Manchester United's Jesse Lingard has revealed he has tried to adopt more of a plant-based diet in an attempt to take his game to the next level.
Lingard enjoyed a spectacular loan spell with West Ham in the second half of the season, immediately making an impact in London by scoring nine goals across 16 games, but his electric form wasn't enough to warrant him a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.
Rather unsurprisingly, West Ham are desperate to sign Lingard permanently, but the uncertainty over where his long-term future might lie remains and the MEN understand he's set for talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when United return for pre-season.
Now, it has been revealed that Lingard has radically shaken up his diet and, while he tried to go commit to a vegan lifestyle, the playmaker is now flexitarian, as he explained in detail to American Pistachios.
What do you make of Lingard's choice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
“At first, I tried to go fully vegan straight away, but after five days, I found I was starving during a game," Lingard said.
"Plant-based foods are always going to be a good fuel component and put you into a really good mode going into a game, so I’m making sure to have as much as possible. Ahead of a game I tend to have scrambled eggs and chicken and broccoli pasta.
"They give us energy gels to take but I rarely do. I take pistachios to games and snack on them at half time to refuel me and give me the good protein I need on a match day. Food is very key with recovery. Especially after a game, it is important to get the right food.
"You have to regain to recover faster for the next game. After a game I get as much food down me as possible, go to the gym and then have an ice bath."
