By Kimberly Smith Lukhard, MS, RDN, LDN, Hockey Mom RD

How many times have your watched a game and thought to yourself “Why did that player miss the pass?”

Hockey is a fast and explosive game; each player needs the ability to focus and make decisions at lightning speed. Focus is a skill that can be learned. Your daily food choices can help you improve your ability to focus.  When your ability to focus improves, your hockey performance improves. 

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids because the human body needs them and cannot make them. You must obtain these essential fatty acids from the food you eat. Omega 3 fatty acids are plentiful in many types of seafood. 

Studies in athletes have shown the consumption of fish oil is beneficial in increasing attention and reducing reaction time; on the ice this translates to a player's ability to make fast and focused decisions during the game. Considering most shifts are 30 to 90 seconds in duration, laser focus is a must for success.

Here are some foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids:

Salmon

Halibut

Oysters

Sardines

Trout

Tuna (fresh or canned in water)

Herring

Mackerel

If you are allergic to fish, or you don’t like to eat fish, here are some other options.

Grass fed beef

Edamame

Flaxseed oil and flax seeds

Chia seeds

Omega 3 enriched eggs

Walnuts (avoid if allergic)

In addition some foods are fortified with omega 3 fatty acids: milk, juice, and yogurt.  This information will be on the food label.

For more information on hockey nutrition visit www.hockeymomrd.com

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