The winning diet isn't just for the day of the game or the race. For most athletes, the hours spent in preparation and training will far outnumber the time spent in the competition arena. Everyday eating must tackle a number of goals. The Everyday Nutrition section of this website provides guidelines to help you achieve your goals. Some athletes describe what is important about their training diets:
Swimmer
"Full training for me means two or three sessions a day – in the pool or in the gym. I need to eat so that I can recover quickly from each session and perform at my best in the next."
Basketball player
"Training is the time to get in top shape. A winning diet and training program will help me to reach my ideal playing weight – whether that means losing body fat or gaining muscle."
Tennis player
"I know I can’t play at my best unless I look after my needs for protein, vitamins and minerals. I know that a heavy training program can increase my requirements for some of these, so I need to eat nutritious foods."
Football player
"I want to eat foods that taste good and that I can enjoy with my family and friends. I want all of us to enjoy the benefits of a winning diet, but I don't want to give up all my favourite foods."