Itβs no surprise that sprinter Allyson Felix has a regimented nutrition plan. She is, after all, the most decorated female sprinter in the history of the U.S. But it wasnβt until two years ago that she really began to focus on her diet. So why the change, if she had already won four Olympic gold medals and two silvers? And how can an Olympianβs diet apply to us non-athletes? We sat down with her to talk all things nutrition and competition, courtesy of her sponsor, Bounty.
Interview with Olympian Allyson Felix
How She Changed Her Outlook on Nutrition
βI only started taking nutrition very seriously about two years ago,β Felix says. Her diet before wasnβt horrible, but there was no rhyme or reason to it. βA lot of athletes have a similar story. You work so hard that you sometimes can get away with whatever, but you donβt realize until you do change your diet that you feel so much better, your recovery is better, and you get injured less. Youβre missing out on these benefits.β At the advice of a friend, she decided to take her nutrition to the next level. The key is balance. Though her meals are very regimented, they contain a balance of protein, veggies, fruit, and carbs. βI make sure Iβm getting enough after each training session to be able to refuel.β Her advice: βSometimes you donβt even know that you donβt feel as good as you should feel. And I think thatβs across the board, not just with athletes. You want to feel your best and want to have energy to get through the day. Everyone is busy. If you can feel better, why not?βHer Favorite Healthy Dish
A typical meal for her is a piece of salmon, broccoli, and brown rice. βSalmon is one of my favorite things,β she says. She also loves halibut and other fish. After she finishes a race, however, she loves to celebrate with a good steak.Her Pre-Olympics Training Schedule
Felix spends about five hours a day training: typically three hours on the track and two hours at the gym. She emphasizes the importance of recovery, and notes that some of that time is allotted to massage work and seeing a chiropractor.How She Manages Her Nerves
βFor me, it doesnβt matter what race it is. I get nervous. Itβs all part of competing, and managing it can be the difference.β We all get nervous. We may not be competing in front of the entire world like Felix is, but her advice for managing nerves resonates: Donβt make the moment bigger than it is. Focus on the task at hand. βYou kind of forget whatβs happening around you.βOn Her Fourth Olympic Games
βThatβs the great thing about having gone to three Olympics: You can finally use the experience. Everything from competing to managing the nerves and dealing with expectations and pressure.β The 2016 Olympics begin August 5βwill you be tuning in? We sure will!More like this