Eight Nutrition Principles for Basketball Performance (from Zoe)

This episode explores eight evidence-based nutrition principles that help young basketball players improve recovery, energy levels, focus, and long-term performance. The discussion addresses common mistakes like overly processed foods, inconsistent habits, and chasing perfection, while emphasizing mindful eating, variety, gut health, blood sugar stability, and consistency. The episode provides practical, realistic actions players can apply immediately without extreme dieting or restriction.

Key takeaways:

• Nutrition habits often separate developing players from experienced professionals
• Mindful eating helps players identify which foods improve or hurt performance
• Greater food variety supports gut health and recovery
• Eating different colors of fruits and vegetables improves nutrient intake
• Fermented foods can support immune system health over time
• Highly processed foods can negatively affect mood, focus, and confidence
• Food order can help reduce energy crashes from blood sugar spikes
• Food quality matters more than calorie counting
• Consistency with small habits beats short-term perfection
• Improving one habit at a time leads to sustainable progress

Inspired by Zoe Podcast:
https://youtu.be/SM7_QBQ5i-g?si=WFXzaIcPi45M7VsQ