Got a big poker tournament session in mind, or even just playing by yourself at home on one of the us-friendly poker sites listed here? Well, when your playtime extends into when you should eat something, then you should seriously consider some healthy snacking options to keep you refreshed and able to keep playing with sustenance. Please, however, do not take radical action to your diet without consulting a medical practitioner – and observe your normal requirements.
Water
Ok, this one isn’t technically a snack but water is probably the most important thing you can consume whether you’re playing poker or not. Dehydration will lead to poor cognitive ability, poor decision-making, and potential headaches. It’s a good idea to ensure that you have a glass of water on the go at all times. Ample hydration will ensure that fatigue is reduced and that in-game focus is increased. Sadly, it can’t change your cards.
Nuts
Nuts have long been a favorite of poker players with the two often being paired together. After all, if you host a poker night at your house, can you even call it a poker night without nuts? Seriously though, some of the healthier nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews are great sources of slow-release energy which ensures that you can keep going throughout those long poker tournament sessions. If you’re more of a processed and flavored nut fan, then just check the nutritional information, while dry salted and dry roasted nuts can be very tasty they might not possess the healthy snacking attributes that other nuts do.
Smoothies
Much like water, smoothies can play a vital role in keeping you hydrated during a long poker session. Homemade smoothies can be a great way to combine multiple benefits in a single serving. Liquid fruit can help you feel lighter and subsequently focus better, while the nutrients and fiber will keep your body working optimally while you are at the table.
Green Tea
One of the staples of the Japanese diet, green tea is drank by seemingly everyone these days given its wealth of different benefits. Even bodybuilders are known to drink green tea for its ability to cleanse the body from the inside. Poker players can enjoy this as well as the natural caffeine and L-theanine which can enhance boost alertness and focus, both of which are essential for succeeding at the poker table.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs in general are a great source of protein, which does a lot for the healthy function of the body. The beauty of hard-boiled eggs and their appropriateness for poker players is that they can sustain energy levels to keep you in the zone. In addition rich protein sources like this do wonders to make someone ‘feel full’ It means that you won’t have to leave the table very often as a hard-boiled egg or two should leave you satisfied. They’re also very easy to prepare, even the most kitchen-shy poker player can dump a whole egg in a pan of boiling water.
Apples
What is there to dislike about an apple? They come in both sweet and sour varieties, as well as remaining relatively cheap. Whichever type of apple you prefer, these are a great way to get some in-game nutrients. Studies suggest that eating apples can help brain function, which could help with in-game decisions. Of course, another great attribute of the apple is that it can be consumed with little preparation with no need to discard the skin.
Sliced Vegetables with Hummus or Greek Yoghut
One great way to keep up your energy while also consuming healthy nutrients is to get some vegetables and serve them with some hummus or another style of dip, like say Greek yogurt. Sliced vegetables like carrots or cucumbers hold a lot of fiber while hummus can add healthy flavor with natural fats. Or if you go down the yoghurt route this will improve your digestion ensuring that your gut is in good condition throughout the poker tournament.
Dark Chocolate
These days there’s a good amount of data and science to suggest that a moderate amount of dark chocolate can be good for health. The types that are made up of 70% or higher cocoa can give an ample energy boost to help you stay in the poker game, while the rich antioxidant value can improve your cognitive function.
Bananas
Who doesn’t enjoy a banana? Rich in nutrients and natural flavors, there’s very little to dislike about the iconic yellow fruit. The high concentration of natural sugars makes it a very easy and efficient source of energy. Of course, there’s also the unrivalled amount of potassium in each serving which helps promote blood circulation and in turn assists with combating fatigue.
