When most people think of the Dallas Cowboys, their minds automatically wander to the 53-man roster. However, the team extends well beyond the players on the field to include coaches, trainers, a chaplain, front office staff and even merchandise designers. While they don’t all compete on Sunday, each person is an integral part of the team. One thing that helps make the Cowboys unique in the NFL is the Fuel Up Training Table that continues feeding the team long before and after the players take the field.
We know that the Training Table feeds the players delicious, healthy meals during the season, but how does it help fuel the supporting players when football isn’t happening?
Breakfast
The saying goes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and that philosophy extends to the Training Table. Employees are fueled with cheesy made-to-order omelets, oatmeal, waffles, fresh fruit and pastries, and of course yogurt parfaits and white and chocolate milk. The Training Table is full of employees that rely on the facility for their daily breakfast ritual, and you can find lots of meetings and team gatherings taking place over a healthy but hearty breakfast.
Lunch
While breakfast tends to consist of the classics, lunch is where the culinary options get interesting. There are five stations that offer a wide variety of foods, ranging from traditional options like salads and grilled cheeseburgers to the more exotic. Chef-driven options are featured at the made-to-order cooking station, chef’s daily feature and pizza stations. At the made-to-order station, meals are featured on a weekly basis and everyone has their favorite. It’s not uncommon to see lines nearly extending to the entrance for the baked potato bar or mac and cheese station, or even tacos. However, the pizza station in where the chefs’ creativity runs wild. Aside from cheese or margherita, you might find fig and balsamic or even potato and parmesan pizzas. My favorite station is the chef’s daily feature. I’ve had meals that easily compete with top restaurants … and have been craving the Chicken Saltimbocca for weeks.
Nutrition for All
Without the pressure and rigorous schedule of the football season, the Training Table gets to expand their recipe book – and employees reap the delicious benefits. Typically, meals have a more decadent edge in the offseason, but the team’s dietitian is always keeping a close eye to ensure that everyone stays within the dietary guidelines. It’s easy to see how nutrition impacts the on-field performance of the Cowboys, but it truly fuels the entire organization – and through a wide variety of dining options, dairy is a huge part of that.
Learn more about our work as the Official Nutrition Partner of the Dallas Cowboys.
