The downhillers’ diet

When it comes to diet, training and partying the downhill scene is definetely more relaxed than, say, cross-country or marathon riders, but you can be sure that the top riders are dedicated to what they do. That means training right and eating right with the odd party here and there…
I’m careful with what I eat, but definitely don’t watch every little thing that goes in. I tend to stick to the basic theory that: ‘your body is a machine, treat it like your race car, you wouldn’t put junk into the fuel tank, so don’t put junk into your body.’
It wasn’t always like this and I’ve had some great help from my trainer, John Wakefield (@science2sport) over the past few months.

So when I say diet, I mean:
• Stay away from fast food
• Eat plenty of fruit and veggies
• Make sure you take in enough protein and carbs at both lunch and dinner
• Avoid eating too much fat, eg. Skin on chicken, mayo, butter etc.
• Avoid eating too much sugar, eg. Suger in tea/coffee, fizzy drinks, sweets/chocolate etc.
• Avoid frying your food or cooking in oil where possible, rather grill or bake.
• (remember sugar can turn to fat)
• Drink plenty of water
• Don’t eat just before bed
• Always have a small snack between breakfast / lunch and lunch / dinner

This is my take on it, personally I have had some great help from my trainer, John Wakefield @science2sport, get hold of them if you want to get in shape! These guidelines just help your body to perform at its best, you obviously can cheat from time to time but I try to do this as a general rule. There are many rumours about eating and some of you might know all this but this is what I do, maybe it will help you?

The pic is of my ‘all-in salad’: avocado, tomato, cucumber, mushrooms, sprouts, olives, carrots, feta, tuna topped with balsamic dressing. Protein, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals on one plate.