Published: October 5, 1995
As a professional volleyball player, I have to watch my diet and practice my skills in order to perform at the best level possible. Here are a few breakfast and "on the road" tips that help me get going.
Many of my volleyball matches occur around 9:00am, which is unlike many other sporting events such as baseball or basketball that typically occur in the afternoon or evening. At such early hours my appetite is very small but I know I need to eat in order to gain energy for my matches. Typically I'll eat two hours before a match. This gives me enough time to digest my meal and get focused on the task at hand. My breakfast varies according to my mood. Some days I'll have a yogurt, others a bagel, or cereal (hot or cold), or possibly eggs, however, no junk food such as donuts or danishes. I usually wash my breakfast down with some type of fruit juice.
Due to my tournament schedule, I'm on the road frequently which requires me to eat out often. Unfortunately this makes it hard to control my menu, but I try to work around it. To supplement my meals.
I take multi-vitamins, however, you should check with your parents, athletic trainer or coach before taking any vitamin supplements.
Starting your day off right is important both physically and mentally and breakfast is a big part of that. Follow these tips and hopefully you too will "eat up" the competition!
Liz is a member of the Women's Professional Volleyball Association and in 1993, won the Shootout, The U.S. Open and National Championships with partner, Karolyn Kirby. She was also a member of the USA National Volleyball team for five years (1986-90), and was a starter on the 1988 Olympic team. During her collegiate years at UCLA, she was a two time All-American and in 1984 her team captured the NCAA Championship.