Foods that “fuel” an Olympian seem more like a mystery than a reality when you pause to think about what it takes to become a "Superhero-like" athlete (aka Olympian). However, Olympians follow some very basic nutritional and physical disciplines available to anyone who desires to become their best.
What exactly are they (Olympic trainers) feeding the super human amongst us? Olympians spend years developing their athletic prowess while disciplining their body’s to receive the highest and best form of nutrition. Everyday for years, these athletes live very restrictive lives while avoiding potentially threatening products containing banned substances while striving to become a super-human. However, in reality, trying to live a disciplined life can seem almost impossible for the average person.
The vigor of staying the course while training to become the greatest can seem daunting and perhaps cruel to some but to a professional athlete the price is "paid in full" when it comes to the ultimate reward; an Olympic medal.
Once a potential Olympian is discovered the process of grooming them to become a "Super-hero" kicks in immediately. Not limited to just their diet, Olympians change everything in their life to train for their fifteen or so minutes of fame. The world they once knew now seems a distant past. Their lifestyle is limited to sleeping, eating and training for their event. Most future Olympians will be discovered at a extremely young age leaving their family, friends and life to pursue their God-given talent and dreams. However, before an Olympian can dream of being on a platform they must discipline everything in thier life to make the grade, one day at a time.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital part of their daily regiment, along with psychological and physical training. So what exactly is in their diet that is so different from ours? Is it possible that we could benefit from the same diet, increasing strength while decreasing our bottom line if we're over weight and out of shape?
Fresh Whole Food
Preservatives are an absolute “no-no” in an Olympic diet. Nutrition must come from fresh whole foods. Why? Preserved food contains chemicals, high levels of sodium, fructose corn syrup and unknown products that wreak havoc on the body. Even "grab-and-go” nutrition bars are not never to natural, whole foods. One conveys convenience but the other provides quality nutrition. Protein that comes from additives like “whey powder” cannot compare to fresh food that naturally contains protein. For example, beans and peas contain significant amounts of protein in comparison to processed food. If you are feeling the pains of hunger, eat food that contains protein:
*Nuts – Raw (not roasted, toasted or salted) almonds, walnuts, pecans are desirable choices when it comes to nuts. Avoid words like “cocoa”, “roasted” and “salted”.
*Fruit – Any fresh fruit or vegetable contains protein. Dried fruit and vegetables contain preservatives, added sugar and sodium.
*Whole grains – Whole wheat bread instead of “multigrain” bread is the healthier choice. Avoid the words "enriched" and "bleached" on bread labels.
*Brown rice – Avoid the 60 or 90 second rice and cook your rice the old fashion way to avoid preservatives. Pre-cooked rice contains higher levels of sodium.
*Oatmeal – Natural oatmeal may take a little longer to cook than the instant oatmeal, but it is the better choice. Add some fruit to enhance the taste.
*Seafood – Avoid “farm-raised” seafood. The chemically induced products fed to farm raised seafood are an unknown and not likely to be a healthy additive to your diet. Make sure to ask where the seafood came from but beware of knock-off labeling that declares it is “fresh-catch”. Even farm raised seafood can be labeled "fresh catch", especially salmon. Remember: Only about 2% of the seafood we consume has been inspected by the government.
*Supplements, vitamins, minerals - Over the counter products found on the shelf of your local grocery store, pharmacy or online are not always trustworthy. Before you invest in these types of products, research them at www.consumerlabs.com to verify if they've been tested. "Independent Laboratory Testing" does not necessarily equate to being tested thoroughly. Only medical and pharmaceutical products are the most reliable. If you need them, ask your doctor to prescribe them to you.
So, what is the "key" to becoming like an Olympian? Discipline. Nutrition and exercise. The desire to become your best.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Nutrition + exercise + daily discipline of the mind, body and spirit will take you a lot farther than you think!
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