an awesome pre-game ritual. ...
  • Ultimate Canadian Poutine. ...
  • Spicy Japanese Izakaya Style Grilled Wings. ...
  • Classic French's Hot Dog. ...
  • Ginger Teriyaki Turkey Burgers. ...
  • Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.

Is chicken good before a game?

A general rule to consumption is to eat between 20 to 40 grams of carbohydrates one to two hours before playing sport. Chicken is one of the healthiest meats you can consume when you consider how high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat it is.

Are fries good before a game?

Here are some items to avoid eating as part of a pregame meal. Fatty foods. It seems easy, but athletes often forget to steer clear of any high-fat foods. That includes fried foods – including French fries, chicken strips, fried chicken and onion rings – and fatty cuts of meat such as hamburgers and bacon.

Are pancakes good to eat before a game?

Pasta, pancakes and toast are good choices. If you have only an hour or two prior to play, but your stomach is grumbling, choose a small meal with just 150 to 300 calories.