Meal Planning on a Budget

Grassroots football often means limited budgets for players, coaches, and volunteers. Meal planning ensures everyone receives balanced nutrition without overspending, supporting performance, recovery, and overall health.

Affordable Staples:

Simple foods provide essential nutrients at low cost:

Carbohydrates: Oats, pasta, rice, potatoes

Protein: Eggs, beans, lentils, canned fish, chicken

Fats: Olive oil, nuts, seeds

Vegetables & Fruit: Seasonal produce offers vitamins and minerals affordably

Planning for Performance:

Pre-Training: Focus on carbohydrates for energy.

Post-Training: Protein and carbs for muscle repair and replenishment.

Daily Meals: Balanced plates with vegetables, protein, and wholegrains.

Tips for Efficiency:

Batch cook and freeze meals to save time.

Prepare simple snacks for training days.

Use shopping lists to prevent impulse purchases.

Supporting Coaches and Volunteers:

Meal planning isn’t just for players. Coaches and volunteers often spend long hours at the club; affordable, nutritious meals and snacks ensure sustained energy and alertness.

Conclusion:

Meal planning on a budget makes healthy nutrition achievable for grassroots football. Prioritizing staple foods, simple preparation, and balanced meals benefits players, staff, and volunteers, creating a culture of performance and well-being.