“EAT FOR GOALS!” COOKBOOK LAUNCHED IN BRUSSELS
UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations) teamed up with the World Heart Federation and the European Commission to launch “Eat for Goals!” a cookbook featuring some of Europe’s top footballers. It aims to encourage children to eat more healthily and help tackle the continent's obesity problem.
Health experts state that 20% of children are overweight in the EU and the rate of increase of childhood obesity is ten times higher than in the 1970s.
“Eat for Goals!” is about good food, cooking and football. It has been created to encourage young people to be more conscious of living active lifestyles and eating well. The book’s simple message, “A healthy lifestyle is also based on healthy food”, is conveyed by a multi-ethnic group of 13 internationally renowned male and female football players who share what they love to eat and give recipes for their favourite dishes. And for those who want to know more about the relationship between a balanced, healthy diet and performance, which is crucial to footballers, the book also gives the nutritional values per portion as well as plenty of useful food tips. “Eat for Goals!” was created under the patronage of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), World Heart Federation and the European Commission.
Recipes in practice
The book was launched at the British School of Brussels on 29 September, by the European Health Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou, the President Elect of the World Heart Federation, Professor Pekka Puska and UEFA's Communications Director, William Gaillard. All three helped pupils prepare two of the recipes during their cookery class: fresh fruit salad, suggested by Barry Ferguson the Rangers and Scotland star; and a pasta dish with vegetables, suggested by Lukas Podolski the Bayern Munich and Germany striker.
Mrs Vassiliou highlighted the obesity burden “It is estimated that 22 million children in the European Union are either obese or overweight - and this is increasing by 1.3 million every year”, and told the children to nods of approval “We don't want you to be fat when you grow up, we want you to be nice and slim and healthy.” Professor Puska added “It’s good stuff this, and it makes my point that good, healthy food doesn't have to be dull and bland. It can and should be tasty as well as healthy.”
“Food and Nutrition has been on the British School of Brussels' curriculum for more than 20 years. ‘Eat for Goals!’ reinforces our own philosophy of teaching our children from an early age to feed themselves in a healthy way,” explained Dr Brenda Despontin, Principal of The British School of Brussels. “Our students use fresh ingredients and no additives; they know what’s in the recipe and are able to make informed choices.”
How can I get a copy of the book?
The book is available in English, German and French – and is available to order on line from Falke media at a price of €12.90, plus €5 delivery outside Germany.
On purchasing a copy of “Eat for Goals!” you will be helping more children, as UEFA will donate €1 from the sale of each book in support of the World Heart Federation’s programmes encouraging children to be physically active.
For further details on how to order the book: www.falkemedia-shop.de
