TN players prepare for the Olympics with a nutritious, balanced diet

Foods before and after training are very important

Ryan Ryan of Bengaluru at QUA Nutrition has been my nutritionist and food coach for the past six years. QUA Nutrition has tailored meal programs and Ryan has curated a great diet plan based on what my body needs. When I realized I wasn’t moving fast enough, I started reducing sugar and included more energy drinks. I used to eat a lot of fried, oily foods, chocolate and ice cream, but I have stopped eating them for the last two years. I make a weekly follow-up call with Ryan and he suggests if changes are needed.

I don’t have a scam day, but there is a scam meal on Sunday, it would be mostly chicken biryani or butter chicken made by my mom. If I’m at home, I see homemade bajji or bonds. My favorite breakfast food is the milk-containing appam.

Since I have traveled to Japan in the past, I know the food available there. I love their miso soup, ramen, sushi and other Japanese specialties. I’m not worried about the food they’re going to serve in the Olympic Village. You get all kinds of dishes there in Continental, Arabic, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean, etc. Every time I go to international competitions, I send a picture from the menu to my nutritionist and he prepares a diet table accordingly. For me, it is paramount to get healthy food before and after training and to make sure I always stay off.

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Table tennis men’s singles

Snacks made from Nattu Sakkarai satisfy my sugar cravings

Arokia Rajiv, men 4×400 m post

All the dishes, which are made with a lot of bait and oil, are big not for me. I eat a good amount of food for breakfast and dinner, it is full of vegetables, proteins and fruits. If I go to practice in the morning, I could come back by 11am. I need enough energy to run in the morning. Sometimes competitions take place in the evening, so I don’t eat too much during lunch. I take food according to the needs of my body. If I have less magnesium or vitamins, I take food to increase their concentration. I don’t gain weight easily, but that doesn’t mean I eat too much greasy or sugary food. If I want to eat sugary food, I eat homemade snacks made from snuff or palm sugar. This satisfies my lust. Honestly, I’m worried about the food being served in Tokyo. But I heard that they also offer Indian food. While the food is good at Patiala camp, I miss ammas-chicken biryan and naatu kozhi kolambua.

Arokia Rajiv, men 4×400 m post

Packing garlic cucumber in Tokyo

Subha Venkatesan, 4x400m sec

I’m usually a bad eater. But now I have started eating healthily. I drink 4-5 liters of water to the ground every day. Hydration is very important for all athletes. I also have fresh fruit juices, coconut water and lemon juice. My daily diet is simple, I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Every time I travel to games, I carry pickles and prizes with me. Because I’m not sure if I like the food provided by the organizers or not. This time I’m going to take garlic pickles. I heard that Arokia also brings homemade pods. At home in Tiruchy, I love the sambar and potato roasts made by my mother. He also makes amazing Manga pachad.

Subha Venkatesan, 4x400m sec

A balanced meal gives me energy

Dhanalakshmi Sekar, 4x400m sekarele

I have stopped eating fatty and fried food for some time because it consumes my energy. I drink fruit juices (apple / orange) and eat nuts soaked overnight daily. I also have protein shakes while I exercise. A balanced meal full of vegetables and proteins is good for my energy levels. I don’t eat anything great because it can upset my stomach. So I stick to idyll, bread, rats, rice, upma, etc. I don’t want to exaggerate because it can affect my performance in the country. I have non-vegetables at least five days a week. Sometimes I miss my tubs special chicken biryan and keerai poriyal, but so far I focus on a healthy diet.

Dhanalakshmi Sekar, 4x400m sekarele