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Impact of diet instructions
The success of any athlete depends on three major factors: proper exercise, sufficient rest and adequate diet - arguably the best player ever, Lionel Messi was no different. Leo was more concerned towards training and rest but rarely checked his fuel. Following their meeting on the reference of Martin Demichelis, Poser revolutionized Messi’s diet. It was due new diet instructions, 5’5" tall Leo shredded off three kilograms to drop down his weight to 67 kg. The nutrition advice not only made Messi lighter, but it also increased muscle strength and flexibility. These physical changes not only protected him from injuries but he was more lethal and agile than ever. Later, Messi played for full 90 minutes in 55 matches out of total 60 Barcelona matches in the 2014-15 season. His minutes for Barcelona shoot up by 24% to 94%. He also appeared for the Catalan side in 95% of the matches. Let us find out some of the major findings from Messi’s upgraded diet chart that elevated his performances and physical attributes.
#1 No to fast food and fizzy drinks
Before meeting Poser, Messi was fond of Pizza and fizzy drinks. The Italian nutritionist immediately summoned Leo to give up Pizza and fizzy drinks. Now the Argentine keeps himself away from any kind of fast food. He also replaced fizzy drinks with traditional South American caffeine-rich infused Mate tea. Caffeine is a natural steroid that stimulates the central nervous system hence increasing mental alertness. Messi and other footballers are often seen with Mate before their match as it is a very good pre-workout drink.
#2 Remaining hydrated
Remaining hydrated is the key to performance and injury-free career. Water keeps the muscles flexible. In case the muscles are devoid of water, they lose their flexibility hence causing cramps. When the dehydrated muscles are made to work, they tear. Poser cut short Messi’s muscular injuries by preparing a diet that doesn’t cause dehydration. Messi was advised to drink more than sufficient amount of water every day, especially before the match days. He also completely removed artificial sugar from Leo’s diet. According to Poser, Sugar is the worst thing for muscles. It not only causes dehydration but due to the high glycemic index, it is the leading cause for weight gain. Messi had to sacrifice his favorite chocolates and alfajores (South American filled cookies) according to his new diet chart. He also restricted Messi from Alcohol consumption as it not only causes dehydration but it also causes damage to central nervous system hence causing delayed reaction time.
