Expert: Jack Rose - 12/19/2006

Question
Hi my names armando, I'm going to Barry's boxing gym, I'm 19 and i want to know should i be watching what i eat and if so what should i be eating.i really don't know what a boxers diet is, any information on dieting for a amateur boxer would be great and why the importance is for the dieting and what the foods I'm eating do for me.

Answer
Hi Armondo,

It really depends on your whether or not you are struggling to make weight and what your particular goals are. If you are trying to stay lean and cut weight you should eat foods that are high protein such as grilled or baked chicken and fish. You should also stick to complex carbs such as a baked potato. Never miss breakfast in the morning. Your metabolism is at it's slowest right when you wake up and the quicker you get some food in you the faster it cranks up. The key is to keep the meals light and small. Don't eat large portions, don't go to buffets. The protein helps to maintain and build your muscle mass and the complex carbs offer you sustained energy as opposed to short term energy like sugars. What you don't burn quickly is converted to fat. So that's why a vegetable beats a fruit as far as energy. You still need fruit, but in small amounts. No whole milk, only skim. I tall glass of whole milk has the caloric value of an entire meal and is mostly fat. Stick with skim milk. Drink lots of water, it is easy to get dehydrated in boxing because you sweat so much. The night before a fight it is important to eat a solid meal because that is what you are fighting on the next day. A lean cut of meat baked or grilled, baked potato, squash or another vegetable and water to drink....drink a gatorade before bed, this helps you store the water you'll drink the next day...never eat chocolate or sweets the night before a fight....there's nothing worse than needing to do number 2 right about the time your climbing in the ring.....

thanks for the question and good luck,

jackson