Eat clean, fight better: How a healthy diet improves your Jiu-Jitsu

June 7, 2023

A true athlete is constantly pushing to improve his Jiu-Jitsu in all aspects. This means technique and physical training, but also eating habits. After all, a balanced diet may just be what you need to go even further in your training and competitions.

A Jiu-Jitsu master once said: "A lion does not eat more or less than he needs. The king of the jungle has to be ready to fight at all times." The philosophy behind the quote reflects that we must control ourselves with the quality and quantity of what we eat, selecting healthier options to improve our body's response as it deals with our daily lives.

Sugar-rich snacks and other edibles that contain hydrogenated fats, for instance, directly affect performance, as it reduces our body's oxygenation and absorption of important nutrients.

Even if you're not a competitor, don't just assume that an unhealthy diet won't impact your training sessions because it will. Here are some useful tips so you can improve your diet today:

* Avoid processed foods rich in sugar, fats, and sodium.

* Keep an eating schedule to avoid compulsive and anxiety feeding.

* Don't rush your meals. Take your time with it and avoid distractions while you eat.

* Got a sweet tooth? Fruits are an excellent option to give you that sugar you're craving.

* Understand what are the biggest obstacles to your healthy diet and slowly replace them with better options.

Like Jiu-Jitsu, finding a healthy diet that fits your lifestyle requires time, testing, and constant improvement. Look for a qualified nutritionist, understand what you need to eat better, and improve your game in a way you never imagined.