Football and Diet: From Veganism to the Ketogenic Diet

Various dietary regimes are popular among footballers. Hector Bellerin and Jermain Defoe have chosen a vegan diet and emphasize that it has improved their performance. A vegan diet is believed to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. However, careful planning is required to obtain sufficient protein and vitamin B12.

While the ketogenic (low-carb) diet is used by some athletes, it is not ideal for football. Football is a high-intensity sport, and carbohydrates are the primary fuel. The gluten-free diet — popularized by Novak Djokovic — has also become popular among footballers, but its benefits have not been scientifically proven for people without gluten sensitivity.

For Uzbek footballers, traditional Uzbek cuisine — rice, meat, vegetables, fruits — is very balanced. The main problem is the abundance of greasy foods. Working with a nutritionist, creating an individual dietary plan, and strictly following it is an important obligation for a professional footballer.