Just read
an article in which Vanessa Rousso claims you can't be a good player if you eat too many carbs...or don't get enough protein
This struck me as total sh*t. It's a game of cards. And besides, she looks like a horse in need of a good carrot...so what does she know?
But are there certain foods that help your brain (eg, Omega 3 rich salmon) which might sharpen up your play, especially during long tournaments? Or is it all ****?
Big BS! you're either smart or you're not...food isn't going to change that but good training and reading might. I'd suggest people try that before resorting to black magic
Yeah. A session on the loo with Super System is probably more productive than a muesli bar.
But it did get me thinking. If you start from the premise that alcohol damages your play (and I think we all accept that) and that certain foodstuffs aid brainpower - and the quacks say they do - then maybe certain foods can help.
It's all about brain chemicals, I guess. Anything than can keep you alert and concentrating during a long tourney must help.
Not that I agree with Vanessa Rousso though (or her weird monotone husband). There's healthy eating...and then there's scary, freaky people eating!
As someone who recently started getting into a more healthy lifestyle, all I have to say is "Don't knock it 'til you try it." While eating healthier, increasing my metabolism by working out 6 days a week, and losing nearly 30 lbs over the last year, I can honestly say that my mental function in poker is much improved now.
I've cut out all sodas, cut down on my fat intake, and cut out most sugars and starches while increasing my protein and fiber intake. I've gone from a flabby, slow motion slug who could only play about 8-9 tables at a time to a fit, sharp whip who can 12-table with ease. I can concentrate better and can manage my tilt issues better.
Now I will grant you that people who are already somewhat fit now won't see such a drastic improvement in mental function after a change in diet. But there will still be a noticable change. It's a fact of human biology and every bit of improvement can help.
I suggest people who are skeptical about the benefits of healthy eating do some research. Google is your friend and there are plenty of sites that explain the medically proven facts about proper diet relating to mental function. It's all actually quite interesting.
For example: I've learned in my internet and book reading that too many carbs (even starches and fruits) can create an insulin spike that can throw off your brain functioning. Also, protein feeds your brain. Simply put: Carbs may be the "gas" that powers your brain, but protein is the "oil" that keeps it running smoothly. Another interesting fact is that your brain actually needs some fats to keep hormones balanced, but not a lot and not the saturated kind (that's why some vegans can have hormone problems; not enough fats).
However, Caffeine and Alcohol are complicated ones that actually have sketchy pros & cons going for them. They are both drugs that have more extreme effects, both good and bad, depending on the amounts and the person.
Anyway. It's always best to learn more about something before forming a worthwhile opinion. Applies to most things in life. Cheers.
