I’ve been watching the Olympics a lot over the past few weeks and I don’t know about you, but looking at all those fit bodies really motivates me. I know I don’t have to perform or train like an Olympic athlete, but I definitely know I could be doing better.
There’s been a lot of talk in the news about Michel Phelps and his vigorous “training” regimen (how else would you expect someone to win 8 gold medals at a single Olympics?). I find it amazing the amount of calories he burns during his workouts. But what I find even more intriguing are the discussions about his diet, with reports of him taking in up to 12,000 calories a day during his Olympic performances. His breakfast alone consisted of “three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise, two cups of coffee, one five-egg omelette, one bowl of grits, three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar and three chocolate-chip pancakes” according to a story by the Times Online.
As a dietitian I was surprised at first to see that the majority of what he is eating is not exactly what most would consider “healthy”, but then I realized that in order for him to take in that incredible amount of calories in one sitting he had to eat those high-calorie density foods.
It’s unreasonable to compare the training and diet of this amazing athlete to the average person who is trying to get in shape or watch their weight, but I believe there is a very important point to take away from all of this. That physical activity not only helps you look and feel better, but it also allows for some leeway in your diet. If you’re exercising on a regular basis you don’t have to feel so guilty about an over-indulgence or indiscretion because your body is going to be better equipped to “deal” with those extra calories. The only reason Michael Phelps can take in 12,000 calories a day is because he’s burning it off through physical activity.
I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again. If you’re trying to lose weight or simply want to prevent weight gain then you need to exercise. Get moving! It doesn’t matter what you do or when you do it, Just Do Something. Think about how good you feel after you exercise, I promise you won’t regret it!
- Lauren
Related Articles:
How Olympic Athletes Get Their Fuel
Michael Phelps' 12,000 Calorie-a-Day Diet Not for Everyone
Labels: Exercise, Fitness, healthy eating, Lauren, Physical Activity
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