As part of National Obesity Awareness Week, Barrow goalkeeper Scott Moloney gives an insight into how he stays in shape and maintains a healthy, balanced diet.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the issues caused by obesity and promotes organisations such as World Obesity and The Obesity Society.
The long-term impacts of living with obesity may include high blood pressure and cholesterol, access fat on organs such as the heart and risks of severe physical illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes.
As well as the serious health conditions mentioned above, obesity can also affect a person’s quality of life and their relationships with family and friends. This can lead to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Weight and diet issues can affect anybody, even footballers.
Barrow goalkeeper Scott Moloney is passionate on upkeeping a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
We chatted to him to grab an insight into the lifestyle of a professional footballer and grab some advice for those seeking to make changes to their diet.
1) How important is it for a professional footballer to have a healthy diet?
To me I think it’s very important for a footballer to have a healthy diet. It helps to prevent injuries and helps you recover for your next game or session better. It also makes me feel better in myself, which I then carry out onto the pitch.
2) What impact does a diet of a footballer have on their performance?
I feel it has a huge impact on performance. I know eating healthier makes me feel better mentally and physically. Therefore, if I’m mentally in a good place, and feel good physically, then this will show in my performance.
3) What do you eat on an average day?
I eat pretty much the same things everyday! I just find it works for me. I typically have:
Breakfast - bowl of porridge, small bowl of egg whites with spinach, kale, mushrooms.
Lunch - egg whites, spinach, kale, mushroom, smoked salmon, half avocado.
Snack - protein smoothie.
Dinner - rice, chicken, broccoli, spinach, peppers.
Drink - water, pomegranate juice, green tea, peppermint tea, coffee.
4) How important is keeping in shape and keeping a healthy weight for a footballer?
Keeping a healthy weight and in shape is very important as it reduces the chance of injuries which is important as football is a long season!
5) What bit of advice would you give someone to help them eat healthier and make sustainable changes?
I would say start with the little things first, start adding some veg with your food, then decrease the size of your chest meals. Eg - if you have a pizza go for a smaller size, if you get fizzy drinks get diet fizzy drinks, drink water before every meal as you’ll feel more full when eating.
Also, write down everything you eat in a day (even the small things!) and have a look back after a week.
You’ll find you eat or snack a lot more than you realise!