Whether we like to admit it or not, the human body loves routine. Especially the stomach: It enjoys being fed on schedule without too much deviation in acidity or spice.
Failure to adhere to one's dietary gameplan can result in crankiness, a growling stomach, or the not-so-pleasant high tailed sprint to the third stall.
For members of the Green Bay Packers, it's no different, especially on game day.
Each of the players I spoke to has a plan to fill the tummy, but not too full. There is a delicate balance between getting the body ready for competition, and overdoing it.
"I eat pretty light on gamedays," says fullback Aaron Ripkowski.
"I don't eat very much, maybe just a little bit of fish, some carbs, never anything heavy like beef. I eat very light on gamedays."
That's for a noon game. What about a night game on the road?
"We wake up, and I eat French toast, bacon and eggs," says 255-lb. linebacker and breakfast fan Jayrone Elliott.
"At 3:00 p.m., I eat spaghetti, bread, asparagus...my mom always tells me to eat something green."
What about a smaller speed guy like Randall Cobb?
"Spaghetti, chicken, green beans and sweet potatoes," said the wide receiver.
The only time routine is somewhat broken is on the road, where one never knows exactly what will be available.
"When we're on the road, they give us a box lunch, so we don't get to eat healthy. It's different at every stadium."
One nugget I picked up on is that regardless of the player's size, they are cognizant of caloric intake prior to competition.
Nose tackle B.J. Raji learned a valuable lesson from a former defensive coach.
"Kevin Greene (linebackers coach on the 2010 Super Bowl champion Packers) told me that a full dog won't hunt. That's been in my mind ever since I met him. That's why in pregame I always go light," said Raji.
"Oatmeal, a fruit smoothie."
Then he says he chows down afterward, "to say the least."
My biggest takeaway after polling several players is this: Each and every player has a routine they follow in order to maximize performance.
What's key is that said routine works for the individual. One man's meal treasure may be another's trash.
As for post game? That's where every player has one goal in mind...and if you're in the way, you had better slide away from the spread.
"It's a free for all after the game," said offensive lineman JC Tretter.
