David could very well be the next big thing in the culonary world: he recently joined a culinary school, learning how to make fresh pasta, ragu, carbonara, fresh tomato sauce and risotto from a scratch.
As a professional sportsman and dad-of-3, how important do you think it is that we ensure our kids eat healthily?
As a professional sportsman and dad-of-3, how important do you think it is that we ensure our kids eat healthily?
Getting kids to eat the right things and be fit and active is important to me – both as a parent and an athlete. It’s important that children have a varied and balanced diet to ensure they grow up strong and healthy. Learning the habits of healthy eating when they’re young will set them up for life.
As a parent, I know just how difficult and time-consuming preparing family meals can be.
As a parent, I know just how difficult and time-consuming preparing family meals can be.
Do you try and limit the amount of junk food your kids eat?Of course, although I’d never say they couldn’t have the occasional burger. But it's important to keep treats as part of a healthy balanced diet. My boys eat fruit and vegetables on a daily basis and they’re so active, that they soon burn off any excess calories with exercise.
Did you like fish as a boy?
Growing up I used to eat fish fingers and ate fish twice a week. These days I still love fish and we eat it regularly as a family. I’m a big sushi fan.
With your busy schedule, how often do you and Victoria you get chance to sit down with the boys and eat together as a family?
We try and eat together as often as we can. Our household is pretty hectic, but we all try to sit down as a family and eat a few times a week at least. I think it’s really important to spend time together.
Do you ever cook for the family?
During the football season I’ve finished training by mid-afternoon some days, so before picking up the kids from school, I will sometimes prepare meals for them.
I really enjoy cooking and during my second loan spell in Milan I did a few courses to hone my skills. I learnt how to make quite a few different types of fresh pasta and risotto!
I really enjoy cooking and during my second loan spell in Milan I did a few courses to hone my skills. I learnt how to make quite a few different types of fresh pasta and risotto!
When you’re playing in Milan, what local dishes are you most likely to tuck into?
I’ve always loved Italian food, but since playing for Milan and completing my cookery courses, I appreciate it even more. Fresh pasta and pizza are two of my favourites.
Now that you spend so much time abroad, do you have a favourite food that always reminds you of home?
Growing up in the East End, I would have to say it’s pie and mash. I wouldn’t eat it that often, more as a treat, but it certainly reminds me of home and of growing up.
How much has your diet changed during the course of your career?
I’ve always tried to eat healthily and I realised from an early age it was important to look after myself. It’s such a big part of being a footballer. And as I’ve grown older and lived in different countries, I would say my appreciation of food has grown and I now eat a much greater variety of food than I used to.
As well as eating healthily, do you think it’s vital to get kids enjoying exercise from a young age?
Definitely. Right from the word go it’s important that exercise is seen as fun. It’s also important not to push kids in a sport they don’t enjoy. And aside from all the health benefits, by participating in sports, kids learn all about teamwork and working together.
for a chance to win a trip for your family and meet David, click here
for Milan kitchen recipes, click here
for a chance to win a trip for your family and meet David, click here
for Milan kitchen recipes, click here
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