Snacking during match

At 2700 matches, I see some of the experienced shooters eat something between the .22 stage and the CF stage.  I have seen them eating carrots, nuts, chips, beef jerky, etc.  Not exactly the same food group.
 
So what are we trying to replenish and what are some of the common foods to achieve this?  Or are we eating something just to keep an empty stomach from interfering with our shooting?
 
Thanks,
Thomas

Blood sugar levels effect your eyes. I prefer Roddy's free cookies.

I usually start the match with a bottle of water, have a protein bar between RF & CF, switch to Gatorade during CF, a light lunch, Gatorade during the 45 match and a protein bar on the way home.  During hot weather I'm trying to stay hydrated and provide the body with some fuel until I can get home to a big steak, baked potato and cold beer.

AllAces wrote:I usually start the match with a bottle of water, have a protein bar between RF & CF, switch to Gatorade during CF, a light lunch, Gatorade during the 45 match and a protein bar on the way home.  During hot weather I'm trying to stay hydrated and provide the body with some fuel until I can get home to a big steak, baked potato and cold beer.

I'm gonna adopt your idea minus the beer. The one full 2700 I shot Sunday in the heat was a marathon! I didn't wanna TOUCH a gun yesterday!

A small snack should be ok, but avoid a large meal at lunch time. A full meal will cause peristaltic motion in the intestines which will make holding a steady point of aim almost impossible. Water is best to keep hydrated during the match. Unless you are diabetic and need to monitor you blood sugar, don't worry about anything other than sight alignment, trigger control and a firm grip.

Turkey sandwich and a banana anyone?

RJP wrote:A small snack should be ok, but avoid a large meal at lunch time. A full meal will cause peristaltic motion in the intestines which will make holding a steady point of aim almost impossible. Water is best to keep hydrated during the match. Unless you are diabetic and need to monitor you blood sugar, don't worry about anything other than sight alignment, trigger control and a firm grip.

peristaltic motion in the intestines??


Down here we call that shooting blanks on the firing line

Last week I had an exchange with another bullseye shooter at the range on just this topic. He said he not only doesn't snack at practice or matches, but he doesn't eat beforehand either. He said food in his stomach affects his concentration. Personally, I always eat beforehand because nothing distracts me like a growling stomach.

YourHuckleberry wrote:Last week I had an exchange with another bullseye shooter at the range on just this topic. He said he not only doesn't snack at practice or matches, but he doesn't eat beforehand either. He said food in his stomach affects his concentration. Personally, I always eat beforehand because nothing distracts me like a growling stomach.

I believe a body needs nourishment throughout the day. I have learned to manage what I eat before or during a match being careful not to get too much caffeine or sugar, but a small snack at points during a match to me is a good thing. I also try not to eat too much at lunch break of a 2700, but I could not imagine going a whole 2700 without eating before or during the match.

YourHuckleberry wrote:Last week I had an exchange with another bullseye shooter at the range on just this topic. He said he not only doesn't snack at practice or matches, but he doesn't eat beforehand either. He said food in his stomach affects his concentration. Personally, I always eat beforehand because nothing distracts me like a growling stomach.

That growling in your stomach is just as bad as a full meal. A light snack to ward off hunger pains is all that is necessary. If you do not experience stomach rumbling, then you do not need to snack at all. Keep hydrated and focused in the fundamentals of shooting.

Precision Pistol shooting is a very mental heavy sport. Your brain needs fuel to operate clearly and starting off with a moderate breakfast makes a world of difference. During the match small amounts of sugar, salt, carbohydrates, protein, and water as fuel for your brain and body can improve your score.