Breakfast of Champions

“I eat my competitors for breakfast”

When asked what he eats for breakfast, Olympic Triathlete Simon Thompson replied with a cheeky grin ‘I eat my competitors for breakfast’. This seemed rather odd seeing it’s unlikely you’re going to find much sustenance on the frame of an elite triathlete.

After we stopped laughing, he revealed a typical breakfast of juice, muesli and a fat white - which turns out to be far more nutritious than a fellow athlete!

Freshly Squeezed Carrot, Celery, Apple, Lemon, Beetroot & Ginger Juice

• The mixture of all these fruits and vegetables provides plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to boost the immune system.
• Whilst juice is lower in fibre compared to whole fruits and vegetables, it is energy dense, which means Thomo can consume a high amount of carbohydrate in a less bulky, easy to digest liquid form.
• Homemade Muesli with oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, craisans & Goji berries
• Raw oats are a great source of carbohydrate and have a low GI which means they provide slow release energy.
• Nuts and seeds are jam packed with all the good fats you need, plus they are high in insoluble fibre which helps keep you regular.
• There is a lot of hype over Goji berries at the moment. They are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, protein and iron.
• Whilst dried fruit is a trap for weight conscious people, it’s great for active sports people and those trying to put on weight.

Flat White coffee

• Milk is great source of calcium which works in partnership with Vitamin D to build strong healthy bones.
• Caffeine is a stimulant which acts on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain. There has been research to indicate that low doses of caffeine in endurance type sports can help reduced perceived effort.

For all active people- elite and amateurs alike, a nutritious breakfast consisting of plenty of carbohydrates and small amount of protein is perfect for replenishing depleted energy stores and repairing muscles particularly after a morning training session. Not only is a well rounded breakfast important for refuelling your body, but it’s important for feeding your brain so that you can have a productive day at work before rushing off to your evening ride, run or recovery session. So regardless of whether breakfast is a relaxed or rushed affair, your mother was right when she said it is the most important meal of the day!

Katherine Shone

Katherine is a qualified Sports Dietitian and consults in a variety of Melbourne based Clinics. For further information please call 0402 027 000 or email katherineshone@yahoo.com.au.