6 foods to boost a swimmer’s diet

Food’s importance to a swimmer is comparable to an artist and his workshop, or a captain and his ship or a congressman and his lies: deprived of such necessities, we would fail.

Food is at the foundation of any swimmer. It’s constantly on our minds, and the urge to eat can strike at any place, and at any given moment. It’s both a blessing and a curse, as there are few feelings greater than scarfing down a dozen donuts at the end of a morning practice and getting away with it. However, we are what we eat, and as athletes, the rule is concrete: if training is king, then undoubtedly, diet is queen. So the next time you’re standing in front of the bakery, looking at the seemingly endless supply of sugarcoated pastries, try one of these unusual foods instead.

1. Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds have been around since the dawn of time. Used by the Aztecs for energy on their excursions, Chia Seeds are a great source of Omega-3s, fiver and calcium. They can be thought of as a much healthier version of sprinkles. Though they do not have much of a taste by themselves, these seeds go great with yogurt, protein shakes and oatmeal. 

2. Wheatgrass

I’m not a huge fan of the stuff, as the taste can be compared to swallowing a pile of fresh-cut grass. Nonetheless, Wheatgrass juice is packed to the brim with minerals and vitamins. For a swimmer, Wheatgrass can be beneficial as a recovery drink, as it is an excellent source of potassium.

3. Seaweed

Crunchy and green, edible seaweed is an awesome item to eat with dinner. Usually served with Sesame seeds or Soy sauce, seaweed is the perfect side dish for sushi or chicken.

4. Kohlrabi

Good luck finding this one, but you’ll be happy if you do. A member of the cabbage family, Kohlrabi is a slightly sweet vegetable filled with good vitamins, such as B-6 and C.

5. Avocados

Avocados have been growing in popularity recently, and with good reason. High in healthy fat content, avocados also contain more potassium than bananas. I’m not saying it would be wise to eat a bowl of guacamole after practice instead of a banana, but the next time you ask for extra guac at your favorite restaurant, don’t feel too bad.

6. Green Tea

I recommend green tea to anyone who is looking for an alternative to coffee in the morning after practice. Green tea helps to relieve anxiety, lowers bad cholesterol as well as blood pressure, and helps to regulate glucose levels.