Top Food for Video Gamers

It seems that answer can be given immediately, without further reading. That would be pizza, energy bars, coffee and energy drinks. Right? Four favorite snacks of every gamer. But no. These four are not top picks in this article about right food for gamers and others who spend most of their time in front of computers.

Of course, there’s hardly anything better than a slice of hot pizza with melting cheese over delicious crust after the hard raid’s night. But, on a long term it cannot be good. Imagine the fat that accumulates on your hips and in your arteries. Also, most of the energy bars on the market do not increase your energy, but cause fatigue with their high sugar content. Use too much coffee or energy drinks during gameplay and you’ll shake like a washing machine.

There are alternatives: inexpensive, nutritious and delicious, right in front of your nose. Maybe some of them are already in your fridge.
This article will present some of the foods and drinks that can significantly improve your energy levels, concentration and mood.


Fruits

Dried fruits usually have the best energy boost of all fruits. Their health benefits are their natural sugar levels. Consider fruits as regular snacks, because they don’t leave mess on your desk either. As I said, the best fruits are dried, such as dates, figs, apricots and peaches, as well as sultanas and raisins.

Fresh fruits should be included in your daily meal as well, such as avocado, bananas and prunes.
Also, kiwi often gets overlooked in favor of  more common apple or orange, but kiwi packs a powerful punch. With more vitamin C than an equal amount of orange, kiwi is a potent energy-boosting food.

Tip: Make a bowl of mixed fresh fruit salad or a bowl of dried fruits mixed with nuts.



Nuts

Nuts are powerful source of energy, especially almonds. Similar to dried fruits, they won’t leave mess on your desk. Like already said, almonds should be top choice. They are rich in manganese and copper, essential cofactors of an enzyme superoxide dismutase. This enzyme helps keep your energy flowing. Almonds also contain riboflavin, another important component of energy production.
There are also walnuts, pistachio nuts and peanuts, as well as few exotic nuts, such as macadamia and Brazil nuts, which are powerful as an energy-boosting food. If your store has them, then they’re even better choice for energy reparation.

Tip: They make great combo with dried fruits. Also, stay away from all kind of nuts if you have an allergic reaction to them.



Vegetables

Potato generally gives the biggest share of energy of all vegetables. Chips and crisps provide the highest amounts and should be included in average gamer’s menu.

Similar vegetable (because it belongs to Cucurbitaceae family), that is often classified as a fruit is Cantaloupe. This melon is an exceptional energy booster because of its combination of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, and niacin (vitamin B3) combination. Vitamins B combined with fiber support energy production by keeping blood sugar levels stable. Cantaloupe also provides body with plenty of water, similar to watermelon, which is also recommendation as delicious energy food.

Vegetables that demand preparation (and more time) before being consumed are broccoli, spinach and black beans and other legumes that will help keep your blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day, providing a steady and slow-burning source of energy to make you feel awake. Besides, black beans are a rich source of iron, an integral part of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the body, and key enzyme systems for energy production and improved metabolism.
Note that many fresh vegetables can be eaten raw or just slightly cooked, which makes them perfect snack when you don’t have much time.

Tip: If you don’t have time for cooking (which is expected if you’re in the middle of the gameplay and if you’re experienced gamer) then you can use vegetables canned or already prepared as meals.
Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and cucumbers can be mixed in salad and combined with sour cream or some varieties of cheese, which makes a bowl of pure energy.


Dairy

Any cheese is good. Gosh, this was fast.
Just kiddin’. Combined with potato snacks, cheeses are great source of daily dose of energy dose. Creams can be used instead a cheese as well. Milk is ideal energy drink when you feel fatigue or loss of concentration.
Also, don’t forget yogurt. Eight ounces of this ‘magical’ drink provides a bunch of B vitamins, which help the body convert other nutrients into energy. Yogurt is also a great source of potassium, which is an important mineral for energy.

Tip: Dried fruits can be mixed with yogurt and you get your own Potion of Restoration in second.


Meat


Meat is generally good recommendation, except if you’re vegetarian. Good choice would be lean roast beef, rich in zinc, which is critical for at least 80 body reactions that increase energy levels. Zinc keeps your mind alert and fights fatigue. Lean protein also contains tyrosine, an amino acid that helps your brain produce the chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which improve your mental function. Other types of meat such as pork tenderloins, chicken or turkey meat are also recommendable.

Tip: As suggested for vegetables, use meat products in already prepared meals (pies, stews,…), except if you like to cook during two game levels, break sessions, etc.




Fish

Fish, especially salmon, tuna or sardines, is a rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids that will boost your mood, beat stress and play a crucial role in brain development and concentration.
Smoked salmon sandwich or salad with canned tuna pieces can be prepared easily and they both meals restore your energy levels really fast.

Tip: Use fish canned because it is more convenient option to eat with salads or topped on a slice of bread.



Eggs


Egg whites are an amazing source of protein, which will supply you with a steady stream of energy. Also the egg yolk adds an extra dose of B vitamins.

Tip: Use them hard-boiled and spice up with mustard, pepper or some other addition, depending on your own taste, and you’ll have great source of energy.






Cereals & Other snacks

Oatmeal is your best breakfast choice for long-lasting energy. It is loaded with soluble fiber, a key to slowing down carbohydrate absorption and keeping blood sugar levels steady.

Just a 2.5 oz packet of pumpkin seeds will provide you with over 400 mg of magnesium. According to studies, this amount can decrease fatigue by up to 89%! The reason behind this is simple - magnesium helps convert food into energy. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in iron which nourishes your cells with oxygen.

Peanut butter is full of both protein and magnesium, but don’t go crazy with it. Be sure to buy low-sugar, natural variety and try to combine it with other valuable sources like apple, celery sticks or bananas for the best energy effect.

Chocolate is famous brain stimulator and rich in proteins, but be moderate in its consummation. Drinking hot chocolate is better source of energy than any energy drink. It’s great when combined with dried fruits or grounded nuts.



Drinks & Beverages

Water is the best solution. Considering the fact that our brains are consisted of 70% water, when drinking water we are ensuring that our brains' water levels are not depleted. This is vital for proper memory function. Dehydrated brains work more slowly and are known to release the stress hormone cortisol, in response to the body feeling stressed by the lack of water. In addition, in the long term too much production of cortisol can cause a weight gain.

Tip: After waking up, drink up to two glasses of water to fight fatigue. If you want, you can pour few drops of lemon in it. Also, during the day drink at least 8 glasses of water.

Orange Juice is one of the best and most delectable sources of vitamin C. A large glass of this beverage will give you about 200% of the recommended daily allowance of this nutrient.

Tip: Drink your juice with a bit of protein on the side, such as a teaspoon of peanut butter, to slow down the digestion of simple carbohydrates. This will prolong your surge of energy and make you feel great.



You can make combinations of the food mentioned above depending on your own taste and free time. Usually, salads, tinned meals and snacks will take less time for preparation and will give you more time for playing.

Bon appetite!