10 Ways to Eat Like an Olympian
Smoothies made from fruit and low-fat yogurt are great snacks to boost your nutrition.
By Aaron Brock, MS, ATC, PES
Head Athletic Trainer for U.S. Men's Olympic Volleyball Team
California Athletic Trainers Association
If you haven't given nutrition much thought, you may want to start now.
While many factors need to be considered when discussing an athlete's performance-- nutrition is among the most important variables. Research clearly demonstrates the beneficial effects of good nutrition on athletic performance.
As the head athletic trainer for the U.S. Men's Olympic Volleyball Team, I oversee the nutrition of elite athletes on a daily basis.
Proper nutrition can make you a better player by giving you an edge. It can be the difference between winning and losing. Whether you are on the 2008 Olympic team going to Beijing, a high school or college athlete, or an active adult, these tips can make a difference in your performance and overall well being.
Here are 10 simple ways to work good nutrition into your daily life.
1. Devour Breakfast!
Your mother was right: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don't start the day with an empty fuel tank. The Men's Olympic Volleyball Team practices every morning and lifts weights in the afternoon. If the players don't eat an adequate breakfast, they will not have enough energy for a quality practice.
Replenish your energy stores to ensure adequate fuel for competition or training. Have both carbohydrate and protein in your breakfast. Protein will help maintain your glucose levels throughout the morning and stave off hunger, while carbohydrates will provide needed energy.
Pancakes with syrup, whole grain toast with jam, and orange juice are good breakfast choices. Add low fat yogurt, skim milk, lean sausage, eggs, or egg whites for protein. Other healthy options include:
- Low fat yogurt and fresh fruit
- Smoothie made with fruit and low fat yogurt
- Whole grain cereal with skim milk and fruit
- Vegetable omelet with whole wheat toast and orange juice
- Scrambled eggs and one-half of whole wheat bagel