Which Diet Do Horse Jockeys Follow?

horse riding

Even though it doesn’t look like it, but jockeys are one of the toughest athletes on the planet. Apart from being brave enough to ride a horse at 40mph, they also need to keep their body in shape to meet all the strict requirements that the industry requires.

Horse jockeys are renowned for having small, light bodies that make it simple for them to steer and control their mounts during competitions. To compete at their peak and prevent injury, jockeys must maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

A healthy weight is one of the most crucial things for jockeys to remember. Before each race, jockeys are weighed; if they weigh more than the allotted amount, they are disqualified from the race. Jockeys must therefore be careful with their diet and training routine to ensure that they stay below the weight restriction.

This inspired us to take a look at which diet jockeys follow in order to maintain their physique. What do jockeys involved in the American horse racing news by TwinSpires normally eat?

High Protein and Low Carb Diet

We all know that carbs are one of the main ingredients that can give you unwanted body mass, which is why most jockeys exclude it from their diet.

To keep a lean body composition, jockeys often consume a diet heavy in protein and low in carbohydrates.

This kind of diet promotes muscle growth and regeneration, which is important for jockeys who need to have good upper body control to steer their horses during a race. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products are important sources of protein for jockeys.

Carbohydrates that Provide the Necessary Energy

When manhandling a huge horse in a race, you’ll need a lot of energy in order to stay on top of the horse and control these energic animals.

In order to fuel their competitions, jockeys also need to eat enough carbs. Simple carbohydrates like sugar and white flour should be avoided in favor of complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

These kinds of carbohydrates give the body a continuous stream of energy, enabling jockeys to compete at their peak throughout a race.

Other Nutrients that Are Included in Their Diet

Jockeys must consume enough healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in addition to enough carbohydrates and protein to sustain their overall health and wellbeing.

Healthy fats can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil, while fruits and vegetables are excellent providers of vitamins and minerals.

Hydratation is also very important for jockeys. In order to prevent dehydration and cramping while racing, jockeys must maintain proper hydration.

On days when they are racing, they should attempt to consume more fluids, with eight glasses of water being the minimum recommended daily intake.

What Jockeys Avoid Eating Before a Race

Before a race, horse jockeys generally abstain from eating particular meals to maximize performance. Riders usually steer clear of the following foods:

Foods heavy in fat, such as fried foods and fast food, can make people feel uncomfortable and ill, which can impair their performance.

Foods heavy in fiber, such as some fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, might make you feel bloated and gassy. Because they take a while to digest, they can make jockeys feel lethargic during a race.

Foods that are spicy: Eating spicy food can give jockeys indigestion and heartburn, which can be painful during a race.

Dairy products: before a race, some riders may avoid dairy products to prevent bloating and gastrointestinal pain.

Caffeine: some riders choose to avoid caffeine before a race because it can make them jittery and impair their concentration while racing.

Final Words

Horse jockeys must have a nutritious diet that is balanced, high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and full of essential vitamins, minerals, and good fats.

To perform at their best and prevent injury, they also need to stay hydrated and keep a healthy weight.

While traveling and competing at many tracks can make it difficult to maintain a rigorous diet, jockeys can work with a nutritionist or dietitian to design a diet that is most effective for them.

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