Nutrition & Diet

Nutrition and diet are areas we can all improve on. In simple terms, what we eat and drink provides the fuel for us to train, play and recover from training. What we need to know is what is the best fuel?
Carbo education for the benefit of the players
Carbohydrates are recognised to have the most immediate affect on the players’ performance, so in this issue we are going to help you educate your team to eat better and to operate better. It is impractical to give them specific diet sheets because of the variety of home cooking circumstances (for example, mothers, partners, flatmates, schools). However, an appreciation of the benefits will help them choose better options and encourage them to either influence their cooks, or even cook the food themselves.
 
Low-fat carbs for low-fat players
Despite the horrors outlined by some trendy diets, there are many staple foods which provide excellent sources of carbohydrates for example, potatoes and pasta. The key, though, is to avoid high-carb foods with high-fat content.
What’s good to eat?
Some good, low fat, high carb foods are: rice, popcorn, breakfast cereals, fruit, toast and honey, potatoes, pasta. Some treats as well: sweets e.g. fruit gums, chocolate and even Coca Cola (though this drink is not a substitute for water).
Baked potatoes and sandwiches are good “whole” meals, with fillings which avoid too much fat making an even healthier option. So cut down on the butter, cheese and mayonnaise and use baked beans, lean meats and low fat cheeses.
Keep the balance
A diet cannot just be carbohydrates, but also protein, fat and hydration. It is worth asking yourself what you are eating and drinking, if only to help them make their own more informed decisions.
Nutrition facts

• On average, carbohydrates makes up at least half of a player's total energy intake.

   

• In soccer, the intensity of the sport means that carbohydrates are the primary energy source.

   

• All milk has the same carbohydrate content, but differs in fat content, therefore soccer players should be open to drinking semi skimmed or skimmed milk.

   

• There is little evidence to suggest any difference for performance on whether a player should eat complex carbohydrates (e.g. pasta or potatoes) and simple carbohydrates (e.g. sweets and fruit).

 
 
 
Is your soccer team getting enough fuel? (2009). Retrieved February 15, 2010, from bettersoccercoaching.com: http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com//Article-20-61-Fitness--Diet-Nutrition-and-diet-Is-your-soccer-team-getting-enough-fuel?