Every athlete knows that nutrition has changed a lot in professional sports. Just think back to what footballers ate twenty years ago—it’s a whole different world now.
When discussing modern football nutrition, Marcos Llorente often comes up. He’s a strong presence in the conversation about athletes’ diets, and not everyone agrees with him.
Recently, former teammate Ibai Gómez shared insights about Llorente during an interview on the podcast “Mentes Indomables.” They played together at Alavés in 2016, where Gómez witnessed a remarkable shift brought on by Llorente’s approach to training and eating.
Llorente showed Gómez what high-performing athletes do. He never seemed to get injured and often trained on an empty stomach. Gómez said, “I thought I needed breakfast to train, but now I’ve been working out fasted for seven years.” His change shows the power of trying something new.
Gómez also pointed out a common struggle: “Today’s society is hooked on screens. We sleep late, waking up tired and depending on caffeine.” This routine often leads to poor sleep quality and affecting overall mood. He believes that a healthier lifestyle can change this cycle, improving not just performance but also emotional well-being.
Interestingly, Gómez has recently stepped back from his role at FC Andorra after a tough season. He transitioned from player to coach and has had success, leading his previous club to promotion before taking the Andorra job.
This transformation in nutrition is not unique to Gómez. Many athletes are reevaluating their diets and how it impacts their performance. A recent survey showed that over 70% of professional athletes are now prioritizing nutritional education.
Today, nutrition isn’t just about fuel; it’s about optimizing mental health and overall happiness, too. As Llorente and Gómez illustrate, the way we eat can shape not just our games but our lives.
For more on modern sports nutrition, check out this detailed analysis from Nutritional Science Journal.
