No Energy

[mcdanrd]

Often times, after a short night followed by a long day at work my energy level is less than desirable when it comes time to step on the court. I've been boosting my energy level with a large Snickers and a 20oz Mountain Dew which seems to work well but is not very healthy. Do any of you have healthy ways that you boost your pre-game energy level?

[rainmaker]

For me, lots and lots of water all day helps. Keeps the blood pressure up a little. Also, keeping physically active through the early afternoon can help. Conversely, sometimes I find a 30-45 minute nape at lunch time helpful.

If you think the Snickers plus the caffeine is the only thing that is going to do the trick, it's slightly less unhealthy if you eat the Snickers in small bites over a couple of hours, and drink maybe a less caffeine and sugar in your guzzle.

On the other hand, a Snickers and a Big Gulp once a week isn't really much of a big deal health-wise. If it was every day, or twice a day, that would be different.

[JRutledge]

Fruits, real juices, energy bars might all help. I would also talk to a doctor to find out what other issues you might have to deal with that could be a result of your lack of energy. You could have issues of sleep, general health and diet which a doctor would know much more than any of us here that are sapping your energy level.

Peace

[Ref Daddy]

One of those energy drinks .... Red Bull e.g. sometimes knocks my cobwebs off.

[CaliOne]

Rock star, diet coke (becasue of the no sugar) and daily vitamin suppliments keep me wired. I take rhodiola on occasion before a game and it keeps me alert as a taxi cab passenger in Uganda.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by CaliOne

I take rhodiola on occasion before a game and it keeps me alert as a taxi cab passenger in Uganda.

And that's a good thing?!? When I was in a matatu in Kisumu (Kenya), I didn't want to be alert! I just hoped the death would be quick and painless.

[CaliOne]

Oh, how my game last Saturday could have been quick and painless...

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

And that's a good thing?!? When I was in a matatu in Kisumu (Kenya), I didn't want to be alert! I just hoped the death would be quick and painless.

When I die, I want to go peacefully, in my sleep, like my grandfather did.

Not wide awake screaming like the passengers in his car.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by CaliOne

I take rhodiola on occasion before a game and it keeps me alert as a taxi cab passenger in Uganda.

That's funny! Years ago in Korea my buddies and I referred to cabs as "red death", "yellow death" etc, depending on the color cab you got. No need for energy boosts in them...the ride always kicked your adrenaline into high gear

[dave30]

Five Krystal Burgers and a large Sweet Tea is a good pre-game meal !

[Jurassic Referee]

I use greenies.

Works for me.

[IREFU2]

Originally Posted by mcdanrd

Often times, after a short night followed by a long day at work my energy level is less than desirable when it comes time to step on the court. I've been boosting my energy level with a large Snickers and a 20oz Mountain Dew which seems to work well but is not very healthy. Do any of you have healthy ways that you boost your pre-game energy level?

I drink a can of Amp atleast 30 minutes before the game and that helps me out. Usually, when I start running, I am okay.

[btaylor64]

There is a drink called Spark made by a company called advocare. Go to www.advocare.com It is great and more healthy than the above mentioned.

[Jimgolf]

Mountain Dew and Snickers is a glycemic nightmare. Try having fewer processed carbs in the afternoon. Sugar makes the insulin level go up; insulin makes you sleepy. Coffee and a low carb snack bar or a piece of fruit (fruit has a lower glycemic value than processed sugar) should do the trick for a quick pick me up, unless you are sensitive to caffeine.

Stick to whole grains, salads and protein for lunch. At any rate, cut down on the sugar, white rice and potatoes. Save those for when you're not trying to stay awake.

You also might want to get your blood sugar checked, if you haven't done that in a while.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Jimgolf

Mountain Dew and Snickers is a glycemic nightmare. Try having fewer processed carbs in the afternoon. Sugar makes the insulin level go up; insulin makes you sleepy.

It really depends on the person. Even in people who have this strong glycemic response, stretching out the sugar over a long period of time makes the "hit" much less. Furthermore, if he consumes the whole candy bar and the entire 20 oz drink within half-an-hour of the game, his activity levels will raise other body responses and the insulin response will be quite a bit less extreme. The glycemic index thing is an extremely limited evaluation overall, I think.