When you think of the food that drives a winning football team, you can imagine massive plates with steak and endless hard boiled eggs.
But for the Philadelphia Eagles, performance cubes go far beyond the usual suspects. The team’s chefs and dietitians carefully plan every meal to maximize energy, endurance and improvement.
“Nutrition is the key to having energy, endurance and long life on the field,” Teamkok James Sirles told MyFitnessPal (which is the proud nutritional tracking app from Philadelphia Eagles). “Many factors go into fine tuning of the nutritional needs of an elite athlete … Players understand how big a role of nutrition plays to keep them strong.”
And some of Eagle’s MVP foods are definitely not what you would think. Here are five of the unexpected foods and beverages that give Eagles an edge on and off the field:
1. Quinoa for breakfast
Move over, oatmeal. Quinoa is the star ingredient in the Eagles’ morning meals.
“Quinoa is a staple in Eagles’ breakfast rotation because of its versatility and nutrient density,” says Sirles. Some players choose a protein -packed breakfast bowl with scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables and avocado, while others enjoy it as a warm, nutty porridge with almond milk, fresh berries and honey.
You can also use quinoa to make healthier versions of breakfast classics such as pancakes, muffins and hashish.
“Quinoa is a key player because it delivers complete protein and slowly digesting carbohydrates to fuel for morning training or recovery sessions,” Sirles explains.
2. Beet juice for perseverance
When they are parched or need a pick-me-up, players do not always turn to sports drinks or protein shakes. They go after beet juice.
You read it right: One of the team’s go-to-drinks is red beet juice.
“It is a favorite among the players because it is rich in nitrates that improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles that increase endurance and endurance,” says Sirles (1, 2).
It is a great advantage for players who need to maintain tip performance in long, high -intensity games.
3. Acidic cherry juice for improvement
There is another important but unusual juice in rotation for the players. Sour cherry juice.
“This anti -inflammatory power center is a secret weapon for reducing muscular causes and improving sleep quality, which is crucial for improvement in a busy season,” says Sirles (3, 4).
Plus, its natural anti -inflammatory properties help players jump back faster from overcoming training and games, keeping them ready for what comes next in the season (5).
4. Kimchi and sauerkraut to bowel health
Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut may not be the first things you associate with football, but these traditional cabbage dishes help give Eagles players an edge.
“Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that support intestinal health and immune function. A healthy gut is crucial to absorbing nutrients and keeping players play-ready, ”says Sirles (6).
“The human gut microbiota does more than digesting food – it plays a critical role in athletic performance,” says Melissa Jaeger, a dietitian and nutrition manager for MyFitnessPal.
“Our intestine supports nutrient absorption, metabolism and plays a role in the regulation of inflammation, all of which are important for helping athletes like Eagles best,” she explains (7).
5. Sweet potatoes for steady energy
“This is a go-to-complex carbohydrate for renewable energy. They are included in meals before the game to help players avoid energy waves and maintain focus throughout the game, ”Sirles said.
They are also filled with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants in support of overall health. Whether it is mashed, toasted or baked in a side dish, sweet potatoes help players maintain focus and endurance through all four quarters and overtime.
Eagles’ Nutrition staples
In addition to these unexpected choices, the Eagles’ cafeteria is always filled with the basics of great nutrition, including:
- Lean protein: Grilled chicken and salmon are must-haves for muscle recovery and repair.
- Greek yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a walking snack, often paired with granola, nuts or seeds for added nutrients and crunch.
- Trail Mix and Protein Bars: These practical, portable snacks keep players energy between meals.
- Fruit with nut butter: Bananas, apples and oranges paired with almond or peanut butter provides a quick, nutritious energy increase.
- Hydration stations: Water, electrolyte -enhanced beverages and smoothies are always within easy reach to help players remain hydrated and refill lost nutrients.
While the rest of us may not train for the big game, there is plenty to learn from Eagles’ approach to nutrition.
Adding all these Powerhouse foods to your own diet (and tracking your meals to help optimize nutrition!) Can help improve energy, improvement and general health – just like the professionals.
The Post 5 Unexpected Foods (& Drinks!) Holding Philadelphia Eagles flying high first appeared on the MyFitnessPal blog.