David's Interview With Young's Go3 Superheroes

Famous soccerstar David Beckham talks about the importance of healthy eating and exercise in his latest interview with Youngs Go3 Superheroes :

So, David, as a professional sportsman and dad-of-three, 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. That’s one of the reasons I was keen to get on board with Young’s GO3 new fish range. It’s good, food to grab on the go – it’s all about making everyday classic family meals that little bit healthier.

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. Fish is packed with nutrients for growing kids, which is why the Young’s GO3 range is ideal. Omega 3 fats are especially important – and that’s why we have worked hard to increase the levels in the fish range, by adding an extra boost of this nutrient.

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 leant 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.

Are your boys as mad on football as you were at their age?

They do love their football, although because they’re growing up in the US they are also playing basketball, American Football and baseball. We’re a pretty active family really. It’s great that they are so into sport and it would be amazing if they followed me into football, but whatever they decide to do, it’s fine by me.

Finally, have you and Victoria discovered any useful tricks that have made your lives easier when it comes to getting the boys to eat well and exercise more?

We’ve found that by making mealtimes and exercise fun it takes a lot of the hard work out of it – and makes the boys far more inclined to eat healthily and exercise regularly!

Win an exclusive VIP trip to meet David Beckham for all the family. To enter Young’s GO3 Superheroes competition visit www.facebook.com/youngsgo3superheroes