Fuel Your Body.
Support Your Mind.
Healthy eating is not about strict diets or perfection. It’s about feeling better, having energy to play, and supporting mental wellbeing.
The EK Approach
- ✔ No calorie counting / No food shaming
- ✔ No “good” or “bad” foods
- ✔ Support that continues beyond the academy
- ✔ Realistic choices for real families
Who We Support
We support every child, including:
- • Children with additional needs or in care
- • Families in crisis
- • Young people struggling with anxiety or routine
The EK Daily Plate
Try to include most of these at each meal (not all, not perfect — just balanced):
Protein
Mood & Focus
Chicken, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas, yogurt, cheese, or tofu.
Energy Foods
Sport & School
Rice, pasta, potatoes, wraps, bread, bagels, oats, cereal.
Fruit & Veg
Health & Recovery
Fresh, frozen, or tinned all count. Aim for colour, not perfection.
Healthy Fats
Brain Health
Nuts & seeds, olive oil, avocado, nut butters.
Simple Day of Eating
Porridge with fruit, Toast with eggs, or Yogurt with cereal.
Chicken/tuna wrap, Pasta pot with veg, or Rice with beans.
Banana, Apple, Yogurt, or a Smoothie.
Chicken, fish, or veggie option with rice/pasta and veg.
Performance Nutrition FAQ
Why is healthy eating important for young players?
At EK Elites, we see healthy eating as more than just "fuel." It is a tool for mental resilience. When athletes consume balanced macronutrients, they avoid the sugar crashes that lead to poor decision-making on the field. You can learn more about how we integrate this into our mentorship curriculum.
How do these 7 habits improve performance?
The 7 habits—ranging from hydration to protein timing—ensure that the body is in a constant state of repair. By focusing on healthy eating, youth athletes reduce their risk of common soft-tissue injuries. For those interested in joining our community, check our upcoming academy events for nutrition workshops.
What if my child is a "picky eater"?
Our programme is designed to be realistic. We don't demand perfection; we demand progress. We focus on "crowding out" less nutritious options by introducing exciting, high-energy foods that kids actually enjoy. Healthy eating for youth athletes should be inclusive and stress-free for the parents.
Is supplements necessary?
In almost all cases, no. We advocate for a "Food First" philosophy. Natural sources of energy and protein are always superior for growing bodies. Our commitment to healthy eating foundations ensures that every player gets what they need from their daily plate without the need for expensive or unnecessary additives.
For official dietary guidelines, we recommend the NHS Eatwell Guide. EK Elites continues to pioneer youth development in the UK by combining elite training with holistic wellbeing support.
The EK Promise
- ✔ Healthy eating guidance
- ✔ Help for families in crisis
- ✔ Wellbeing workers available
- ✔ Ongoing academy support
Need Support?
we*******@**********co.uk