Nutrition and the Travelling Athlete
Long distance travel is a way of life for many athletes.
Whether you're travelling overseas, interstate or spending a couple of hours in a car or bus, your aim is to arrive ready to perform at your best. If you have trained well, you owe it to yourself to be well-prepared for your trip. Travelling for competition can often take on a holiday atmosphere, pushing good nutrition to one side. Your goal is to meet all your nutrient needs for training and competition despite the challenges presented from travelling.
- Take responsibility for your own success. Bring your own food with you, so that you do not have to rely on roadside cafés or club cars for your nutrition.
- Try not to get too hungry or you might be tempted by the first fast food outlet you see.
- When you travel you are not being active, making it very easy to eat more than you need. You will need less food than on training days. Don't confuse boredom with hunger.
- If you eat at restaurants, you may have to request extra bread rolls or a larger serve of pasta or steamed rice to get enough carbohydrates. Avoid dishes that are high in fats or deep fried foods.
- Some big event venues provide athletes with unlimited food. You will need to eat sensibly, despite the desire to try everything provided.
