What Not To Eat: 6 Foods and Beverages I Avoid As A Pro Footballer

Why do I avoid these foods and beverages as a pro footballer?

Ambitious football/soccer players are always looking for ways to optimise their performance levels on the football field. And if you are one of those players who fuel up on junk food and sugary drinks, you might be better off on the couch. You must understand that your diet can significantly impact your game.

Therefore, eating a balanced and nutritious diet is necessary if you want high energy levels, improved endurance, and fast recovery time. Getting yourself in peak condition can be challenging, especially with all the misleading information you can find online. But we have to start somewhere.

So in this article, I will give you the scoop on six foods and beverages I avoid as a professional footballer to stay in top shape.

1. Processed Foods

2. Fried Foods

3. Sugary Drinks

4. Alcohol

5. High-Fat Foods

6. Foods High In Sodium

Processed Foods

Let's face the facts, we all love a good processed snack occasionally. Sometimes we can't resist the salty crunch of a bag of chips or the sweet, sugary goodness of a candy bar. But as a football/soccer player, you must develop the discipline and structure to not indulge in too many processed foods that can seriously affect your performance on the field.

Sure, they might be tempting. But understand that processed foods are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, and provide little to no nutritional value. It's like putting cheap gas in a high-performance sports car. The result would be that it won't run as smoothly or efficiently. The same goes for your body. Even worse, these foods can lead to weight gain, decreased energy levels, and even chronic health conditions over time.

But wait, it gets worse... In addition to all the negative things I just listed, many processed foods contain high levels of preservatives and artificial additives that can cause contribute to inflammation in the body. If you are the type of athlete who struggles with joint pain, and muscle soreness, you might want to start looking at your diet.

So, instead of reaching for that bag of chips, opt for a healthier snack like fresh fruit or a protein bar. Aim for nutrient-dense foods that support your body for the physical demands of football/soccer. Your body will thank you, and with consistency and a strong mind, the results will show in your performance.

Myth and fact about the impact of processed foods on football players' performance.

Fried Foods

Every top nutritionist will tell you the same. Football/soccer players who indulge in too many fried foods can have severe problems reaching high-level performance. By avoiding the crispy plate of fried chicken or a basket of french fries, you will allow your body to steer clear of unnecessary weight gain, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.

Regarding your performance, consuming fried foods can affect your energy levels, endurance, and recovery. Sure, they might be delicious, but they're heavy and greasy, slowing you down and leaving you with regret and digestive discomfort long after the last bite. A significant factor is that fried foods are often high in saturated and trans fats, which, like processed food, increase inflammation in the body.

Achieving peak body and mind state requires discipline. Avoiding fried foods and choosing healthier alternatives is a good start. Opt for grilled or baked lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies. They provide great choices for energy and nutrients to perform at your best.

The process of fried foods can affect your performance as a football player.

Sugary Drinks

The sweet temptation that can be oh-so-hard to resist. Whether candy bars or soda, sugar is everywhere and can be hard to avoid, but I have always struggled to resist the urges of sugar until I realised that I must develop a strong mind to reach longevity in the game. The first few days without sugar were challenging. Still, I saw the bigger picture and wanted to avoid the severe consequences sugar can have.

The quick jolt of energy you receive from sugar is not worth it long-term and can leave you with a drained, sluggish feeling. Also, the high calories can contribute to weight gain, negatively impacting athletic performance. That is why throughout my career, I have constantly tried avoiding sugar.

Choosing healthier alternatives like fresh fruit or a natural fruit smoothie will give you the advantage of outlasting your competition on the football field. By providing you with essential nutrients and energy to help maintain peak performance on the field. And hey, if you need a sugar fix, there's always a cheat day (just be prepared for the inevitable crash landing).

What to do and not when it comes to sugary drinks for football/soccer players.

Alcohol

As a seasoned football/soccer player, I've always avoided alcohol. Some of you might ask why... Simply because excessive and frequent alcohol consumption can negatively impact athletic performance. It can lead to dehydration, impair cognitive function, and interfere with muscle recovery, restraining my ability to perform at my best.

It's important to note that occasional and moderate alcohol consumption may not significantly impact performance. However, it's crucial to be mindful and disciplined enough to know how much is too much. Remember that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several other health problems.

Your goal is to stay hydrated. Going for water and natural electrolyte drinks is your best bet. These will help you maintain correct fluid balance and energy levels without the added adverse effects of alcohol. Of course, every player is different, and making choices based on individual needs and goals is essential. But from my experience, avoiding alcohol is always a good idea if you are serious about reaching the top.

How alcohol can affect the performance of a football player.

High-Fat Foods

As a professional footballer, I have learned that avoiding high-fat foods can be a game-changer when performing at a high level. Since you are reading this article, we both share the goal of becoming the best version of ourselves.

If you don't want to feel like you are running through quicksand on the football field, you must understand that high-fat foods cannot be in your diet. A professional provides his body with the proper nutrients to outperform the competition. This doesn't mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction when it comes to food. Plenty of nutrient-dense foods can help fuel your body for performance and keep you feeling great on and off the field.

Think lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats like those in nuts, seeds, and avocados. These foods will provide sustained energy, help support muscle recovery, and keep you feeling electric and light on your feet. Plus, by avoiding these bad boys, you can maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic health conditions - two things that are crucial for achieving optimal health.

Now, I know what you're thinking - what about all those tasty treats like burgers and fries? Don't worry. There's a time and place for everything. But don't let one moment interfere with your performance. Always prioritise nutrient-dense foods and save high-fat frills for a special occasions.

The top six results of too many high-fat foods for a football player.

Foods High In Sodium

My final top six foods I avoid as a professional footballer are foods high in sodium. You see, sodium can be sneaky. It can hide in various foods, from canned soups to fast food burgers. You are leading to bloating, dehydration, and decreased energy levels. So if you don't want to feel like you are carrying a backpack full of rocks around the field, you should look to minimise them.

Plenty of ways to reduce your sodium intake with some tasty alternatives. Foods like fruits, veggies or lean proteins will adequately fuel your body without the weight of weighing you down. Another plus point is maintaining proper hydration levels, which is crucial for athletic performance. A well-hydrated body is like a well-oiled machine, ready to take on any challenge that comes its the way.

Now like always, I will be honest with you. I could rarely resist those delicious salty snacks. But like most things in life, I knew there was a time and place for everything. And my goals meant much more to me than snacking through a whole bag of chips.

Four caution points of high sodium foods for a football player.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my fellow ambitious footballers and athletes. We have reached the end of my top six foods and beverages I avoid as a professional footballer for optimal performance on the football field. Now, I know what you might think - "No more pizza? No more burgers? No more sugary drinks?" - Don't worry. I still believe that a healthy diet shouldn't be flat or tasteless. Eating a balanced diet can be as delicious and satisfying as junk food.

Remember, discipline and structure are essential for success on and off the field. Sure avoiding all the mentioned foods and beverages can be a real challenge. But I believe you have found this article because you want to make positive changes in your performance. The first few days of changes will be hard. But I recommend eating nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. So you can provide your body with premium fuel to outperform the competition.

Of course, this doesn't mean you can never occasionally enjoy your favourite treats. But as with everything in life, moderation is key. So go ahead and enjoy that slice of pizza or that sugary drink, but remember to balance it out with healthy choices the rest of the time.

And finally, always remember that your body is your most valuable asset as a football player or athlete.