Fuelling the Machine: Diet for Athletic Performance

Think about the last time you did something physically demanding — a race, a match, a long training session. What had you eaten beforehand? Did it help or hinder you? Elite athletes treat food as seriously as training itself. In 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps was reported to consume around 10,000 calories a day during intense training blocks — roughly four to five times what most adults need. Why would a body demand that much fuel? And would the same diet work for a marathon runner, a gymnast, or a sprinter? Nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. Today you'll find out exactly why.