Snacks to keep you football focused

We're all getting ready to cheer on our boys in Poland, it's great to forget our worries and sit down to watch, or shout, at the telly for the match. In preparation for, hopefully, our first success against the Croatians and when you've finished dreaming about whether Robbie will score, thoughts may turn to half-time snacks. Serious fans need to know: If you are watching the footie your body will needs to be alert. Dehydration affects the concentration levels, so remember water/squash/diet drink will hydrate your body - allowing you to concentrate on the game in hand. On the other hand, alcohol like beer, lager or stout will depress and slow down your thoughts and reactions - so true fans stay hydrated and keen for that post-match mental replay and analysis! Salt-laden snacks such as crisps and tortilla chips will make you thirsty, and they are also jammed full of calories and fat, in particular saturated fat which can raise cholesterol levels. All those calories will contribute to an expanding waistline. The aim of Euro 2012 football season should not be to require a diet mid July! So what can you snack on? Chopped vegetables and fruit - even 'real men' can eat fruit, and let's face it when you are really concentrating - taste doesn't matter. Air-popped popcorn - high in fibre, low in fat and good to satisfy the need for a crunch - just keep away from the salted, buttered or sugary varieties; and wait for it…… Just eat nothing - it's radical really but matches only last 90 minutes - the team doesn't eat (well maybe there is the rumour about Jaffa cakes - but the team is running it off!) - And you definitely won't starve over this time, at least there has never been a recorded incident of starvation while watching football. Remember to pace yourself, this is the Euro 2012, hopefully we will be in it until the end ,and you really don't want yourself to resemble a football by the time the festivities finish - take some exercise, watch those snacks - keep the alcohol for the final! For more information contact the Community Nutrition & Dietetics Service HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster ,Marlinstown Office Park Mullingar. Phone 044 9353220 Cara Cunningham is a HSE Community Dietitian