When you think of the food that powers a successful football team, you may picture huge plates of steak and endless hard-boiled eggs.
But for the Philadelphia Eagles, nutrition work is more than expected. The team’s chefs carefully plan each meal to promote strength, endurance, and recovery.
“Nutrition is the key to energy, stamina, and longevity on the field,” says team leader James Sirles. MyFitnessPal (which is arrogant The Philadelphia Eagles nutrition tracking app). “Many factors go into balancing the nutritional needs of elite athletes…Athletes understand the role nutrition plays in making them stronger.”
And some of Eagle’s MVP meals are definitely not what you think. Here are five of the unexpected foods and drinks that give the Eagles an edge on and off the field:
1. Quinoa for breakfast
Move over, oatmeal. Quinoa is the star ingredient in the Eagles’ breakfast.
“Quinoa is a staple of the Eagles’ breakfast rotation because of its versatility and nutritional value,” Sirles said. Some players choose a big bowl of nutritious breakfast with scrambled eggs, fried vegetables, and avocado, while others enjoy it as warm, bacon with almond milk, fresh berries , and honey.
You can also use quinoa to make the best types of breakfast like them pancakes, MuffinsSame to you chat.
“Quinoa is a great player because it provides complete protein and easily digestible nutrients to fuel your morning workout or during recovery,” says Sirles.
2. Beetroot Water for Endurance
When they’re thirsty or need a pick-me-up, athletes don’t always turn to sports drinks protein shake. They reach for beet juice.
You’re reading this right: One of the team’s favorite drinks is red beet juice.
“It is a favorite among athletes because it is rich in nitrates, which improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles, strengthens stamina and endurance,” said Sirles (1, 2).
This is a great advantage for athletes who need to maintain peak performance during long, intense sports.
3. Tart Cherry Juice for recovery
There is an important but unusual juice in the rotation for the players. cherry juice.
“This anti-inflammatory compound is a secret weapon for muscle pain relief and recovery sleep qualitywhich is important for recovery during busy periods,” says Sirles (3, 4).
In addition, natural anti-inflammatory agents help athletes recover quickly from strenuous workouts and sports, preparing them for whatever comes next in the season (5).
4. Kimchi and Sauerkraut for Gut Health
Prepared foods like kimchi and sauerkraut may not be the first things you associate with football, but these classic cabbage dishes help give the Eagle players an edge.
“Processed food is rich in probiotics, which support gut health and immune function. A healthy gut is important for absorbing nutrients and keeping athletes fit,” says Sirles (6).
“The human microbiota does more than digest food — it plays an important role in fitness,” says Melissa Jaeger, nutritionist and nutritionist for MyFitnessPal.
“Our gut supports nutrient absorption, metabolism, and plays a role in regulating inflammation, all of which are important to help athletes like the Eagles perform at their best,” she said.7).
5. Potatoes For Sustainable Energy
“These are go-to complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. They are included in the pregame meal to help athletes 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 frozen, roasted, or baked in a side dish, sweet potatoes help athletes maintain focus and strength in all four areas until overtime.
Eagles Nutrition
In addition to these unexpected selections, the Eagles cafeteria is always stocked with nutritious staples, including:
- Lean protein: Grilled chicken and fish are a must have for recovery and muscle repair.
- Greek yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a great snack, often mixed with granola, nuts, or seeds for added nutrients and crunch.
- Trail mix and protein bars: These convenient, portable snacks keep athletes energized between meals.
- Fruit with nut butter: Bananas, apples, and oranges mixed with almond or peanut butter provide a quick boost of energy.
- Ports: Water, electrolyte-boosting drinks, and smoothies are always on hand to help athletes stay hydrated and replenish lost nutrients.
While the rest of us may not be training for the big game, there’s a lot to learn from the Eagles’ approach to nutrition.
Add all of these energy-dense foods to your diet (and track your food intake to help improve nutrition!) can help improve energy, recovery, and overall health—like users.
The post 5 Unexpected Foods (& Drinks!) That Continue to Fly High in Philadelphia began to appear on MyFitnessPal Blog.
