What To Eat Before Freediving
To eat or not to eat before a freediving session—that’s the question many divers face. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Our bodies are unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, how do you decide whether to fuel up or dive in on an empty stomach?
A Balanced Guide to Pre-Dive Nutrition
Consider these questions before you make your decision:
• Do you practice intermittent fasting regularly? Or you snack?
• Can you manage to dive for a couple of hours with just a light meal? Or you need to have something in your system before exercise?
• Are you prone to nausea or seasickness in the water?
• Does your mood or performance dip if you skip meals? Or do you perform better with a full belly?
• Do you have low blood pressure or experience dizziness when you don’t eat?
• How long will it be before you can eat after your dive? Can you take a snack with you for when you’re done?
• What time of day is your freediving session? Early morning, midday or afternoon?
The Case for Diving on an Empty Stomach
Many freedivers prefer to dive without eating beforehand. The logic is simple: when you dive headfirst, gravity and motion can make a full stomach uncomfortable. The sensation of food moving around as you descend and ascend isn’t pleasant for everyone, but it doesn’t affect all divers the same way. Personally, one of my best dives came after a morning of stress-eating in preparation for a personal best attempt.
A Personal Experience: My Best Dive After Stress Eating
One morning, I promised myself I wouldn’t eat until after my dive. However, as soon as I made that vow, I broke it. I indulged in more food than I needed—too much, really. When I finally hit the water at Lake Echam, I felt awful. My mind was full of excuses, and I was ready to blame my inevitable failure on overeating. Yet, despite the discomfort, I managed to surpass my personal best that day. Was it the food? Was it the mental preparation? Or maybe just luck? Regardless, the lesson was clear: sometimes, what you eat—or don’t eat—may not matter as much as you think.
Understanding Heavy Meals and Their Impact
Some divers feel uneasy about heading out without a meal, and instructors often advise against eating anything “heavy” before a dive. But what does “heavy” really mean? For example, my friend Pete always eats a banana before diving, which might seem like a heavy choice to some. For others, a bacon and egg roll could be their idea of a substantial meal. It’s all subjective and varies from person to person.
Managing Hunger and Avoiding Distraction
Another crucial factor is hunger itself. If skipping a meal leaves you irritable or unable to concentrate, it’s probably best to eat something light. Freediving demands focus and relaxation, and you shouldn’t let hunger undermine your performance. Whether you’re dealing with low blood sugar, low blood pressure, or simply need that mental edge, listen to your body and eat if you need to—just avoid overindulging as I did that one time!
The Importance of Comfort and Familiarity
Freediving is about being at ease in the water. If you’re accustomed to a certain eating routine, there’s no need to change it drastically before a dive. Sudden changes can lead to unexpected reactions, and it’s best to stick with what you know works for you. Comfort and relaxation are key.
The Role of Common Sense
My mother always says, “Common sense isn’t as common as you think.” She’s right—trust your instincts and use common sense when deciding whether to eat before a dive. Just because you had a great dive on an empty stomach one day doesn’t mean eating before another dive will lead to a bad experience. Experiment with different approaches if you have the time, but always listen to what your body is telling you.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, the decision to eat or not eat before freediving comes down to what you know works best for you. No one else can tell you how you’ll feel or what will work for you on any given day. So, before your next dive, take a moment to reflect: What does your gut say? Should you have a big meal, a small snack, or nothing at all? Trust your intuition—it’s usually right.
By considering these factors and tuning into your body’s signals, you can make the best choice for yourself, ensuring that your freediving experience is comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you choose to eat or not, the goal is always the same: to dive with confidence and enjoy the underwater world to the fullest.
Read our previous article to learn more bout different diets and how it can impact your diving performance.