It takes more than fancy footwork and good ball control to help football players such as Mo Salah and Ronaldo surge in front when it comes to placing the ball in the back of the net. These players reinforce their work in the training ground and out on the pitch with a solid diet that incorporates plenty of meat, fish and other nutritious foods into their intake. Then they can stay on top of the game and reward the faith of all those engaging in football betting on their teams by scoring goal after goal after goal. Below is a look at some of the meat and fish that soccer players make part of their diet, plus discussion of how it benefits them out on the field.
Turkey
Turkey is a source of lean, high-quality protein not only at mealtimes, but also outside of them. Protein helps players build muscle and, after training and games, to mend any damaged muscle tissue. Although some athletes consume protein shakes or supplements, it’s possible to acquire all the protein necessary simply by eating a well-devised diet that supplies them all the nutrients they require at the right times during the day.
Chicken
Think skinless. For the same reasons as turkey, you’ll find chicken in a football player’s diet. Chicken breast is the protein provider par excellence when it comes to choices of chicken. A 3.5 oz of skinless chicken rewards a person with 31 grams of protein, according to an article on the website of health and fitness publication Men’s Health. If a player can’t get their hands on a chicken breast, a skinless thigh will still supply them a generous 26 grams.
Chicken contains zinc and iron as well. In this regard, chicken thighs outperform chicken breasts. As well as supporting the development and repair of muscle tissue, zinc is essential for hundreds of enzymes to operate within the body and also strengthens the immune system. Meanwhile, iron is important for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
Salmon
Salmon is an oily fish and is a healthy source of fat for players. Too little fat can stop them from absorbing nutrients, whereas too much fat can increase their fat mass, slowing them down and standing between the player and their performance goals. So, it’s all about moderation.
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which will help keep players satisfied from meal to meal. These polyunsaturated forms of fat help to maintain blood pressure normal and to keep the eyes, bones and joints all healthy. It’s also possible to sleep easier when a diet contains a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Rest is just as important as diet and training for footballers and other athletes, of course.
Mackerel
Mackerel, like tuna, is an oily fish and a major source of omega-3 fatty acids. This fish provides eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is used in medicine to lower triglyceride levels, can fight heart attacks, can help with depression and also with recovery from surgery; and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which supports muscle recovery, helps the body fight inflammation, can prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease and help with some eye conditions. Both are important fatty acids of which the body can only produce a little.
Mackerel is also a source of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), which can tackle inflammation, and of all of the essential amino acids. The body uses amino acids to build muscle tissue.
Beef
Beef is another important part of a footballer’s diet because of its ability to support recovery. Of course, these are lean cuts of beef, not fatty ones. Pasta with beef mince will serve up plenty of fuel for the player before a game, with the protein in the beef also preventing the player from feeling hungry during it. A burrito containing beef is appropriate for after the game, so that a player can recover and acquire the necessary fuel and protein.
One thing that might surprise you is that whereas some players will drink protein shakes to get their protein intake, others turn to beef jerky and have been doing so for some time now. This high-quality protein snack contains amino acids so their bodies can build or repair muscle tissues and maintain them.
Sushi
One other beneficial food that some players make part of their diet is sushi. This helps the players’ bodies recover faster from their exertions. Sushi with sashimi (hand roll sushi) is a popular choice. Eating sushi is not only good for players physically, but by enabling them to enjoy food more, it also helps them to cope mentally with the special demands of nutrition for sporting performance.
Football players eat certain meats and types of fish so they can consistently give their best out on the playing field. The nutrients in the foods above allow them to come back easier from their efforts and stay in the best condition to deliver week in, week out.
