When you think of food that boosts a winning football team, you can imagine the massive steak plate and endless boiled eggs.
But for the Philadelphia Eagles, performance nutrition is more than common suspects. Team chefs and dietitians carefully plan every meal to maximize energy, durability, and recovery.
“Nutrition is key to having energy, durability, and longevity in the field,” said team chef James Sirles Myfitnesspal (that is proud Philadelphia Eagles’ Nutrition Tracking App). “Many factors come to the fine-tune of the nutritional needs of an elite athlete … Players understand how big the role of nutrition is to keep them strong.”
And some of Eagle’s MVP foods really aren’t what you think. Here are five of the unexpected foods and drinks that give the Eagles an advantage inside and out of the field:
1. Quinoa for breakfast
Switch, oatmeal. Quinoa is the main ingredient in the morning foods of the Eagles.
“Quinoa is a staple in the Eagles’ breakfast rotation due to its versatility and nutrient density,” Sirles said. Some players choose a protein -filled breakfast bowl with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and avocado, while others enjoy it as hot and nutty porridge with almond milk, fresh berries, and honey.
You can also use quinoa to make healthier versions of classic breakfasts such as Pancakes, Muffinsand hash.
“Quinoa is a major player because it delivers complete protein and slow melting of carbs to fuel exercises in the morning or recovery sessions,” Sirles explained.
2. Beet juice for endurance
When they are already dry or needed by the Sundo, players do not always turn to the sports or protein shakes. They handed the beet juice.
You read correctly: one of the team’s drinks is red beet juice.
“It’s a favorite of players because it’s rich in nitrates, which improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles, boosts durability and durability,” Sirles said (1, 2).
That is a great benefit for players who need to maintain the highest performance throughout the long and high intensity games.
3. Tart cherry juice for recovery
There is another important but unusual rotation juice for players. Tart cherry juice.
“This anti-inflammatory powerhouse is a secret weapon for reducing muscle pain and improving Quality of sleepthat is important for recovery during the busy period, ”says Sirles (3, 4).
Plus, its natural anti-inflammatory properties help players get up faster from tedious workouts and games, keeping them ready for anything coming in the season (5).
4. Kimchi and Sauerkraut for Gut Health
Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut may not be the first things you associate with football, but traditional cabbage dishes help give eagle players an advantage.
“Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which support the health of the bowel and immune function. Healthy intestines are essential for absorbing nutrients and keeping the players’ game ready, ”Sirles says (6).
“Human intestinal microbiota is more than just digestion-it plays a critical role in athlete’s performance,” said Melissa Jaeger, a dietitian and the nutrition leader for MyFitnesspal.
“Our intestines support nutrients, metabolism, and plays a role in regulating inflammation, which is all important for helping athletes like the Eagles who perform at their best,” he explained (7).
5. Sweet Potatoes for Panay Energy
“This is a go-to complex carbohydrate for sustainable energy. They include a pre-game meal to help players avoid energy crashes and maintain focus throughout the game,” Sirles said.
They are also full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to support overall health. Whether mashed, roasted, or baked in a side dish, sweet potatoes help players maintain focus and stamina in all four quarters and up to overtime.
Eagles Nutrition Staples
Beyond these unexpected options, the Eagles cafeteria is always full of basics of good nutrition, including:
- Lean Protein: Grilled chicken and salmon are indispensable for muscle recovery and repair.
- Greek yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a go-to snack, usually paired with granola, nuts, or seeds for additional nutrients and crunch.
- Trail mix and protein bars: These convenient and portable snacks maintain players’ strength between meals.
- Fruits with nut butter: Bananas, apples, and oranges paired with almond or peanut butter provide fast and nutritious energy.
- Hydration stations: Water, electrolyte-enhanced drinks, and smoothies are always affordable to help players stay hydrated and replenish lost nutrients.
Although some of us may not practice for a big game, there is a lot to learn from the Eagles’ approach to nutrition.
Adding all this powerhouse food to your own diet (and tracking your meals to help optimize nutrition) can help improve energy, recovery, and overall health – such as pro.
The post 5 Unexpected foods (and drinks!) That keeps the Philadelphia Eagles flight first appeared in MyFitnesspal Blog.
