Poker Pros Stay On Top Of Their Game With A Healthy Diet — Here’s How You Can Do It Too

This article dives into how poker players stay on top of their game with a healthy diet. Aside from having a bunch of different poker varieties to keep track of, there are also new strategic methods –– like Game Theory Optimal and Nash equilibrium –– becoming trendy all the time. And it’s a lot to keep in mind!

And yet, mastering poker involves more than just rules and strategies. To be a pro, you’ll also need stamina. After all, how you feel on the felt will ultimately impact how you play. For this reason, some prominent poker tips for those looking to advance in the game emphasize the importance of eating healthy meals. This is recommended before heading to the poker table and regularly. Forming this sort of habit will give your body the right kind of fuel it needs to last through every round of poker — which, whether in the casino or online, can last anywhere from two to six hours.

You’ll also be more than energized for each poker round –– not to mention you’ll be practicing a healthy lifestyle that will have you looking as great as pros like Daniel Negreanu and Liv Boeree.

With all of that in mind, read on for a quick guide that can get you eating — and playing — like a poker pro in no time.

Stay on Top of Your Game by Balancing Your Nutrients

Each meal you consume should ideally consist of 40-50% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fats (or less). Carbs like oats and rice release energy slowly over time to prevent crashes. More protein can be consumed depending on your fitness goals. Meanwhile, good fats like fatty fish are crucial for energy storage, the production of hormones, and the absorption of vitamins –– and do not cause weight or “fat” gain.

Including various nutrients in your diet will nourish you holistically and equip you for poker success.

Indulge in some brain foods

When snacking, try brain-boosting foods. Those who often have a “sweet tooth” will find that munching on blueberries and açai berries can sharpen eyesight, improve coordination, and even enhance cognitive functions. Coffee lovers can also indulge freely with the knowledge that the drink helps focus — just don’t take yours with too much milk or sugar. And if you’re craving refined sweets, dark chocolate is great for increasing blood flow to the brain. This can kickstart everything from memory and attention span to reaction time and problem-solving skills.

Pile on the fruits and veggies

Take it from the aforementioned Canadian poker star Daniel Negreanu, who’s been vegan for more than 15 years: Incorporating a lot of fresh ingredients into your diet helps your brain and cardiovascular health. These ingredients can also prevent congestion, which is something that can, in turn, stop you from thinking clearly at the poker table. These are among the reasons fresh fruits and vegetables form the backbone of the Mediterranean diet — which, as we’ve mentioned in our guide to said diet, has the bonus of increasing your lifespan.

Keep hydrating

Replenishing your body’s fluids keeps infections at bay and your joints in good shape. The benefits of staying hydrated include improved thinking skills and stable moods –– both of which are perks that come in handy at the poker table. If adequately hydrated, you will be less likely to be swayed by a bad hand and make reckless decisions.

You don’t need to stick with plain water, either. Teas like matcha and yerba mate can keep your focus while preventing a major caffeine crash. However, it’s important to remember that sugars can also cause energy crashes, so stay away from sweet drinks!

If you’re serious about stepping up your poker game, the one thing you need is discipline. This is true concerning strategies for the game itself, but also when it comes to your health. Sticking to a diet is what will grant you improved mental performance over time.

So go ahead and give it a try — if poker players can stay on top of their game with a healthy diet, so can you!