The importance of proper nutrition in professional sports is the same as the quality training and talent of the players. For four years, Olivera Stricevic, mag.chem.ing from the Club's Sector of Health and Sports Preparation is closely following and planning what and when the players need to eat and provides appropriate supplements for them. The club's nutritionist, who will soon be assigned a Ph.D. title, is very satisfied with the discipline of the players. At the examinations that took place at the beginning of preparations, all of the players passed without problems, and in the new season, she is preparing a more detailed diet plan.
"Each player will soon be given a special menu and we will be the only club with individualized menus. Our chef goes to the pre-season training camp with them so he will prepare them individual meals from carefully selected ingredients. I have to say that after the break they all came in very good shape and I'm very satisfied with them" says Olivera.
Players have realized through their improvement on the field how important it is to keep in mind their nutrition.
"They are so devoted that they even send me a picture from the cinema, asking if they should eat popcorn. Many are waiting in front of the office doors, although we have no agreed tests today, but want to ask something. Some even say that after a football career they want to work as nutritionists, and when a new player comes, they make jokes by choosing the supplements, so that they can check how much they have learned."
In the following season, Hajduk II will also be included in this process and she is already educating Youth Academy players so that they can take care of a proper athlete's nutrition, and in short lines, it looks like this:
"Before training and competitions, there are always two meals that contain complex carbohydrates on the daily menu. After a match, the meal must have a carbohydrate ratio of 3:1. Fast food and fatty foods like leafy rolls, donuts, creamy cakes and, of course, alcohol are strictly forbidden. Players are aware that their proper diet ensures a longer and better quality career and therefore they are very careful. Their talent is only a part of success, and the remaining important elements are work, discipline and nutrition, supplements and hydration" said the Club's nutritionist.
