Take it from the Pros!
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Now more than ever, professional and other elite-level athletes are prioritizing nutrition in order to give them an extra-edge in competition.
Below are some testimonials and information from top athletes regarding nutrition plans and the benefits that healthy eating provides.
Ryan Lochte-- USA swimmer
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11-time Olympic medalist and world record holder
"I didn't really think that knowing what you put in your body actually had an effect," Lochte says. "So when I was growing up, I was eating fast food every day. I'd drink soda non-stop, candy, just everything. It was horrible."
The change in his eating habits coincided with his rise to the top of the swim world. The proof is in the pudding he doesn't eat anymore. "I was never a big believer in what you put in has a big effect on you," Lochte says. "But I'm 110% about that now."
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/SPORTS/usaedition/2012-07-27-726-Oly-Lochte-diet_ST_U.htm
“[After practice...] My recovery meal is two grilled chicken breasts with Alfredo sauce, whole-grain spaghetti, and a salad with lemon juice and olive oil.”
http://www.menshealth.com/olympics/what-winners-eat?page=last
VIDEO-- Ryan talks about his nutrition
http://ryanlochte.com/videos/2012/05/ryan-talks-about-his-nutrition/
Abby Wambach-- USA soccer player
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Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion
"Being a professional athlete, my nutrition is probably one of the most essential ingredients as to what makes me good on the field, and sometimes what doesn't make me so great on the field."
VIDEO-- "Kickin' It in the Kitchen" with Abby
"We’re built like machines: Once you expend a certain amount of energy, you’ve got to put some stuff back in to maintain your weight, to maintain your health, to maintain your muscle mass, and to allow your muscles to recover."
"As an athlete you want to make sure that you’re getting the right things in your system. When you leave the field after a game, you’re already preparing for the next training session or the next game."
http://www.rodalewellness.com/food/soccer-olympian-abby-wambach-talks-diet-and-nutrition
Al Horford-- NBA basketballer
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Two-time NCAA champion at University of Florida; third overall pick in 2007 NBA Draft; two-time NBA All-Star
"I'm a big snacker. I try to eat five, six times a day. You don't have to have those big, heavy meals all the time."
"I drink lots of water [...] to work and prepare every day. ... It's almost like a lifestyle. You have to sacrifice, especially the way that you eat. I think that determines a lot on how you're going to perform."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/04/pro-athletes-diets_n_3287779.html
Gabrielle Reece-- WBVL volleyballer (retired); model; health and fitness activist
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Four-time WBVL kills leader; WBVL Offensive Player of the Year; Dodge National Athletics Award's Most Inspiring Collegiate Athlete; Florida State Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
"I start every day with a smoothie but it's not like a drink for me, my smoothies are thick and foody. They have to be filling to get me through my workout. Smoothies are also a good opportunity to add nutrients-- like iron and protein-- that you may be missing in your diet and mask them with other flavors."
"Just like your body gets used to the same exercises, it gets used to the same foods so it's good to switch up your diet."
http://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/interview-healthy-eating-with-gabrielle-reece
Peyton Manning-- NFL footballer
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Five-time NFL MVP; Super Bowl Champion; Super Bowl MVP
Peyton's pre-game meal never changes: "It's always two pieces of grilled chicken, a bowl of pasta with marinara sauce, a plain baked potato with a side of broccoli and a couple of Gatorades.”Pasta With Marinara Sauce (2 oz.)
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbs: 53g
- Protein: 9g
Plain Baked Potato
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 4g
Two Grilled Chicken Breasts (8 oz.)
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 48g
Broccoli (1/2-cup)
- Calories: 25
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Gatorade Perform (32 oz. bottle)
Calories: 200
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 56g
- Protein: 0g
Meal Totals
- Calories: 895
- Fat: 7.5g
- Carbs: 151g
- Protein: 63g
ATTENTION: All content relating to nutrition herein should be considered general, non-clinical information and guidance. Always consult with your doctor or a professional nutritionist when seeking ANY personalized dietetic advice that may significantly affect your immediate and/or long-term health.
