Herbalife is the sports nutrition and presenting partner for the LA Galaxy. Herbalife Dietitians work closely with the LA Galaxy technical staff to make sure we are maximizing their nutrition to support performance goals.

As part of our new Player Spotlight series, we will be building menus and new recipes around specific players and their favorite foods for everyone to enjoy at our Training Table in Champions Lounge.

Recently, LA Galaxy’s team Chef Mark Killian and I had the opportunity to sit down with Jalen Neal to discuss his favorite meals and game day nutrition rituals, and then the team was able to enjoy Jalen’s favorite breakfast, lunch, dessert, snacks, and slushed ice beverage at the stadium on his featured day.

Jalen’s Favorite Meals

Breakfast: Bacon, egg, and cheese bagel or a classic American breakfast with French toast, eggs, and bacon

Lunch: Sushi - specifically yellowtail or salmon sashimi, spicy tuna rolls with avocado, spicy edamame, and crispy rice

Dinner: Soul Food - fried catfish, candied yams, cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans or black eyed peas

Snacks: Peanut Butter Overnight Oats made with Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength (see recipe below!), trail mix, fruit, cheese crackers, chocolate-covered raisins

Herbalife24® CR7 Drive² Slushed Ice Beverage: Jalen’s favorite flavor is Passionfruit Orange Guava!

Desserts: chocolate-covered or yogurt-covered fruit (berries or mango), angel food cake, or pound cake

Jalen’s Match Day Nutrition Rituals

Jalen’s pregame meal is usually the same: a loaded Mediterranean bowl with basmati rice, harissa grilled chicken, lettuce, broccoli, corn, hummus, tzatziki, and crumbled feta. This provides him with a balanced blend of carbs for energy, protein for muscular support, and beneficial fats to help keep him full and satisfied. Having trusted, go-to meals is important for gameday, not only psychologically, but also to ensure you are fueled adequately and do not encounter digestive upset while playing.

When he arrives at the stadium, Jalen’s pre-match fueling beverage is Herbalife24® CR7 Drive mixed with either Herbalife24® Prepare Tropical Mango or Herbalife24® Liftoff® Pineapple Push. Either combination provides Jalen with the hydration and fuel needed (electrolytes and carbohydrates) to support his action on the field, along with a boost of caffeine to help maintain focus and performance.^3,4

Throughout the match and at halftime, Jalen chooses to refuel and rehydrate with more electrolyte-packed Herbalife24® CR7 Drive to continue to fuel his muscles and his brain, and to keep his energy levels high for the second 45 minutes (or more).²

Immediately post-match, Jalen focuses on his recovery by drinking a Recovery Shake made with Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength Chocolate protein powder. This provides him with the much needed protein and carbs essential for muscle repair and recovery after a hard-fought 90+ minute match, allowing him to show up to the next training session ready to prepare for the next match.⁵

For his post-match meal, Jalen tends to switch it up depending on what is being served, but he often chooses a burger or some pizza to supply him with the energy (calories) he needs to continue playing at an elite level.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Overnight Oats made with Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength¹

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups soy milk (or your milk of choice)
• 5 scoops Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength Vanilla Ice Cream
• 1/4 cup peanut butter, heated in microwave for 10 seconds for easier mixing
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl, and mix until well-combined.
2. Divide evenly into 4 containers, and place in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 to 10 hours.
3. The Overnight Oats are ready once the oats are softened and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Enjoy!

Approximate Nutrition provided per serving:

• 519 calories
• 71g carbs
• 4 g fiber
• 28g protein
• 15g fat

References

1. Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength. Herbalife.com. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.herbalife.com/en-us/u/products/herbalife24-rebuild-strength-vanilla-ice-cream-1000g-304k
2. Herbalife24® CR7 Drive. Herbalife.com. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.herbalife.com/en-us/u/products/herbalife24-cr7-drive-acai-berry-810g-1445
3. Herbalife24® Prepare. Herbalife.com. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.herbalife.com/en-us/u/products/herbalife24-prepare-watermelon-14-1oz-299k
4. Herbalife24® Liftoff®. Herbalife.com. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.herbalife.com/en-us/u/products/herbalife24-liftoff-pineapple-push-30-packets-per-box-131k
5. Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength. Herbalife.com. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.herbalife.com/en-us/u/products/herbalife24-rebuild-strength-chocolate-1010g-302k