Twelve years ago, Marc Pugh was on the precipice of football’s upper echelons.

The talented winger consistently impressed on the South Coast with an ambitious Bournemouth team striving for a dream ascent to the Premier League under the guidance of their young manager, Eddie Howe. 

But the former footballer was far less adept in the kitchen than he was on the pitch, admitting to a major sin for a man aged 26.

‘When we (Cherries) rose to the Championship, I sought ways to enhance my game. I enrolled in a nutrition course, which taught me a great deal.

‘It showed me foods that fuel you, foods that help recovery, superfoods, that kind of thing.

A former Premier League footballer is now a successful influencer after swapping the pitch for the kitchen in retirement

Marc Pugh has named himself ‘The Football Foodie’ and promotes healthy, nutritious food

The 38-year-old boasts 68,000 Instagram followers and hosts workshops with footballers

‘I started cooking and I absolutely loved it. I’ve developed a real passion for it.

‘I read endless books and listen to podcasts. I’m mad into the nutrition and fitness side of things. I consider myself a bit of a health freak now.’

Pugh, now known as The Foodie Footballer, has built an Instagram audience of more than 68,000 followers, where he shares healthy recipes, primarily created using an airfryer. 

From roasted chicken to sweet potatoes, the 38-year-old’s easy recipes have become hugely popular. He travels across the UK to soccer clubs, hosting workshops that advocate for healthy living. 

He shared with Daily Mail Sport: ‘I wanted to get an advantage, so I took an 18-module diploma in nutrition. I learned the importance of proper body nourishment and became passionate about it.

‘At 32, while at QPR, I launched my Instagram ‘thefoodiefootballer’ simply to motivate others to adopt healthier habits. People enjoyed the content, and it naturally grew from there.

‘I was grateful to have something else to focus on away from football, this also made it easier when I came to decide whether to continue with football or chase my new passion.’ 

Pugh admits he didn’t know how to boil an egg during his playing days before taking an interest in nutrition and cooking

Modern day football has seen the indulgences of years gone by make way for top-of-the-range sports science and nutrition, with the lucrative riches on offer providing stars ample motivation to ensure they remain in top shape.

And the gruelling calendar, which this past year has seen some players compete all year round, means fuelling your body with the right foods is paramount for good recovery.

‘It’s becoming more and more important now. A lot more athletes are taking it seriously, whereas back in the day you could get away with eating the wrong things,’ Pugh added.

‘But, as you see in the Premier League especially, these days it [the game] is so intense, so quick. And there are that many games – you’ve got to recover properly.’

So, what food do you need to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle? Pugh reveals his daily routine below. 

A DAY IN THE LIFE: MARC PUGH

7AM: Daily Morning Drinks. This consists of a double espresso, beetroot juice and fresh lemon with himalayan salt water, finishing with a banana.

8.30AM – 10AM: Padel. 

10.30AM: Pre-match meal. Ahead of a charity football match in the afternoon, Pugh prepared with a bowl of pasta alongside yoghurt with fruit and peanut butter.

1PM: Charity football match. 7-1 win for Clitheroe Vets.

4PM: Daughters’ first netball match of the season. 42-8 win for young Pugh.

5.30PM: Hotpot dinner. A treat to celebrate a day full of activities. Wagyu, lamb, rib eye, pork, potatoes, mushrooms and udon noodles on the menu.

7.30PM: Mario Kart with the kids.

8PM: Fruit bowl. Big bowl of yoghurt with fruit, peanut butter, honey, mixed nuts and seeds two hours before bed. Plus a few squares of 85% organic dark chocolate. 

8.30PM: Darts. Helps relax and slow down before bed.

9.30PM: Bedtime. Thirty minutes to decompress by either reading a book or fill the diary for tomorrow. Phone is plugged in to charge in a separate room.

10PM-10.30PM: Lights out and sleep.