• Question: Can you quote an athletes daily diet?

    Asked by mangokat to Rebecca on 14 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Rebecca Randell

      Rebecca Randell answered on 14 Jun 2010:

      Athletes eat different things depending on the sport they do/play.

      Endurance athletes (e.g long distance runners and cyclists) because they are exercising for long periods of time need to eat a lot of foods which give them energy. Carbohydrates are energy rich foods so endurance athletes will eat a lot of rice, pasta and potatoes.

      All athletes need to eat protein as it helps the body to repair and build muscle. Meat, cheese and eggs are rich in protein. Athletes who do power sports such as weight lifting eat a lot protein, especially straight after a gym session, as it increases their muscle size.

      Some athletes who compete in ultra endurance events need to eat during exercise. Don’t know if you have heard of the Ironman? This is an event when people swim for 3 miles, followed by a 100mile bike ride and then they run 26 miles!!!!!! These CRAZY people are exercising for 8-15hours therefore they need to eat whilst exercising. This can be very difficult as they can’t just stop off at McDonalds or grab a sandwich as it will make them feel sick. They have to drink lots of lucozade and they eat sugary gels. Imagine exercising for 8-15hours thats how long i sleep for!!!

      Athletes no matter what sport they do must have a healthy balanced diet. Athletes need their bodies to work the best that they can therefore they need to fill them with healthy foods. Athletes don’t get away with not eating their vegetables. Vegetables are full of important vitamins and minerals which help the body to be healthy and happy.

      Sorry I haven’t been able to give you an exact example of an athletes diet. It really does depend on the type of sport they play and what stage of the session they are in. I hope this has helped if you have any more questions i’ll be happy to answer them

Comments

  • Photo: mangokat

    mangokat commented on :

    ok, thanks what about a middle distance runner say 800m?

  • Photo: Rebecca

    Rebecca commented on :

    Good question as a middle distance runner needs food for energy and to build muscle.

    During training and competition the fuel (glucose) that makes our muscles work runs out. It is very important that middle distance runners top up their fuel after exercise. After training or competition you should eat a snack rich in carbohydrate (i.e a sandwich or cereal bar) to replenish your fuel stores so that next time you exercise you can beat everyone else.

    As long as you eat 3 healthy meals that are balanced (protein, fat, carbohydrates and vegetables) you will have all the things you need to make you a great athlete.