When Opals guard/small forward Hanna Zavecz, 26, isn’t on the basketball court, she’s studying for a degree in human nutrition and food through the University of Wyoming, US. Here, she takes us through what she’s eats in the lead up to a big game:

Athlete's food: Dinner the night before

“In every meal I try to mix protein with carbs, so a typical dinner would be a 220g steak with 2 cups of vegies (my fave are baked sweet potato, capsicum, mushrooms and zucchini) and a cup worth of pasta. I usually finish dinner off with a rooibos tea – an African leaf tea that’s packed full of antioxidants.”

Athlete's food: Breakfast the next morning

“I love eggs, so game day breakfast is usually two pieces of wholegrain toast with two eggs sunny side up. If I’m not in the mood for eggs, I’ll have porridge with a bit of golden syrup and banana. I drink green tea with pretty much every meal as I find it really relaxing, so I’ll be having that, too. I also drink around 2 litres of water throughout the day.”

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Athlete's food: Lunch

“Four hours before a game I always have pasta. That was our routine when I played at college (University of Wyoming). Wherever we’d go we’d get a restaurant to make up a whole heap of pasta and our entire team would eat that. I always have protein with my pasta – so usually grilled chicken or beef mince. The other day I had penne pasta with Napolitana sauce and grilled chicken.”

Athlete's food: Right before the game

“I go with how I’m feeling. If I need a kick I might have a few lollies or drink some Gatorade as it’s a quick hit of energy for me. I love orange or lemon lime flavour. As for lollies, my favourite is Allen’s party mix.”

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Athlete's food: Half time

“If I’m really lacking energy I might eat half a banana, but typically I stick to Gatorade and water.”

Athlete's food: Post match

“Straight after our games I have a Body Science BSc mini meal bar. I’m obsessed with them (especially the choc fruit and nut one) because they’re yum and a good mix of carb and protein. I always try and eat as soon as I finish playing so the recovery process for my muscles can begin.”

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