Fine tuning your sporting performance is just as much about working in good habits on the pitch as well as off – this is something that Euan knows well. The various training sessions that he puts himself through are demanding to say the least – both physically and mentally. The rewards are great, but for Euan it’s all about staying on top of both sides. “Training is an important part of my week, I try and train at least three times a week and do something active at the weekends as well. I definitely notice a change in my mood if I haven’t exercised and always feel better after a training session or game”, he tells us.
The physical nature of the sport itself is a big factor in this respect. “Recovery is really important and I try to make sure I am getting enough protein in my diet. Aside from main meals, healthy snacks that are a source of protein are something I’m always on the lookout for.” This approach helps him stay fuelled up and ready to get the most out of training sessions. On training days Euan has one particular ‘secret ingredient’. “Wholegrain oats are perfect – they’re a great source of soluble fibre, which keeps my energy levels consistently high while I exercise.”
Porridge oats are a staple in Euan’s diet. “Nairn’s gluten free Scottish Porridge Oats are so versatile, I have them every morning, either raw in a smoothie or soaked overnight with fresh fruit and yoghurt. As it gets into winter I like to start my day with porridge. Saying that, I’m also pretty keen on Nairn's cheese oatcakes and I’ve usually got a packet or two in my desk drawer at work.”
This dedication to a well rounded diet that’s rooted in energy and recovery really translates when it comes down to training. “It’s easy to notice a difference in my performance depending on what I’ve eaten before hand. If I haven’t eaten enough or the right kinds of food, I feel tired far quicker and usually my training suffers as a result”, Euan confirms.
That covers the body, but what about the mind? “I think what I eat definitely has an impact on my focus during training. If I don’t have enough energy I can feel it affect my concentration and the quality of my workout suffers as a result. If my diet hasn’t been right I’m also less likely to train in the first place because I’ll feel tired and find it hard to find the motivation to exercise.”
It’s not all about hard work though, explains Euan. There’s a fine balance. “Food is a really important part of my day, not just because of the role it plays functionally providing me with energy for training, but because I like to take the time to cook and enjoy what I eat. I love spending time in the kitchen and it’s nice to take some time after a busy day to unwind and cook something from scratch - it helps me relax and definitely puts me in a better mood.” Well said!
Nutritionist Fiona Lawson says:
Euan certainly has a good handle on nutrition. Both what we eat and how we eat can have a dramatic impact on our athletic performance. Porridge is a fantastic choice for training days—if he eats a bowl for breakfast, the low-GL form of carbohydrate will sustain him during the day’s rigorous activity. Wholegrain oats are also rich in B vitamins, which further support energy production. For post-training re-fuelling, Euan could make one of his favourite oat smoothies with a high-quality protein powder. The oats will help to replace his energy stores, while the protein will assist with muscle repair.
