It’s not much of a stretch to say that most poker players aren’t very healthy. In fact most gamblers aren’t that healthy. If you don’t believe me, think about the last time you were in your casino. How many of the people hunched over the tables and the slots couldn’t get close enough to the game or the machine because their giant gut was in the way?

Most people don’t realize that the food that has made their body the size of a blimp is also slowing down their mind. If you really want to win the World Series of Poker main event, a diet that helps out your mind as much as it does your body can’t hurt. In fact, last year’s WSOP champ Jamie Gold credits his diet of blueberries as “brain food” that helped him win the main event.

So before sitting down in a WSOP tourney don’t stop by the donut shop and eat a breakfast of donuts and pastries. Eat a healthy, balanced meal with plenty of protein, carbs, energy and vitamins. If you were going to play sports you wouldn’t fuel your system with junk, so why would you do it when you’re playing poker?

You also want to be thinking of your mind and body when you’re sitting at the tables. This means keeping yourself hydrated as well as properly nourished. This will keep your brain from shutting down and hopefully keep you from making any money-losing mistakes. Keep a bottle of water handy, or maybe even a bottle of diet cola. Many poker players drink diet cola because it doesn’t pack too much sugar that can overexcite them, but it does have some caffeine to give them that added jolt they need later on in the day.

If you’re going to quench your thirst at the table, one thing you don’t want to do is reach for some alcohol. Not only will this dehydrate instead of hydrate you, but it will slow your mind down and leave you wide open for a big fall.

Playing poker online will also keep you on your toes!