Game On! 11 Foods Every Football Player Should Eat
Now that the fall has arrived, football players from JV to Pro are bulking up and spending hours in the gym, and on the field, preparing for their first game. It's important for players to properly balance their diet with an assortment of healthy fats and carbs, vitamins, and casein protein that breaks down slowly for long-term recovery. According to LeagueLineup.com, "Proper nutrition is extremely important for football players. Because football requires short bursts of energy, eating enough carbohydrates is critical. As an athlete, you are always looking for the edge over your opponent. Nutrition is that edge."
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Certified personal trainer Joey Adduci spent years on the football field and now coaches varsity football in Suffolk County, acting as head conditioning coach. He recommends that players consume foods high in protein, creatine, healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins. He also recommends a whey protein supplement to ensure recovery of broken down muscle, and dairy products such as cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and whole milk for long-term [muscle and bone health]".
"Football players need carbohydrates to fuel hard-working muscles," says Adduci. "Bread, rice, potatoes, fruits and vegetables should be the bulk of a football player's diet filling up ⅔of the plate at every meal. Protein-rich foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy foods, nuts, soy products, and beans, are essential for good health, but are not the primary fuel source for exercise, and so should occupy only ⅓ of the plate."
With long hours on the field and in the gym, it's important for players to properly nourish their bodies. Foods such as rice, potatoes, bananas, apples, and peanut butter are all healthy foods that football players should include in their diet. Whether they're carb loading or turning to protein shakes, there are plenty of all-natural food solutions for athletes as they prepare for game season.
Steak
Filled with protein, iron, and creatine, steak is a great option for football players. Players should obtain 15 to 20 percent of their daily caloric intake from protein rich sources such as steak.
Eggs
Eggs are filled with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. All of these nutrients are critical components for a football player while training for a successful season.