Taking part in an online casino marathon is an experience that’s equal parts thrilling and challenging. Whether you’re planning a showdown at the poker tables, or trying your luck at online slots, maintaining your energy levels and focus is a key part of having a successful gaming session.
In order to stay on top of your game, you’ll need sustenance for an extended online casino games session. Here’s a list of delicious, healthy gaming snacks and drinks (along with some nutritional facts) that are sure to keep you alert and give you the stamina you need to maintain your edge while gambling.
Blueberries
Poker player Jamie Gold snacked on blueberries during the 2006 World Series of Poker and won the main event. Blueberries are recognized as some of the best gaming snacks because they just brim with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids — an antioxidant known to boost brain function, maintain memory, and encourage neuron repair.
A study from the University of Reading in the UK showed that participants who drank a blueberry smoothie in the morning had better cognitive function five hours later than those who had a similar drink without Blueberries.
If you have those blueberries really early, you’ll be ready to game later.
Avocados
We know that 77% of avocados’ calories are from fat, but it’s the kind of fat that’s good for you and your brain. Monounsaturated fats from this “superfood” can improve memory and cognitive activity.
Avocados have the highest protein and the lowest sugar of any fruit, and contain a healthy amount of fiber — meaning you feel fuller for longer. The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin in avocados help to keep your eyes sharp, so that you can focus on your cards.
Fatty Fish and Nuts
Fatty and oily fish (salmon, trout, and mackerel) have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are good for memory and mental performance. Our bodies can’t manufacture these essential fatty acids, which is why we need to get them from our diet.
If you’re vegetarian, you can get a boost of healthy fats from nuts. Just watch the portion sizes as nuts are generally high in calories. Also, avoid nuts with a lot of added salt or sugar since blood sugar spikes and crashes will mess with your concentration.
If you’re watching your weight, nutritionists recommend almonds. These nuts have many other health benefits, including preventing certain types of cancer, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and regulating blood pressure.
Broccoli
This brain food helps with cognition and memory and will keep your game on point. Snacking on this deep green vegetable will give you a good dose of choline, a nutrient needed to make acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that plays a vital part in systems that moderate muscle control, memory, and attention. This could prevent you from giving anything away with an unplanned twitch or shaky hands.
Dark Chocolate
If the idea of broccoli bores you, consider dark chocolate. Be sure to get good quality chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa. Not only will you get a mild dose of caffeine to make you more alert, but the magnesium will boost the production of endorphins such as serotonin.
Serotonin can lift your mood and take the edge off your stress levels when you’re having a bad run. A study has found that flavonoid antioxidants found in some cocoa powders improve learning, memory, and mood in those who regularly drank hot chocolate.
People mistakenly believe that eating chocolate causes weight gain, but this is only true for sugary and milky chocolate.
Carbonated Drinks
The obvious go-to drinks for long gaming sessions are energy drinks. Monster Energy is a decent choice in a pinch but can leave a chalky aftertaste in your mouth.
Red Bull is a very popular energy drink brand and a favorite among gamers. They also sponsor a ton of gaming and esports events all over the world. Red Bull is a bit more expensive than other options but is known for its superior taste.
Citrus Energy doesn’t have quite the same kick but has a good taste and includes a lot of vitamin C. Mtn Dew Amp, on the other hand, comes in flavors such as cherry, grape, and tropical punch. There’s also the Game Fuel line of beverages that include 90 mg of caffeine, along with theanine, vitamin A, and vitamin B.
Non-Carbonated Drinks
If you’re looking for non-carbonated drinks, sports drinks such as Gatorade offer you flavor but without the added jitters brought on by caffeine. They might not help in keeping you awake during late-night gaming sessions but they will assist you in staying hydrated.
Finally, there’s always the option of going for some ice cold water. You should be drinking water in between energy drinks anyway. Staying hydrated is very important and often overlooked during marathon gambling sessions, but it goes a long way in holding up your energy levels.
Drinking a lot of fluids will naturally make you need to use the bathroom more often, but you could see these breaks as a good excuse to get up and stretch your legs from time to time — something that’s also very important during long gaming marathons.
Stock Up on Snacks for Your Next Session
When you register to play casino games online, the above snack options, mostly of the healthy variety, should stand you in good stead in maintaining your energy levels and remaining focussed. If you come up a winner, celebrations may call for something more indulgent.
