The GAA are firm advocates for a healthy, well-balanced and sensible diet. Balance, flexibility, variation and experimentation are key to building healthy eating habits and a developing a healthy relationship with food. Food is fuel and should be enjoyable, there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” foods, balance is key. The benefits of a well- balanced diet are both physical and emotional and include;
• Optimised energy levels
• Increased levels of concentration
• Reduced risk of diet related illnesses
• Strong bones and teeth
• General feelings of wellbeing
Healthy Eating Guidelines (Republic of Ireland) and The Eat Well Plate (Northern Ireland) can be downloaded here to guide individuals on the most recent, evidence based recommendations.
In addition, the GAA have developed a fantastic resource, Recipes for Success booklet, aimed at young GAA players who want to maximise their performance by fuelling their bodies with real food adequately.