Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a unique martial art with its ground fighting techniques, joint-locks and chokeholds. It requires rigorous practice and concentration from its practitioners, something it has in common with other martial arts. To accomplish this, you’ll need to be healthy.
To help you be a winner (in the kitchen at least), here are some health tips. Remember, the first step of training hard, is being healthy.
Don’t ignore your body:
Just because you’re on the go, doesn’t excuse skipping meals. Your body needs a constant supply of nutrients to perform and function at it’s best. And no, you can’t stuff yourself one day and then fast the next. Constant supply means you need to eat everyday.
To keep your metabolic rate high, try to eat six small meals, one every three hours. Make sure each meal has the right amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates so you can continue to train hard.
Drink plenty of water:
The harder you practice, the more water you’ll lose through sweat. Drink plenty of water before, throughout, and after your training is complete, so you can stay hydrated. Doing so will prevent fatigue and keep your joints lubricated making them resistant to injuries.
Stay away from sugary sodas, energy drinks, coffee and alcohol whenever possible. These beverages will cause you to lose water, increasing your chance of de-hydration.
Get a good night’s rest:
Your body’s biggest gains are accomplished not at the gym or on a mat, but at home on your bed. You need proper sleep and rest so your muscles can recover. Only by doing this can your body build itself back up bigger and stronger.
Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices if you have to!
Here are a few extra health tips for all you BJJ students out there
- Barley is a great substitute of rice and noodles.
- Prevent drinking water while eating, as it weakens the digestive juices and slows down digestion.
- Try to get a few minutes of yoga in each day. The breathing and stretching exercises help your body out a lot in its recovery.
Trying to be healthy doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. There are many things you can eat and drink that are delicious and healthy. GracieMag for example, gives a recipe for a healthy lasagna. All it takes to make is a few choice vegetables and 35 minutes.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a very demanding martial art on both your body and your mind. The only way to improve is through training, and the only way to train hard is by being healthy.