30 POINTS Consider this scenario: A basketball player will have a two-hour training session during the day. Basketball requires both strength and stamina.

Now, answer the following questions.

What should the basketball player eat before basketball practice?
Describe the meal in individual items, such as “chocolate” or “milk.”
Also, state the food value of each item.
How long before the training session should the player eat?
Should the player drink anything before training?
What should the player eat after training?
Again, describe the meal.
When should the player eat after training?
Should the player drink anything after training?
If so, what should the player drink?

I’m assuming you want me to guess and describe that the food a basketball player should eat?? Tell me if I’m wrong.

Well since sports require strength, something that’s healthy or gives a lot of energy should be eaten before practice. For example, a salad or sandwich, or an energy bar or something caffeinated.

The food value for a salad is Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, fiber, and phytonutrients. Leafy vegetables are a good choice for a healthful diet because they do not contain cholesterol and are naturally low in calories and sodium. Although an energy bar is a lot less healthier, the food value for that is about 200–300 Cal (840–1,300 kJ), 3–9 g of fat, 7–15 g of protein, and 20–40 g of carbohydrates, since it usually weighs about 30 to 50 grams.

AND YES, SPORTS PLAYERS SHOULD DEFINITELY DRINK SOMETHING BEFORE TRAINING—ESPECIALLY WATER. Or drink something caffeinate, like good old coffee and the food value for that is riboflavin (vitamin B-2), niacin (vitamin B-3), magnesium, potassium, and various phenolic compounds, or antioxidants.

Right after practice they should eat something warm and healthy since their bodies are probably tired and need to restore energy. Again, water is always a good choice, since all that running makes them dehydrated.