Say what you like about their strategy, but if you’ve ever watched Ocean’s Eleven then you’ll know that when hitting Las Vegas casinos for millions, those guys were meticulous in their planning. Their casino strategy was planned like a breakout from Alcatraz and nothing was left to chance.
Why Food Can Support Gambling Strategy
The world’s best stockbrokers, traders, investors, and gamblers have something in common – they play their specialist ‘game’ with mindfulness – or to put it more traditionally, they have a damn strong psychology. Naturally, such a strong game doesn’t come from one specific element – it’s the sum of everything they do and who they are as individuals. Whatever your gambling level and aspirations, you can take hints from the professionals.
In a report published by Popular Science, it was noted that your brain requires a tenth of a calorie per minute in order to stay alive. Unsurprisingly, your brain requires more disposable calories when you are hard at the thought. Strong cognitive performance can only come from being fully saturated. As the Snickers advert states: “you’re not you when you’re hungry”.The right diet is of paramount importance to all aspects of life and surprisingly, it is vital to gambling. Why do you think pro poker players can play to such a high standard after hours at the table? They have a solid diet that suits their required vocation perfectly. The average gambler, quite rightly, would never have thought twice about what to eat before hitting the tables, but with some carefully selected food stuffs, you can actually boost your overall playing capabilities. It really is a win-win; you effectively improve your chances of winning and simultaneously improve your health below, we will take you through the best things to eat pre-game and during.
Pre-Game
Oily Fish
Although mackerel, sardines, and pilchards may not leave too much to be desired, they work an absolute treat in increasing brainpower. Packed to the rafters with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (we’ll call them EPA and DHA respectively), the duo is instrumental in improving brain power. The body is an EPA/DHA fiend and oily fish is its so-called fix. A good fish supper before a game will help you to reduce the edge that the house possesses and a strategic chewing gum will get rid of an unwanted fish breath whilst retaining the mental benefits.
Spinach
To complement your fish, you should look no further than spinach. Not only does it turn Popeye into a genetic freak but it can give you a memory that can rival that of the MIT card-counting team. A solid source of vitamin E and folate, which not only improves your memory but also your fertility, the benefits of a side of spinach are huge, and a mouthful here and there really will improve your game.
Baked Potato
When you sit down at a table you know you’re there for the long haul and as such you need something of substance sitting in your stomach. Step forth the humble baked potato. In a recent study that assessed 38 different types of food in appetite saturation, the spud came out on top, with people stating that they felt fuller and ate less two hours after originally consuming a baked potato. There is nothing worse than finding yourself at a table when hunger hits. It alters your thinking and as a result, your hazard perception may become blurred, thus you may incur greater losses. A full stomach is a key to any extended gambling splurge.
In-Game
Coffee or Green Tea
As well as being en vogue, drinking coffee or green tea has been proven in scientific research to boost brain function. The benefits of a strong caffeine hit before physical and mental tests include increased alertness, memory and focus – all vital when gambling. Caffeine has also been shown to reduce feelings of pain, but of course, most gamblers will be hoping this won’t be necessary.
2. Coconut Oil
Mixing a spoon of coconut oil into your cup of coffee or green tea is a research-supported way to boost mental energy and focus. Coconut oil contains a fatty acid called MCT (mid-chain-triglyceride) which is metabolized rapidly by the body in an unusual way. The brain has a unique ability to burn these fats, which are linked to enhanced focus and mental performance. In fact, MCT’s have been shown to have benefits for epilepsy sufferers, too.
3. Blueberries
The humble blueberry is a superfood that literally deserves the title – particularly when it comes to its scientifically proven brain benefits. Studies show that the berries enhance blood flow to the brain and improve scores on cognitive tests when consumed regularly. A handful of blueberries or a glass of juice before gambling is a winner.
4. Dark Chocolate
The darker the chocolate the better it is when it comes to giving you an energy boost. The higher the cacao concentration the more of a jolt you will get. This is due to the nutrients in cacao, which boost both energy and focus. It also contains caffeine, and we all know the joys of that. A bar of dark chocolate is not only a tasty treat but a potential game-changer; energy and focus are instrumental in success in any field, so by eating foodstuffs that boost both, you are improving the likelihood of a win.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts don’t just look like our brains, they’re great for the mind, too. These little powerhouses contain rich levels of the omega-3 essential fatty acids known as EPA and DHA, nutrients that the body can’t synthesize itself. Regular consumption of omega-3 rich foods such as walnuts is associated with better mental health and function – including concentration, memory, and mood, as highlighted in the book, Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Eat walnuts or other omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and oily fish 2-3 times a week to help optimize your gambling mind and strategy.
6. Oats
When it comes to the gambling mind, steady energy levels are crucial. We want to feel positive, alert and as steady as a poker pro holding the biggest bluff hand of his life. So, complex carbohydrates are on the menu and processed, sugary food is out. Oats are a complex carbohydrate that releases energy slowly and also contains a small amount of fat and protein. Protein flapjacks are a good quick-fix option, especially if you’re into pre-gambling workouts.
The foods above can be combined easily in a bowl of pre-gambling porridge, sprinkled with walnuts and blueberries – plus a nice cup of coffee. Just make sure you stay well hydrated before and during gambling sessions!