Existing comment:
Power Meal
Energy to Burn:
Competitive athletes like Michael Phelps burn thousands of calories by exercising many hours a day. Even after a breakfast this size, Phelps would still need more fuel for six hours of swimming, which he might complete in one day during heavy training.
Five-Egg Omelet:
This one omelet contains almost 30 grams of protein -- half of what is recommended for a man to eat in an entire day. Protein is a nutrient that helps build and repair muscles. However, this omelet also contains three times the maximum daily recommendation for cholesterol. Fine for an elite athlete, but not for the average person.
Fried-Egg Sandwiches:
The lettuce, tomatoes and fried onions in these sandwiches are the only vegetables in this massive meal. To stay healthy, nutritionists recommend eating at least two and a half cups of fruit and vegetables every day and choosing other cooking methods over frying.
Coffee:
When consumed together with carbohydrates, the caffeine in coffee may help muscles recover from heavy exercise. Many athletes believe caffeine boosts performance, and it is one of the ten stimulants allowed at the Olympic Games.
French Toast:
Dishes made from grains, like grits, pancakes and French toast are especially high in carbohydrates. Athletes doing more than two hours of strenuous activity a day can load u on foods like these before competing to keep muscles stocked with glycogen, a kind of stored energy.
A Little Lighter:
For most adults, even those who are moderately active, nutritionists recommend a daily intake of 2,000 to 2,500 calories, made up mostly of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and low-fat meats and dairy products. |