Published to Newsletter on May 20, 2024
By: Reed Vawter, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LD
The Paris Olympics are fast approaching this July. Cheering on our favorite athletes is always exciting, and there's so much we can learn from them as well. While most of us aren't aiming for a gold medal, we can still incorporate these three athlete-approved eating strategies to excel in our daily lives.
Focus on adding nutrition in, not taking foods out
So many diets talk about what not to eat. But we can only get nutrition from what we actually consume. Athlete’s know this and emphasizes a variety of foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and energy to fuel their activity. You can use the USOPC recommendations or the more general MyPlate to steer your eating choices.
Preparation is key for busy schedules
When you train as much as an Olympian, there’s little time left for cooking. To stay strong, athletes need to plan ahead, and with your busy life, you should too. Whether it’s work, family, or your own fitness schedule, meal planning, pre-preparation, and relying on go-to takeout items can keep you on the path to victory.
Know what’s in your supplements
Over half of all Americans take supplements, but supplements are poorly regulated and can have unintended ingredients. This can ruin an athlete’s career and can also sabotage your health. Take charge of your supplements. Reevaluate them regularly to be sure they still work and are needed. You can also look for third-party testing to be sure your supplement contains what it’s supposed to.
Ultimately, Olympic athletes are just like us – busy, focused, and trying to make it all work. So we can borrow from their strategies and be a champion at life every single day. Do you want help implementing these tips? Check out our free nutrition counseling services for faculty and staff!
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