World Athletics Day is celebrated on May 7 every year to promote sports and fitness among people worldwide. It is a day to celebrate and recognize the importance of athletics in our lives. Athletics is a sport that requires strength, agility, endurance, and mental toughness. Athletes need to train hard and maintain a healthy lifestyle to perform at their best.
One of the key aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a healthy diet.
Athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to perform at the highest level, and a key component of their success is maintaining a healthy diet. A balanced and nutritious diet can provide athletes with the energy and nutrients needed to perform at their best, while also reducing the risk of injury and illness.
A healthy diet for athletes should include a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates provide energy for physical activity, while protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair. Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and seeds, can provide additional energy and support cardiovascular health. Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
In this article, we will be discussing Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra’s winning diet plan, which can help athletes get in shape and perform at their best.
Neeraj Chopra is an Indian track and field athlete who competes in the javelin throw. He won the gold medal in javelin throw at the 2018 Asian Games, the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and the 2018 South Asian Games. He also won the gold medal in javelin throw at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in athletics at the Olympics.
Neeraj Chopra’s daily diet:
How does Neeraj Chopra start his day?
The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist starts his day with juice or coconut water. Neeraj Chopra usually has three-four egg whites, two pieces of bread, a bowl of Dalia, and fruits for breakfast. Bread-omelet is one of the favorite breakfast options for Neeraj Chopra.
Lunch:
The lunch constitutes a high protein diet including chicken and pulses. Neeraj usually eats curd and rice for lunch, along with pulses, grilled chicken, and salad.
In between training sessions, the athlete eats some almonds along with some fresh juice.
Dinner:
Neeraj usually eats a lightweight dinner that does not involve bread, rice, or any heavy food. The dinner mostly comprises soup, boiled vegetables, and fruits.
Cheat Meals:
For Neeraj Chopra, who tries to follow his diet as strictly as possible, cheat meals are not very regular.
However, Neeraj Chopra enjoys eating churma, a Haryanvi delicacy comprised of mashed roti (Indian bread), sugar, ghee, and various sweets, notably kheer (sweetened rice with milk), at frequent intervals.
The renowned Indian street food known as Golgappas, also known as Pani-Puri or Puchka, is one of Neeraj Chopra’s favorites. It is a spicy mashed potato filling in a crispy fried thin wafer that is served with either sweet or tangy-flavored water.
Apart from this Neeraj Chopra follows a strict diet plan that helps him maintain his weight and provides him with the necessary nutrients and energy to perform at his best. His diet plan consists of the following:
- High Protein Diet: Neeraj Chopra’s diet is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. He consumes protein-rich foods like chicken breast, fish, eggs, lentils, and nuts.
- Carbohydrate-rich Diet: Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body. Neeraj Chopra’s diet includes carbohydrate-rich foods like brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole-grain bread, and fruits.
- Healthy Fats: Fats are essential for the body as they provide energy and help in the absorption of vitamins. Neeraj Chopra’s diet includes healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
- Nutrient-rich Foods: Neeraj Chopra’s diet includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts. These foods provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function properly.
- Hydration: Neeraj Chopra understands the importance of hydration and drinks plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
On this World Athletics Day, let us take inspiration from Neeraj Chopra’s winning diet plan and make a conscious effort to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated are crucial for athletes and can also benefit individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
By making small changes to our diet and exercise routine, we can improve our overall health and well-being. Let’s take a step towards a healthier and fitter future.
