Search Weight Loss Topics:

Floyd Mayweather’s diet: How to eat like a boxer – Telegraph.co.uk

Posted: July 30, 2017 at 11:43 pm

Competing in the lowest possible weight class can give boxers a significant strength advantage, so their diets are tailored to keep their weight down while maintaining lean muscle mass.So, what does a boxers diet look like?

Consistency is key, says MattSmith, who trains current southern super featherweight titleholder Craig Poxton. Firstly, opt for small but regular meals four to five a day. Secondly, choose foods of high nutritional value, cutting out the empty calories you get from sweets and crisps. The diets similar to the Paleo or low glycaemic diet. Look to eat quality protein in every meal. This can be red meat, eggs, poultry or oily fish. Healthy fats are in too such as avocado and nuts.

And, just as Mayweathers former chef disclosed, fibrous fruit and vegetables should make up a large portion of each meal. Fresh fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help with repair and recovery. Root vegetables in particular provide slow release energy that will keep the boxers brain alert and aid performance.

Blood sugar levels need to be kept consistent, too. Especially in the lead up to a fight when boxers are trying to make weight to qualify for certain categories. When blood glucose is spiked, it can inhibit the breakdown of fat, says Smith a process that could stop boxers losing the weight they need to qualify. A Paleo style diet is beneficial because it cuts out processed foods with hidden sugars.

As well as the Paleo style diet that Smith discusses, slow release carbohydrates - such as whole grains and oats -are essential saysperformance nutritionist Mark Ellison, who works with GB Boxing."They provide accessible energy that the body needs duringhigh intensity exercise. Without it, boxerscanfatigue quicker."

From one athlete to the next, diets vary hugely depending on the energy demands of training. Sports nutritionists will spend months analysing their performance in the run up to the fight, testing certain foods to ensure theyre performing at their best. Anyone looking to enhance their boxing performance with their diet should start with cutting out empty calories and following a consistently nutrient-rich diet, says Smith.

Follow Matt Smith on Twitter

See more here:
Floyd Mayweather's diet: How to eat like a boxer - Telegraph.co.uk


Search Weight Loss Topics: