Proper nutrition is essential for optimal performance in nearly all sporting activities.  Because field hockey is a high intensity game that tests the athlete’s endurance capacity, choosing the right foods is critical.  Finding the right combination of foods to provide all the nutrients your body needs – water, carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.  Deficiencies or even marginal intakes of any of these dietary components will lead to poor performance. 

Maintaining adequate calorie intake is important for achieving an ideal body weight.  Consuming too many calories, causing weight gain is a concern.  On the other hand, restricting calories too much may be more detrimental.  The speed and power needed in the sport requires strength and muscle.  Losing weight quickly or losing too much weight will reduce strength and speed. 

Athletes should avoid “fad” diets such as those that restrict or eliminate any particular nutrient.  An example is a low carbohydrate diet.  A healthy diet requires variety, moderation, and balance.  This can be achieved through following the food pyramid recommendations.  The basis for your diet should come from high carbohydrate foods, including whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, vegetables, and fruit.  An athlete’s diet also needs to have adequate protein.  This can be achieved through consuming nonfat milk and yogurt, cheese, lean meats, fish, chicken and turkey.  Finally, fats are very important for good health.  They provide the essential energy for sports.  Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, lean meats, and whole grains, will provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. 

For optimal performance in field hockey, athletes need to have speed, strength, and endurance.  This can be achieved through hard work on the practice field.  In addition, adequate nutrition is essential to optimize your training.  Attain an ideal weight and eat a variety of foods from all food groups to showcase your skills on the field.