Dog: Cat, why do you sleep all the time? Cat: Because Im a cat. Simple fact: cats sleep -- a lot. Our littlest one sleeps 80% of the day. Do you think we should wake her, nip at her for sleeping so much, criticize this habit? Of course not. Shes a cat. Sleeping lots is what cats do. So my question today is, If you wouldnt criticize a cat for its sleeping habit, why would you criticize an athlete for his eating habits? Eating healthy, sticking to a specific diet for his or her sport, is what athletes do. The right food is necessary for the body and mind to achieve the levels of physicality the athlete needs. Athletes eat for efficiency, fuel for function. Here are examples of the diets and eating habits of a few world athletes. Frank Shamrock – Four Time Undefeated UFC World Champion “The diet that I work best under is a simple diet of fresh fruits and veggies with extra protein from chicken, turkey, fish and meat. In competition mode, I eat every 2 or so hours and consume food the size of my palm… Never hungry, never full, always ready for battle. I did not change my diet for 15 years. I still eat the same even though I am retired” Jim Montgomery – First Man to Break 50 Seconds In the 100-Meter Freestyle & 3X Olympic Gold Medal Winner in Swimming “Stay away from the bad carbs (limit the bread), no fried foods, skip the desserts (only on special occasions), drink a ton of water, try to follow all this all the time. The biggest change is breakfast – fruit, cottage cheese, juice, and a hard boiled egg.” Warrick Brant - Top Competitor in The World’s Strongest Man Contests “My diet does not change too much although I add in a few more calories when I am getting ready for a show as I increase my training. All my calories are from real food. No take outs etc. Vegetables and Meat make up my 3 main meals with oatmeal and another protein and fat rich snacks making up my other snacks. (bengreenfieldfitness/2012/10/what-is-the-diet-of-top-athletes) As you can see, from swimmer to strongman, eating whole foods, limiting the refined and processed, and being consistent are key. And a normal part of the everyday -- for life. If youve never been an athlete or grown up with one as I have, it may be hard to understand. But just know, these individuals have a commitment to their sport, their passion, their selves that is beyond that of the everyday citizen. One that requires focus on nutrition and training (even at holiday time). Commend them for this, not criticize. And maybe ask for a tip or two. They kind of know a little on how the body works best. ;) And let sleeping cats lie.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:08:46 +0000