Super-fit soccer stars share high ‘responsible pleasures’ to tempt them on cheat days
As the top football stars limber up for the World Cup, the players will be downing their protein shakes and loading up with plenty of plain carbs like pasta. But what do these super humans really like to eat, when they get the chance to enjoy a foodie guilty pleasure?
Here James Moore reveals the secret cheat meals of some top players from the home teams and reveals tips on how to make what’s often everyday grub for the rest of us that little bit healthier…
Jude Bellingham
What: Eggs and baked beans
It may be comfort food, but the Real Madrid midfielder’s choice is also pretty healthy one.
The eggs provide energy and quality protein as well as lots of nutrients including vitamin D for bone health. The beans are high in fibre for good digestion and even count as one of your five-a-day recommended portions of fruit and veg.
Top tip : Scramble rather than fry the eggs to reduce fat and go for some low-salt baked beans.
Harry Kane
What: Steak and chips
The England skipper and Bayern Munich ace loves his rare chances to enjoy this dish. Red meat can be high in saturated fat which can raise levels of bad cholesterol increasing the chances of heart problems. But beef is also a good source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12. While chips can be high in fat and salt, potatoes do contain Vitamin C.
Top tip : Go for chunky chips that use less oil or sweet potato fries with immune boosting Vitamin A.
John Stones
What : Fish and chips
The Man City star has revealed that he loves a plate of fish and chips as his ‘cheat’ choice meal. It’s actually one of the healthier takeaway options. White fish, like cod and haddock, are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals the body needs like iodine and selenium. But the frying in batter ups the fat content.
Top tip : Hold the salt. Add mushy peas for extra vitamins and put low sugar ketchup on at home.
Jordan Pickford
What: Doner kebab, chips and garlic sauce
England’s goalie has said if he had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of his life it would be this.
It’s lucky the Everton keeper doesn’t though, as a single doner kebab can contain over 1000 calories , along with 57g of fat and 4.5g of salt, putting pressure on your heart and waistline.
Top tip : Swap a doner kebab for a shish kebab to cut calories as it contains leaner meat. Add salad.
Marcus Rashford
What: Spaghetti Bolognese
The classic dish was the favourite meal of the England and Barcelona striker growing up and he even teamed up with celeb chef Tom Kerridge to come up with a simple spag-bol recipe for families in his campaign to end food poverty. There’s protein from the beef mince to aid muscle repair and the tomatoes add a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Top tip : Go for five per cent fat mince and add in other veg to the sauce like carrot or mushrooms.
Kobbie Mainoo
What: Burger
The Man Utd midfielder usually eats a healthy pesto and pasta meal before a match and has a love of porridge and berries for breakfast. But the star admits that his top cheat meal is a greasy burger. A typical patty in a bun can come in at 500 calories, the same as an hour’s swimming to work off.
Top tip : Swap beef for chicken. For example, trading a Big Mac for a McChicken Sandwich at McDonald’s saves 138 calories.
Andy Robertson
What: Pepperoni pizza
Scotland’s skipper and Liverpool left-back likes a bit of Italian cuisine and has cited a meaty option as his favourite type of pizza, when he gets the chance to indulge. Even a medium pizza can clock in at 2000 calories, which would take over four hours of football to work off. And it’s a good job it’s just a treat for Andy. Eating too much processed meat has been linked to bowel cancer in studies.
Top tip : Swap a pepperoni for a veggie pizza to slash the calorie count and boost the nutrient levels.
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