While many of us might pack a simple sandwich and crisps for lunch, Team GB’s athletes have been taking a different approach at the Paris Olympics. They’ve been opting for packed lunches for dinner, a far cry from the expected dining experience at the Olympic Village.
According to Andy Anson, the British Olympic Association’s chief executive, the food at the Village has been deemed ‘inadequate,’ prompting athletes to seek alternative meal options. Anson highlighted a lack of protein and even reported instances of raw meat being served.
Instead of relying on the Village’s offerings, British athletes have been heading to the Performance Lodge, a dedicated space located 20 minutes away in Clichy. This facility serves as a hub for training, rest, and recovery, providing a more suitable environment for the athletes’ nutritional needs.
‘The athletes are not just going there to eat their lunch, they are packing meals for their dinner as they don’t want to go into the athlete restaurant to eat,’ Anson explains.
While the specific contents of these packed lunches haven’t been disclosed, it’s likely they include items the Village has been lacking, such as chicken, eggs, and carbohydrates.
The importance of nutrition for athletes is evident in the dietary habits of Olympic 200m freestyle champion Tom Dean, who consumes a whopping 6,000 to 7,000 calories per day. His daily routine includes two substantial breakfasts, a large lunch, a snack, a hearty meal, and another snack before bed. His first breakfast typically consists of oats with peanut butter, banana, fruits, and honey, providing him with around 1,200 calories to kickstart his day. He then follows this up with scrambled eggs, a bagel, and avocado.
Many other British athletes also begin their day with porridge, a popular breakfast choice according to Philipp Würz, head of food and beverages at the Games.
Nigel Mitchell, a nutritionist who has worked with Team GB, highlights the benefits of porridge, stating it’s his ‘number one breakfast choice.’
‘It’s warming, comforting and provides ideal slow-release carbohydrates. This helps to maintain blood glucose levels which supports an even brain energy level to prevent drops in mood,’ he explains.
He also recommends incorporating chia seeds into the porridge for their protein content and high fat content, which the body utilizes to produce DHA fatty acids. ‘This is essential for the brain to function – impacting everything from cognition to mood,’ Mitchell adds.
This situation underscores the critical role of proper nutrition in supporting athletes’ performance and well-being, especially during such a demanding event as the Olympics. As the Games progress, it remains to be seen whether the food situation at the Olympic Village will improve, but for now, Team GB athletes are prioritizing their nutritional needs by seeking alternative meal options.
