Basketball is now the most popular sport among American youth, according to the ESPN. Understandably, and as a result, competition to become a basketball player is at an all time high. While there are core competencies every basketball player needs to excel in, to stand out to potential coaches, those passionate about the sport can easily fall into fitness and nutrition scams, which can actually be detrimental to their game. Rise above the hype of false promises with these tips.

Be skeptical of any ‘cure-all’ products

For athletes, aspiring basketball players and just about anyone who takes sports or fitness seriously, there is a ‘magic’ product, supplement, food and/or herb that will be marketed as the answer to all of your problems. It will be said to increase your energy, help you sleep better, provide better endurance and even sharpen specific skills needed for a sport—in this case, shooting hoops. Make sure to avoid these scams by doing diligent research on the brands and products, reading ingredient labels and using common sense. 

No ‘superfood’ will replace sound nutrition

While it can be very tempting to listen to the promises of salespeople pushing a product as a necessary superfood, listen to your instincts and practice sound nutrition instead. Hydrating fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and spinach and energy-boosting snacks like dates and bananas are recommended by Sports Dietitians. If between practice, classes, jobs and life in general you may find you don’t have enough time to properly plan and manage all of your necessary meals, you can opt for a customized food subscription box to help you stay on top of your caloric intake, again using nutrition over diet scams. 

Avoid fad dieting

You want an edge in basketball to stand out, and so-called nutrition experts are ready to exploit that desire in order to promote their fad diets, marketed specifically for athletes. As an athlete, your caloric needs and protein intake is going to be higher than the average person, but fad diets are not the answer, and can cost an athlete much more than just losing. A proper diet rich in whole foods and adequate calories for active people is all you really need to stay in top shape and perform at your highest potential. If you need advice or a diet program, you can work with professionals like a Registered Dietitian.

While there is a lot of competition in the world of basketball, don’t fall into the hype of fitness scams in an effort to stand out. Cure-all products, superfoods and fad dieting will not help your game, and can be detrimental to your health in the long run. Instead, focus on sound nutrition to sharpen your physical and mental abilities. Regardless of the many promises behind so-called magic cures, that is the best way to ensure you play the sport you love at your highest potential.

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