Healthy Body, Healthy Community, Healthy World

It might seem like common sense, and perhaps it is! This is one of the simplest fixes out there: eat your calories rather than drink them.

Some gamers consume their recommended daily calories in beverages alone! Energy Drinks, Pop/Soda, and Juice can contain 30-60 grams of sugar and can equate to 150-300 calories per bottle. These are empty calories that provide minimal nutrition and don't even contribute to feelings of fullness or satisfaction.

As a gamer, the last thing you need is to feel tired because of low blood sugar. Drinking an energy drink or a can of coke may give you a noticeable burst of energy, but it's not sustained energy. Sure, you might be focused and in the zone for a game or two, but when the sugar wears off, so too does the boost. Eliminate these swings in your energy levels by limiting the consumption of these unhealthy beverages.

Additional Reading:
Soft Drinks and Weight
Schools Against Soda

Yes, we all know that every doctor in the world recommends daily exercise and we all know that it's crucial in maintaining overall health and wellbeing, but in a world of convenience and media, it's easy to overlook the importance of exercise. Gamers are at an even greater risk of living a sedantary lifestyle, as we can spend hours and hours in front of the computer. But to fix this, we don't all need to get gym memberships and start powerlifting.

In fact, the change we need might simply be keeping some lightweight dumbbells in reach. There are countless exercises you can do with only your own bodyweight and a couple weights, many of which can be performed from the chair at your desk! At the very least, take 15 minutes away from laddering to perform some form of exercise - even if it's something very light such as a 15 minute walk or moving around some 5-pound weights. My personal preference is to do short 3-5 minute workouts after every game lost in SC2: A set of pushups, a few overhead dumbbell presses, situps, and a stretch. Not only does this small adjustment to my gaming ritual keep me fit and healthy, but it helps alleviate the stress of a particularly frustrating game. Besides, after losing three games in a row to a 6pool and doing a workout after each one, I'm motivated to learn how to damn well defend it!

Additional Reading: Exercise at your Desk

How many times have you heard the phrase "You are what you eat"? It's a timeless truth: The foods you consume have a major impact on the way you feel, the way you think, and consequently, the way you game! Now if you're training in SC2, the last thing you want to do is spend hours of practice time in the kitchen. This is why it's so crucial for everyone to find easily accessable, nutrient-filled foods that they enjoy. It shouldn't be a chore to eat healthy, I guarantee there's something out there for everyone.

Increasing the numbers of fruits and vegetables you eat is a sure-fire way to improve overall health, but you don't have to eat these foods plain. For example, here are a few small changes I've made to my diet:

- Mix peppers into tacos, fajitas, or omelettes.
- Have a small salad with sandwiches and burgers.
- Put berries or banana in cereal and yogurt.

Additional Reading: Incorporate Fruits/Veggies into your Diet