EAT LIKE AN NBA PLAYER!

If there is one thing that basketball players can do better than ball, it’s eat.

Getting ready for a game relies on more than just pure talent because basketballers have to condition their bodies with the right sort of fuel.

One of the major factors that determine whether you'll become a good basketballer or a great one is reflected from your diet. As any basketball coach or high school gym teacher can tell you, the key to health is diet - that means a balanced meal of proteins, carbohydrates, grains, and vegetables.

The proof is in the physiques and performance of today’s top NBA stars.

NBA players eat protein at every meal to achieve a lean physique. Protein builds muscle while increasing metabolism to continuously burn fat. Carbohydrate intake is tailored to each player’s daily workout demands. With how much an NBA player run during games and how many games they play, players need as many calories they can get before a game.

Without a doubt, breakfast is the most important meal to start your day. When you wake up, your body is in a fasted state and your muscles need nutrients. Take one of the greatest NBA players alive, Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors, for example. For breakfast, Curry would have a fruit smoothie, eggs, toast with avocado and some sharp cheddar. Los Angeles Lakers players would start their mornings with eggs (with the yolks), full fat cheeses, leafy greens like spinach and kale along with mushrooms.

What you eat after games and training is as important as what you eat before. Eating the right food and having sufficient amount of nutrition promotes muscle healing and recovery. Grab a snack that contains carbohydrates and protein such as an apple or a cup of low-fat chocolate milk.

Have a healthy meal three to four hours later to continue to replenish energy stores to build and repair muscle. Curry avoids sugar from all his foods and consumes fiber-rich vegetables and fruits including superfoods such as quinoa. He would have sweet potatoes, chicken or baked fish with vegetables for lunch and dinner.

But what happens when the season is over? Do NBA players stick to their strict diet or do they let loose?

Some athletes may choose to take the time to prepare for the next season. Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James follows a strict diet by completely cutting out sugar, carbohydrates, and dairy products.

However not every player abides by such a strict code.

Guys like Kyrie Irving and Dwight Howard choose to loosen up a bit, eating countless bowls of cereal and spaghetti. Curry being a family man begins his offseason indulgences with his wife’s home cooking such as pork chops with mac ‘n’ cheese. Even the legendary NBA player - Kobe Bryant goes for pizzas and pastas!

But of course the players take everything in moderation. Two to three months before the next season come around, the NBA players are back on their strict diet regime.

To keep the body in good health is a duty of all athletes - regardless of age and gender. The Jr. NBA Malaysia presented by Dutch Lady programme impart this commitment in each young aspiring basketballers. The programme not only trains participants in the fundamentals of basketball, but also emphasizes the importance of sufficient nutrition and balanced diet.

“You are what you eat. It is necessary for each Jr. NBA participants and all youth to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle – don’t take your youth for granted. This programme establishes that habit in each young basketballer because they need nutrition to grow to become a good player,” said Coach Chris Sumner, the head coach of the Jr. NBA programme.

Coach Chris gleefully added that many kids asked him what do they need to eat to be as tall as him. “I always remind the kids to drink two glasses of milk every day to build stronger bones along with a well-balanced meal.”

“This programme places the youth under the watchful eyes of experienced coaches, puts them through fitness regimes, and basketball drills that will be crucial for them to succeed in the sport,” Coach Chris added.

  

The Jr. NBA program is free and open to boys and girls ages 5-14. Players between the ages of 10-14 will be eligible for selection during the Selection Camp on July 8 & 9 – a two day event made up of skill stations and clinics on the first day, followed by scrimmages and final selections on the second day which is still open for registration. The top 32 boys and girls from the Selection Camp will be invited to participate in the Jr. NBA National Training Camp in Kuala Lumpur from July 28-30 and have the chance to get up-close with a current or former NBA player. The Jr. NBA Malaysia presented by Dutch Lady will culminate with eight boys and eight girls being named 2017 Jr. NBA Malaysia All-Stars.

For more information on registration for Selection Camp, visit the official event website at www.jrnba.asia/malaysia/events/ and follow the Jr. NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbamalaysian.  For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and “Friend” the NBA’s official account on LINE by adding @nba_global.