Should All Athletes Eat Like Michael Phelps?

Are you enjoying watching Michael Phelps sweeping up more Olympic gold medals? I surely am! He's an amazing athlete. Although, as a Registered Dietitian, I was shocked to see what he eats! NBC even interviewed a chef/ owner from a local diner where he always hangs out. Greasy sandwiches, loads and loads of food, all totaling about 9,000+ calories per day. Pretty amazing and of course, his body definitely needs that much energy to fuel all of the exercise his 6 foot something body does everyday!

To put it in perspective, an average 160# person would have to swim about 15 hours to burn 9,000 or so calories! So in other words.... even if you're an athlete, don't start eating like Michael Phelps. In fact, I think he needs to work a Registered Dietitian :) To check out how many calories you do based on various activities, click here.

Tip of the day for athletes: refuel your muscles within 1 - 2 hours after a workout with carbs & protein. For example: a glass of chocolate milk (low fat) or a PB & J sandwich on whole grain bread and some plain old water too!

McDonalds, The Official Restaurant of the Olymics

While my husband and I were enjoying watching the Olympics, I was horrified to see the McDonald's commercial, touting... McDonald's, the official restaurant of the Olympics! Athletes were snacking on french fries! YIKES! Now, I do think there are healthy/healthier choices on the menu at McDonald's (e.g. apple slices, salads, yogurt parfaits, low fat milk) but showing athletes snacking on french fries?! Very disappointing to say the least. Next time you're at McDonald's or anyother fast food place, checkout the variety of great options they're offering and try one! Like the low fat milk with your meal.