While the options that will be available are endless, athletes have very strict eating plans. These are usually devised to give them enough fuel while also helping them to gain strength, stay lean or boost recovery. Some of the nutrients they will be loading up on while competing in the games include protein and slow-release carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals. To promote sustainability, a lot of the protein served at th games will be plant-based – a lifestyle that many athletes subscribe to anyway.
Fuel with food
Good news – you don’t need to go all the way to Europe to eat like a pro athlete because Food Lover’s Market stocks *everything* you need for a healthy and balanced diet.
One of the favourite snacks enjoyed by athletes the world over is the humble banana, with an estimated three million being imported for the 2024 Games. This is because they are a source of potassium and magnesium, which act as electrolytes to keep the body hydrated. You can grab a locally-grown one at your local Food Lover’s. Another popular one is eggs, which can be enjoyed on the go when hard-boiled, as they contain plenty of protein. For training and competing, athletes rely on a healthy dose of carbohydrates. This means you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in wholewheat bread and pasta if you lead an active life.
Daily greens and an assortment of fresh fruit are staples in an athlete’s diet. When made into juices and smoothies, supplements, such as collagen for healthy joints and protein powder, can be added for extra nutrients. Find a boost in our health aisle that can be added to your drink of choice from Food Lover’s Market.
- TIP #1: Snack smart / There are some snacks that athletes love. One of them is eggs (hard-boiled, please!) 🥚 as they are rich in protein and another popular one is the humble banana 🍌 which is a source of potassium and magnesium, which relax overworked muscles.
- TIP #2: Consider your carbs / Because they spend so much time training and competing, athletes eat a lot of carbohydrates for fuel. But that doesn’t mean any carbs are okay – they prefer healthy wholegrain bread and pasta and slow-release carbs, such as oats 🍞
- Eat like an Olympian / TIP #3: Say yes to supplements / You can make a healthy smoothie or juice even better for you by adding a booster 💪🏽 This could be a protein boost with some protein powder if you’re working out or collagen powder to keep your joints in good condition.
Make some moves!
It’s not just about what you eat but how you move that makes or breaks an athlete. Many jobs have us sitting at our desks for unhealthy amounts of time and health authorities have warned against it. This is why, for Paris 2024, there is a global #LetsMovecampaign and hashtag for the public to share videos of them moving and tagging their favourite Olympian.
Making more movement a habit can keep you healthier for longer. This can be anything from standing over sitting or going for a walk to joining a running club or hitting the gym (and yes, doing a few speedy laps of the aisles at FLM totally counts!)
The South African Olympians of 2024:
To everyone on Team SA…
Wian Roux, Akani Simbine, Shaun Maswanganyi, Benjamin Richardson, Luxolo Adams, Shaun Maswanganyi, Benjamin Richardson, Zakithi Nene, Wayde van Niekerk, Lythe Pillay, Edmund du Plessis, Tshepo Tshite, Ryan Mphahlele, Adriaan Wildschutt, Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Sinesipho Dambile, Nene Gardeo Isaacs, Antonie Nortje, Adrian Swart, Stephen Mokoka, Elroy Gelant, Miranda Coetzee, Prudence Sekgodiso, Marione Fourie, Zenéy Geldenhuys, Rogail Joseph, Irvette van Zyl, Gerda Steyn, Cian Oldknow, Brian Raats, Jovan van Vuuren, Cheswill Johnson, Kyle Blignaut, Francois Prinsloo, Victor Hogan, Miné de Klerk, Ashley Erasmus, Jo-Ane van Dyk, Johanita Scholtz, Hamish Lovemore, Andrew Birkett , Tiffany Koch, Esti Olivier, Ryan Gibbons, Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, Tiffany Keep, Jean Spies, Alan Hatherly, Candice Lill, Miyanda Maseti, Julia Vincent, Alexander Peternell, Harry Saner, Mustapha Cassiem, Andrew Hobson, Jacques van Tonder, Dayaan Cassiem, Bradley Sherwood, Keenan Horne, Tevin Kok, Matthew Guise-Brown, Ryan Julius, Daniel Bell, Nicholas Spooner, Zenani Kraai, Nqobile Ntuli, Samkelo Mvimbi, Gowan Jones, Calvin Davis, Anelle van Deventer, Celia Seerane, Stephanie Botha, Edith Molikoe, Kristen Paton, Onthatile Zulu, Dirkie Chamberlain, Paris-Gail Isaacs, Taheera Augousti, Erin Christie, Ntsopa Mokoena, Hannah Pearce, Ongeziwe Mali, Marié Louw, Kayla de Waal, Quanita Bobbs, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Erik van Rooyen, Ashleigh Buhai, Paula Reto, Caitlin Rooskrantz, Geronay Whitebooi, John Smith, Christopher Baxter, Courtney Westley, Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Quewin Nortje, Tiaan Pretorius, Shaun Williams, Selvyn Davids, Tristan Leyds, Rosko Specman, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Mathrin Simmers, Zintle Mpupha, Sizophila Solontsi, Veroeshka Grain, Kemisetso Baloyi, Nadine Roos, Liske Lategan, Byrhandre Dolf, Ayanda Malinga, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Marlize de Bruin, Maria Tshiremba, Dallas Oberholzer, Brandon Valjalo, Boipelo Awuah, Mel Janse van Rensburg, Lauren Mukheibir, Joshua Bruyns, Aniya Holder, Jordy Smith, Matthew McGillivray, Sarah Baum, Pieter Coetze, Chad le Clos, Matthew Sates, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Kaylene Corbett, Erin Gallagher, Rebecca Meder, Amica de Jager, Henri Schoeman, Jamie Riddle, Vicky van der Merwe, Nicolaas de Lange, Christian Sadie, Nathan Hendricks, Kat Swanepoel, Alani Ferreira, Danika Vyncke, Pieter du Preez, Louzanne Coetzee, Sheryl James, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, Kerwin Noemda, Puseletso Mabote, Collen Mahlalela, Khumo Pitso, Jaco Smit, Daniel du Plessis, Hermanus Blom, Erasmus Badenhorst, Claus Kempen, Simone Kruger, Sheryl James, Louzanne Coetzee, Liezel Gouws, Yane van der Merwe, Karabo Cassius Morapedi, Matobako Vincent Ramochela, Elanza Jordaan, Sandre Jordaan, Pieter du Preez, Philippa Johnson-Dwyer, Christiaan Haazen and Alwande Sikhosana
… Food Lover’s is behind you all the way and we know you’ll make Mzansi proud!
