I often get asked about the type of food a footballer should be eating WHEN SHOULD I EAT? It is important to ensure that you eat adequate carbohydrate and plenty of fluid in the week before your competition. ​ The meal eaten before should be high in carbohydrate, to help top up your muscle glycogen stores which provide an important source of fuel for your activity. A general guide is to have a meal 3-4 hours before competition and/or a lighter snack about 1-2 hours prior to y