Importance of Nutrition

I've noticed that I have to eat right and get plenty of rest to play my best.  Sometimes you get into a losing streak.  The best thing is to take a break, exercise a bit, eat something that will burn off slow.  I find that I play better.

All is in the mind. Psychological 

That is debatable.  But even if it is true, a placebo effect is still worth taking advantage of.  Still, there is some evidence to support the assertion that low glycemic index foods provide lasting energy, and avoid spikes, and this can help one prepare for chess, or other activities.  Of course, good nutrition certainly provides other benefits besides enhanced chess performance.

Alexandra Kosteniuk, the Women's World Champion, is a strong supporter of this idea.  She runs long races and at least 5k a day according to her website. 

There is no question that being physically healthy will allow your brain to operate better.  On the most fundemental level, it takes energy to run the brain, and when the body needs energy, it burns calories.  The preferred fuel of the brain is glucose.  So yes, if you are hungry eating a good snack will give your brain more energy to work with. 

The brain also needs oxygen to operate properly, and the amount of oxygen getting to your brain can affect it's performance.  The oxygen is delivered via the bloodstream, and good circulation requires a healthy and strong heart. 

I think that excersise and good nutrition will definitely improve brain function.

See the recent Chess Life article, "The Grandmaster Diet". Many believe that the benefits of movement and nutrition extend beyond the placebo effect, including Anand.

Well, you're brain works on glucose and when it gets low you just can't think as well.  That's what causes chess blindness and first you lose material, then you lose position, then you lose the game.

When you start playing poorly or losing, try to eat something and you'll see the benefits...

I find that orange juice really helps to clear your mind.

Probably because of all the sugar. Lots of grandmasters seem to drink juice during their matches.

Pretty much all the World champions after Botvinnik took good care of their body with workouts and nutrition, except for maybe Tal.

Maybe we should have a "Chess Players Cookbook."

 Eat Like a Grandmaster ? 

I'm trying a plant based diet.  I'm trying to eliminate ALL animal products from my diet.  High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes is the "animals revenge." I'll let you know how it goes.

Anthony CG, that's a great article you posted.   Amazing that they go down to the level of water and hydration during a match.  Thanks for posting!

I've never met a vegetarian who seemed overwhelmingly healthy. Humans are meant to be omnivores, that's why our bodies require things like good omega fats, iron, proteins, etc.

Anyway, I figure if a good breakfast and a little exercise shows people concentrate better at work or in school, it couldn't hurt for chess.

Famous poker player Annie Duke has a nutrional recommendation on her website/blog that I found a little interesting.

Before we go about bashing Poker as a "totally different" game => realize that they go through the same endurance trials many tourney players go through.

http://www.annieduke.com/2008/02/balancing-energy-levels/

Did you ever hear of Carl Lewis?

Type 2 diabetes comes from sugar, which is a plant.

When I get tired I play chess like Shite!

IM Shite was a good player in his day.