By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
4 tricks to looking as good as an Olympian
87e9f4438e3cf3712733af26d231e857d06d1bbb083a9398a4df301bbd768609
Want to look as fit as an Olympian? Or just dream about it? - photo by Tana Bolinger
Athletes do not only train their bodies with intense exercise for the Olympics, but they hone in on their nutrition as well. This isnt surprising since they have probably been eating well for years and years, hoping to get the Olympic gold.

Although they may consume triple the amount of calories you do, and workout at least four times longer than you each day, their nutrition tips are still very helpful for you.

If you have been trying to shed the pounds but have not succeeded yet, you are probably thinking to yourself, What do Olympians do that I am not doing right now? Let me tell you.

1. They eat breakfast every day

Starting the day with a good lean protein is one of the best things you can do for your body. When you eat earlier in the day and dont skip breakfast, the calorie intake throughout the day decreases, because you were able to receive the energy you needed sooner. Eating breakfast allows you to get the results you want and feel fully satisfied.

Eggs, egg whites, low-fat organic dairy, lean meats, whole grain oatmeal or quinoa are great breakfast foods that the athletes recommend because of the high amounts of protein, carbs and fats they contain. Brianna Decker, former Olympic hockey player shares, For breakfast Ill eat eggs with vegetables mixed in, like a scrambler with some type of meat like ham, chicken or steak from the night before. Also some berries or banana.

2. They eat organic foods when possible

The likelihood of partaking of toxic chemicals and harmful bacteria is severely lowered when eating organic products. Even vegetables and fruits like apples, celery, spinach and blueberries may contain chemicals that are not helping you with weight loss or gaining muscle strength. Getting the organic options of these is a great switch that can make a bigger difference than you think.

2008 Olympic swimmer Eric Shanteau enjoys eating organic yogurt in the morning on top of his grape-nuts concoction. I go as organic as I can afford, he shares.

3. They eat small and frequent meals

When the Olympics are approaching fast, fueling often is a must. Consuming enough macronutrients to help sustain the bodys activity during the game is vital. The different sports require different amounts of calorie intake, as well as a different schedule as to when to eat, but all Olympians eat early and often.

It is essential to snack before and after workouts to help the muscles continue to remain strong and sustain energy.

4. Water is life

Bring fully hydrated in the competition helps the athletes perform better. There is no set amount of water they must drink each day to perform well. Just drinking often and always is what is expected. Choosing to drink filtered water can remove any contaminations that may be in tap water, so medical professionals suggest filtered water as the best option.

Try it out!

To break it down for you:

60% of their diet is vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low fat organic dairy. 30% is lean proteins, fish, poultry and beans. The final 10% of their diet is nuts, olive oils, nut butters, seeds and avocados.

This may seem too strict but it probably isnt far from what you have been doing before. You just need to enhance the amount of vegetables and lessen the fats.

Keep hydrating and adjusting your diet to be a little more balanced and then you will be on your way to looking like an Olympian.