Power Up Your Football Game with Supplements

Feeding Your Body the Right Way Will Help You Perform at a Higher Level

Football is a very physical sport. Nobody can deny that. A football player needs a high calorie requirement. During the season or during training camp, football players will burn a tremendous amount of calories. They often have the same question: Do I eat enough? How can I fuel up my body with energy?

There is no doubt that football players need to follow a proper diet - high in quality carbs, healthy fat and at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. An average 200 lb football player should consume at least 3600 calories per day divided in 5 to 6 meals. Of course this will also depend on the position of the athlete on the field.

In addition to their diet, athletes will often incorporate supplements. This will help them gain the maximum performance from their effort. With the following supplements, football players can prevent injuries, recover better and faster from workouts, gain muscle mass, strength, speed and  be filled with energy.

      8 Essential Supplements

1. Multivitamins: That's a no brainer. These are essential in your life, so for athletes it's a must! Take it with breakfast.
2. Protein Powder: Protein is critical for athletes. Whey protein will do the trick. Now, for football players who need to gain a few pounds, and the one with fast metabolism, taking a Weight Gainer is a great choice. Taking it post workout and as a snack mid-morning or mid-afternoon would be good.
3. Joint Support: Football is physical; it's a contact sport, lifting weight being a big part of it also, so taking good care of your joints and ligaments makes sense. Taking Glucosamine with Chondroitin is the way to go. Take it with breakfast and/or with dinner.
4. Essential Fatty Acids: Great for your cardiovascular health, it's also a great lubricant for the joints - it contributes to muscles growth. Some Omega 3,6,9 would be great. Take it with breakfast and dinner.
5. Creatine: Creatine is involved with your ATP process; this supplement will help promote energy, strength and speed. Taking it pre-workout will be perfect for that.
6. Amino Acids: Most of these will come from your protein shakes, but adding Glutamine will help with recovery. Taking Glutamine post workout and before bedtime will to the job.
7. ZMA: It's a supplement that consists of Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. It will help with recovery. This is a supplement that will boost your natural testosterone. Gain of strength and endurance will occur. ZMA should be taken 45 minutes before bedtime.
8. Sports Drinks: A beverage designed for the athlete to replenish and rehydrate the body when fluids are depleted. Sip it before, during and post workout.

Keep in Mind

Supplements are beneficial, but you should educate yourself first before taking them. It would be wise to cycle your supplements for best results. Some supplements are more beneficial when they are not used all year long (Creatine for example).