What’s common between Olympic Boxers, Cross country skiers, Swimmers and most successful Olympic athletes? They believe in eating oats as a part of their training routine. Indian Olympic badminton medalist – P.V Sindhu reportedly incorporated oats during her international tours, so did gymnast Simone Biles, Mary kom and many others.
Breakfast happens to be the most important meal of the day in our day-to-day life. When you’re an Olympian it becomes the most significant meal of the day. Olympians are required to consume a lot of healthy calories based on how hard they are training, how much energy they are likely to burn, and how heavy or light they need to be for competition.
A study states that athletes put in 10,000 hours of practice before competing. On average these athletes train for approximately 24-30 hours a week and take only one day off. While training is an important part of their lives, relaxing, getting enough sleep, massages and eating the right food and following a diet also contribute majorly to their success.
In recent interviews, when asked about their ideal breakfast choice a lot of Olympians stated that oatmeal is their go-to breakfast option. Why? Oatmeal is not only easy to make but also customisable as per taste and provides the right amount of protein, carbs and antioxidants. The fibre content in oatmeal makes it a filling meal without being high on calories, and that will keep one full for a couple of hours.
Here are some athletes who religiously include oatmeal in their diet to achieve the energy and nutrients required for their body to go through rigorous training while preparing for the competition.
1. Mary Kom
Olympic boxer Mary Kom is yet another athlete who believes in the power of a filling yet healthy breakfast. She often begins her day with a bowl of fresh fruits, oatmeal porridge or healthy oatmeal pancakes.
Source:
https://food.ndtv.com/news/boxer-mary-kom-s-breakfast-at-the-tokyo-olympics-is-the-food-of-champions-2489995
2. Simone Biles
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles said that she follows her intuition when it comes to food and that she does not track anything. But she majorly opts for oatmeal and fruits for her breakfast to keep her full while also keeping her weight and nutrition consumption in check.
Source:
https://www.eatthis.com/news-best-breakfasts-olympic-athletes-eat/
3. Gabby Douglas
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas mentioned in an interview that she begins her day with a bowl of oatmeal, banana and some tea.
Source:
https://www.eatthis.com/news-best-breakfasts-olympic-athletes-eat/
4. Mia Manganello
Another Olympic speed skater Mia Manganello keeps her diet pretty simple while making sure her body is supplied with the right amount of energy because speed skating is a very demanding sport and requires one to be physically strong. Her breakfast includes oatmeal and orange juice right before morning practice.
Source:
https://www.delish.com/food-news/g4764/eat-like-an-olympian/
5. Katie Ledecky
American swimmer Katie Ledecky eats a bowl of oatmeal with extra milk, peanut butter and fruit for that boost of extra energy and freshness.
Source:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/1-food-eat-working-according-214013570.html&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1628842478571877&usg=AOvVaw0zAG85wWkGR2kOHLl_UXCn
It is pretty evident that oatmeal is becoming a people’s favourite with its innumerable benefits to one’s health. Oatmeal is nutrient and protein-rich, helps keep your blood sugar in check and also promotes weight loss. If you have been thinking of including oatmeal in your diet, this is the sign you are looking for!
