As the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 lights up stadiums across Switzerland, the spotlight isn’t just on goals and glory. It’s on the incredible women redefining strength, resilience, and peak performance.
Behind the scenes, it’s not just training and grit that fuel these athletes, nutrition plays a vital role – and mushrooms are a secret weapon for sustained energy, recovery, and long-term health.
Mushrooms: the unsung heroes of women’s sports nutrition
Packed with B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and antioxidants, mushrooms are a powerhouse for athletic performance. For female athletes, whether pro-footballers or weekend runners, these nutrients help support:
- Energy production through improved metabolism
- Hormonal balance, which is especially important for menstruating and perimenopausal women
- Immune health, critical during intense training blocks
- Muscle recovery, thanks to anti-inflammatory compounds like ergothioneine
Championing women’s health – naturally
Women’s nutritional needs shift through life stages. Mushrooms are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option that fits seamlessly into diets focused on long-term wellness, strength, and hormonal harmony. Plus, their natural vitamin D content (especially UV-exposed varieties) helps protect against deficiencies that are more common in women.
Add in fibre for gut health and anti-cancer properties from compounds like beta-glucans, and you’ve got a food that’s doing more than filling your plate – it’s supporting your power, stamina, and future.
Mushrooms aren’t just food—they’re functional food. Smart, sustainable, and perfectly suited to the needs of modern women pushing boundaries in sport and beyond.
Celebrating the women’s Euro 2025
Whether you’re watching the match at home or throwing a Euro-inspired party, mushrooms can be the star of the table too. These foods are also incredible for supporting anyone in their fitness goals, professional or not. They’re easy to prepare, delicious, and nourishing.
1. Match-day mushroom sliders
Ingredients: Portobello mushrooms, wholegrain slider buns, rocket, grilled red pepper, garlic aioli
Why it works: A hearty, low-fat alternative to burgers with plenty of umami and B vitamins.
Tip: Marinate mushrooms in balsamic + olive oil before grilling.
Recipe: https://goodthymekitchen.com/portabella-mushroom-sliders/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Mushroom power balls
Ingredients: Finely chopped chestnut mushrooms, lentils, oats, flaxseed, onion, herbs
Why it works: Protein-packed, high in fibre, and great for energy and recovery.
Serve with: A spicy tomato dip or herby yoghurt.
3. Reishi + miso recovery broth
For a perfect post-match cool-down, exotic mushrooms are known for having calming and anti-inflammatory properties to support muscle repair and nervous system calming. Try a calming mushroom broth with reishi or lion’s mane for brain recovery and stress support.
Ingredients: Reishi mushroom powder, miso paste, tofu, spring onions, spinach
Why it works: Calms the nervous system and supports post-exercise recovery.
Perfect for: A wind-down after a match or training session.
Recipe: https://mytinylagunakitchen.com/recipe/reishi-mushroom-ramen-bowl/
As we celebrate the strength and skill of women on the pitch, let’s also celebrate the everyday choices that fuel our health and contribute to growing the next generation of strong, empowered females.
