5 unexpected foods (and drinks!) that make the Philadelphia Eagles fly high

When you think of the food that powers a winning football team, you might imagine huge plates of steak and endless hard-boiled eggs.

But for the Philadelphia Eagles, performance nutrition goes beyond the usual suspects. The team’s chefs and dietitians carefully plan each meal to maximize energy, endurance and recovery.

“Nutrition is key to energy, stamina and longevity on the field,” said team principal James Sirles MyFitnessPal (which is proud Philadelphia Eagles Nutrition Tracker App). “Many factors go into fine-tuning the nutritional needs of an elite athlete… Players understand how big a role nutrition plays in keeping them strong.”

And some of Eagle’s MVP foods are definitely not what you’d think. Here are five unexpected foods and drinks that give the Eagles an edge on and off the court:

1. Quinoa for breakfast

Move over, oatmeal. Quinoa is the main ingredient in the Eagles’ morning meals.

“Quinoa is a staple in the Eagles’ breakfast rotation because of its versatility and nutrient density,” Sirles says. Some players opt for a protein-packed breakfast bowl with scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables and avocado, while others enjoy a warm, nutty porridge with almond milk, fresh berries and honey.

You can also use quinoa to make healthier versions of breakfast classics like pancakes, muffinsand hash.

“Quinoa is a key player because it delivers complete protein and slow-digesting carbohydrates to fuel morning workouts or recovery sessions,” explains Sirles.

2. Beet juice for stamina

When dehydrated or in need of a pick-me-up, players don’t always turn to sports drinks or protein shakes. They reach for the beet juice.

You read that right: one of the team’s favorite drinks is beetroot juice.

“It’s a favorite among players because it’s rich in nitrates, which improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, increasing stamina and endurance,” says Sirles (1, 2).

This is a great advantage for gamers who need to maintain peak performance during long, high-intensity games.

3. Cherry juice for recovery

There is another important but unusual juice in the rotation for players. Tart cherry juice.

“This anti-inflammatory powerhouse is the secret weapon for reducing muscle pain and improving sleep qualitywhich is key to recovery during the season,” says Sirles (3, 4).

Additionally, its natural anti-inflammatory properties help players recover faster from strenuous practices and games, keeping them ready for whatever comes next in the season (5).

4. Kimchi and sauerkraut for gut health

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut may not be the first thing you associate with football, but these traditional cabbage dishes help give Eagle players an edge.

“Fermented food is rich in probiotics, which supports gut health and immune function. A healthy gut is vital for absorbing nutrients and keeping players ready to play,” says Sirles (6).

“The human gut microbiota does more than digest food—it plays a critical role in athletic performance,” says Melissa Jaeger, dietitian and head of nutrition for MyFitnessPal.

“Our gut supports nutrient absorption, metabolism and plays a role in regulating inflammation, all of which are essential to helping athletes like the Eagles perform at their best,” she explains (7).

5. Sweet potatoes for stable energy

“These are complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. They are included in pregame meals to help players avoid energy crashes and maintain focus during the game,” Sirles said.

They are also packed with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health. Whether mashed, roasted or roasted as a side dish, sweet potatoes help players maintain focus and stamina throughout all four quarters and overtime.

Eagles’ Nutrition Staples

In addition to these unexpected choices, the Eagles cafeteria is always stocked with the basics of great nutrition, including:

• Lean proteins: Grilled chicken and salmon are a must for recovery and muscle recovery.
• greek yogurt: Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a favorite snack, often combined with granola, nuts or seeds for added nutrients and crunch.
• Trail mix and protein bars: These convenient, portable snacks keep players energized between meals.
• Fruit with Nut Butter: Bananas, apples and oranges combined with almond or peanut butter provide a quick, nutritious energy boost.
• Hydration stations: Water, electrolyte-enhanced drinks and smoothies are always close at hand to help players 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.

Adding all these powerful foods to your diet (i tracking your meals to optimize your nutrition!) can help improve energy, recovery and overall health — just like the pros.

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