You might have heard a lot of new press about the Atkins diet, especially as reporters are highlight the deep set problems of obesity around the world.

However, the Atkins diet is not a good combination with soccer. The reason for this is that Atkins diet focuses on eating plenty of protein and avoiding carbohydrates.

Now, while there have been several studies claiming that carbohydrates can make your fat, I can assure you that it’s not the complete truth.

As with everything else, you must eat right amount and don’t overdo it. For example, I drink cola everyday but I only drink one 12 oz can per day.

If I was drinking 3-4 liters per day, I would have serious health issues after a while.

Remember that it’s not just the sugar content – it’s also the chemicals and preservatives that allow the colas to be sold in the first place.

Atkins and Soccer

The problem with Atkins diet is that you need to avoid carbohydrates completely! But, without quality carbohydrates your performance on the soccer field will be dramatically decreased.

As you your already know, carbohydrates are your fuel on the field. Before every practice and game you need to fill your body with quality carbohydrates in order to ensure good performance.

If you don’t do that, you can’t either expect any good results. Consuming an Atkins diet can greatly reduce your performance. A good soccer diet should contain at least 45 % carbohydrates 25 % proteins and 30% fat.

This means that carbohydrates should be your main soccer food source. Quality carbohydrates can be found in whole grain pasta, sweet potatoes and rice. However, proteins are important too.

Good sources for protein are red meat, chicken and fish. With the help of proteins you will be able to recover you muscles faster.

Legumes can also provide protein when you’re in a hurry, as they can be soaked and prepared overnight in a slow cooker.

Fat is also important as your body will be able to build a better immune defense and protect you from diseases. Good fat can be found in fatty fish.

Fatty fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which help boost brain function, support your immune system, and provide the energy you need to get through your days.

You can also find good fat in nuts, coconut oil, avocados, and good, grass-fed and finished meat. I don’t see why you should need to go on the Atkins diet if you are an active soccer player.

Soon or later you will need to change back to your normal nutrition habits because you can’t live on the Atkins diet your whole life.

Summary

Consuming an Atkins diet can be efficient for a person that is overweight. But, if you want to increase your soccer performance and play better my recommendation is to avoid an Atkins diet.

Personally, I have never heard of a successful soccer player who follows the Atkins diet. It’s like trying to run a car on water – it just doesn’t work!