Kickboxer's Diet

Most dieters end up regaining lost weight, and then put on some extra pounds as well. Weight cycling can increase your chances for developing hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Kickboxers are able to maintain a healthy weight by accepting their body type, staying active and eating nutritious foods. A kickboxer's diet is balanced and designed to promote muscle toning, increase energy, decrease fat and speed up injury recovery time.

Liquids
Water is the number one most important liquid for kickboxers to drink. Water helps along every single body function. You don't have to drown yourself with water; simply sip water throughout the whole day. Don't wait to drink water until your thirsty. All athletes are well-hydrated, especially before an event. While fruit and vegetable juice isn't bad for you, it's better to hydrate yourself with water and eat whole fruits and veggies. Fat-free milk is a good source of protein and calcium, and can help kickboxers lower their body fat.

Foods
Natural foods are best for kickboxers. Eat plenty of whole-grain cereals, brown rice, whole wheat breads and pastas, beans, lean meats, fish, eggs and egg whites, potatoes, fruits and vegetables. Season food with green pepper, onion, oregano, lemon, garlic and cilantro. It's okay to eat low-fat mayonnaise, cheese and yogurt, too.

Foods To Avoid
Kickboxers avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and drinks with sugar, which are all stimulants that can affect their body's rhythm. If you don't want to completely drop these drinks, reduce and limit your intake. Stay away from sugar and sugary foods, butter, sauces, full-fat foods and any food that has a high sodium content.

Preparation And Meals
Kickboxers eat foods that are grilled, baked, barbecued, boiled, steamed or microwaved. Avoid foods that are fried. Adding oil to your food means you're adding extra calories and saturated fat. Kickboxers eat a large breakfast daily. Lunch is smaller than breakfast, and dinner should be the smallest meal of the day. Kickboxers also sometimes opt to eat several small meals throughout the day. Eating more often can help you to lose weight, since your body stores less fat if it's fed approximately every three hours. Do not eat later than four hours before bed time. Eating too close to your bed time means that the food won't be digested or burnt off.

Kickboxer Mentality
It's important to recognize and respond to your internal cues when you want to eat. It's particularly important for athletes and regular exercisers to tune in to their body's cues. Ignore peer pressure and media images and determine which foods will prepare you for fitness. Think about what you're really craving. Determine if your body wants something hot, cold or room-temperature, crunchy or chewy, and sweet, bitter, salty or spicy. You may need liquid instead of food as well. Tune out all messages that will inhibit your goals of maintaining a healthy weight and being a successful kickboxer.