Food For Thought

A recent issue of Chess Life featured a story on food and snack choices and how good and bad choices can affect your play.  It struck me that this very theme came up when I was at Foxwoods.

After round 6, I went to lunch with a few of my friends.  Calvin Hori had made a brunch reservation at the David Burke Prime steakhouse.  So along with Calvin, Harvey Reed and Mark Kaprielian, I sat down to enjoy a very nice, if pricy, lunch.  While my friends all opted for the prix fixe menu, I opted to go ala carte because I didn’t want to have a sugar laden desert before the last round.  My dietary restraint didn’t keep me from losing my last round game.  But, I do wonder if the dessert hadn’t contributed to the headache that most certainly was a factor in the last round loss that cost Harvey a prize.

I don’t believe in diets, but I do strongly advocate good nutrition.  When I go to a multi-day tournament there are certain dos and don’ts I follow.

I do watch what I eat.  That doesn’t mean I eat light.  In fact, quite the opposite is true.  Each of is different in this regards.  I remember hearing Sherrill Milnes once say he was a full belly singer.  Well, I suppose I am would have to say I am a full belly player.  I like to have a big breakfast that will stick with me through the early round, and I don’t miss any meals if I can avoid it.  After all, deep chess thinking consumes a lot of energy.  So while I don’t worry about eating too much, I don’t over eat.  That uncomfortable, bloated feeling is not compatible with good game focus.

I also don’t indulge in foods that I haven’t had before.  No one wants to suffer through a bad case of indigestion (or worse) over the board. 

I also avoid foods that are made with a lot of sugar just before a game.  These can give you a good energy kick, but beware the crash when your blood sugar level drops.

Highly salted foods are another thing I avoid.  It is important to be well hydrated while you play.  High sodium foods can make god hydration more difficult.

Alcohol is the other banned substance before a game.  No beer with that pizza thank you.  That poor beverage choice will after your play in two ways.  Not only can the alcohol after your play directly, but it is also anti-hydrating.  If I want to have a beer after play is finished for the day, that’s okay, but not after 11:00 p.m.  I want to make sure all the effects of processing the libation are long past by morning.

And, no heavy meals late at night.  That big dinner just before turning in can impede your sleep.  I want to feel refreshed and ready to play when I get up.

During the game, I like to drink lots of water.  True, it can lead to a need for many nature breaks, but I find the benefits of good hydration are well worth it.  Besides which, when playing a long game the chance to get up, stretch, and walk around help to me in a good mental state for the game.

For snacks at the board, I like nuts-unsalted of course.  Lately, I have been partial to raw cashews.  They are lightly sweet, somewhat crunch, and quite satisfying.  I generally also bring some fruit (oranges & bananas for snaking in my room.

Of course, we all have different needs. So, my dos & don’t may not work for you.  But, I would suggest giving some thought to a good routine that supports your ability to play at your best.  What food dos and don’ts have you found that work for you?

Comments

[Smitty]

When I'm at a tournament, I eat a light breakfast; usually a muffin, yogart, OJ and then a coffee to take to the game with me.

Same goes for any afternoon lunches I may take...just a roll-up and bottled water.

It's only at dinner time where I will eat a hearty meal; of course, by the time I'm eating dinner, my games for the day are over. In any event, I will always have bottled water with me while playing OTB.

A full belly for me while playing or eating a lot of food with sugar is a -+ for my opponent.

[James Todhunter]

Like you, many people find a big meal can hurt their play. For me it is the opposite. I'm more like a marathon runner. If I don't eat enough, I run out of steam.

But, I definitely avoid the sugary stuff.