EVER wondered what an AFL player's Christmas lunch looks like?

While most of us are enjoying their Christmas festivities and the food and drink that ensues, Port Adelaide's playing group will be following a nutritional plan set out by the high performance team. 

Port Adelaide’s Dietician Emily Hartley says while the boys are encouraged to enjoy themselves over the break, they still need to look after their bodies for a return to pre-season training on January 8.

And apparently, it's easy to do, by following a few simple guidelines. 

“All of the lean meats are going to be fine because it is a really good source of protein,” she told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“Lean leg ham, turkey, those Christmas foods are fine – just not the crackling, the good bits…

“Because they aren’t training as much over the break, it is important to get a good source of quality protein intake to prevent any muscle losses.

“When they are training we want them eating carbohydrates, but over the break we suggest they eat quality-carb foods - like sweet potato, pumpkin, brown rice, quinoa, wholemeal pasta, and wholemeal breads.”

Hartley shared a delicious Christmas Protein Slice recipe, so you too can experience some of the food our players will be feasting on this holiday season!

Christmas Protein Slice

Recipe:

1 cup of rolled oats
1 cup of dried dates or dried fruit mix
2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
1/2 cup of goji berries
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp peanut butter, melted
6 tsp shredded coconut (reserve some to coat)
dash of low-fat milk (optional)

Method:
1. Blend dates and oats together in a high-powered blender/ food processor.
2. Transfer to bowl and stir through melted peanut butter, honey, goji berries and coconut. If the mixture is too dry add a dash of milk.
3. Flatten into a deep tray lined with baking paper and sprinkle slice with the remaining coconut. Place in the fridge to set (minimum 2 hours).
4. Chop into bite-sized pieces and enjoy as a perfect post-workout snack!

More on portadelaidefc.com.au...