What do athletes eat?

Sports nutrition plays a crucial role in the performance and regeneration of athletes. Our project is dedicated to the topic of “Sport Nutrition” and examines the importance of a balanced diet for athletes at all levels of performance.

In recent years, awareness of the role of nutrition in sport has developed greatly. It is now widely recognised that the right choice and combination of nutrients has a direct impact on physical performance, post-exercise recovery and overall health.

As part of the project, we interviewed three different athletes to find out what they eat. We interviewed two skiers and a footballer, as well as a cricket player from India.

Whether you are a professional athlete, a recreational athlete or simply interested in a healthy lifestyle, we are convinced that you will find valuable insights in this project to support your sporting goals.

Interview comparison

Although both athletes are about their dietary habits, there are some differences between skier Alessio Miggiano (sporthilfe.ch, de) and cricketer Virat Kohli. 

In terms of caloric needs, the two athletes vary. Alessio requires around 3500 calories during summer training and on the glaciers in autumn, while Virat Kohli does not specifically mention his caloric intake. 

Regarding preferred foods, Alessio does not mention specific favourites but emphasizes the importance of a diverse selection of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. In contrast, Virat Kohli mentions that his breakfast typically consists of protein and calcium-rich foods along with green leafy vegetables. For lunch, he usually eats grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, spinach, veggies, and grilled salmon, although he has reduced his meat consumption. For dinner, Virat prefers seafood. 

The snacks they choose also differ. Alessio carries nut butter and gluten-free bread as a snack, particularly after a gym session. However, Virat Kohli does not specify his snacks. 

Both athletes have different preferences when it comes to beverages. Alessio prefers water or isotonic drinks to replenish his carbohydrate stores, while Virat Kohli mentions enjoying 3-4 cups of lemon tea or green tea. 

Finally, Alessio mentions that he rarely consumes fast food and is not a big fan of McDonald’s. Virat Kohli does not provide specific information about his fast food consumption. 

Overall, it can be said that Alessio and Virat Kohli have different dietary habits, although both are athletes who value their nutrition. Alessio emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet with diverse foods, while Virat Kohli has more specific preferences for certain foods and beverages. 

We have recorded a short interview with a professional footballer from Vaduz, Elmin Rastoder:

Interview partners

Alessio Miggiano, skier (fis-ski.com)
Interview mit Alessio Miggiano (PDF, de)

Gilles Roulin, skier (gillesroulin.ch, de)
Interview mit Gilles Roulin (PDF, de)

Interview mit Elmin Rastoder, footballer FC Vaduz (fcvaduz.li), in Schwyzerdütsch:

Virat Kohli, cricketer from India
Interview with Virat Kohli (PDF)

Collaboration with India

The collaboration with India went very good, we had a few meetings by Zoom and they did also an interview with a cricket-player.

We worked together with Abhinav and Advaith.

Summary

In conclusion, our project on sport nutrition highlights the crucial role it plays in the performance and recovery of athletes. Over the years, awareness of the impact of nutrition on sports has grown significantly, with the recognition that proper selection and combination of nutrients directly influence physical performance, post-training recovery, and overall health.

Through interviews with three different athletes, including two skiers and a footballer, as well as collaboration with individuals from India who conducted an interview with a cricket player, we gained valuable insights into their dietary habits. It is evident that there are differences in the caloric needs, preferred foods, snacks, and beverages among the athletes interviewed.

Alessio Miggiano, one of the skiers, emphasizes the importance of a diverse selection of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in his diet. He carries nut butter and gluten-free bread as snqacks and focuses on replenishing his carbohydrate stores with water or isotonic drinks. He also mentions avoiding fast food.

☷ See the project teams here »
☵ Some words about the contributions »