WHAT DO THE WORLD’S BEST SAILORS EAT TODAY VERSUS 250 YEARS AGO?
When you think of the word “sailor,” what do you picture? A leathery man sporting a blazer and an ascot? Captain Ahab? Jack Sparrow? If you imagine an athlete with the physique and diet of an Olympian, then chances are you’re pumped for the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda.
In the past decade, yacht racing has undergone monumental changes, transforming into a much more physical sport that requires a very strict diet. “If they’re unhealthy and fat, they’re not going to do their job,” according to Oracle Team USA nutritionist Scott Tindal.
To get a glimpse at what it takes to be defending America’s Cup champions, Tindal provided the daily diet of Team Oracle USA, which is packed with enough protein to practically feed a naval fleet. As a comparison, we pulled the diet of the British Royal Navy, circa late 1700s, when they were an unmatched world power on the sea. What did it take to feed thousands of men when they were at sea for months at a time? A lot of biscuits, beef and beer. Sounds kind of delicious, until your gums start to bleed from a lack of vitamin C. Getting scurvy sucks.
DAILY DIET FOR TEAM ORACLE USA
MORNING, PRE-TRAINING
2 slices whole-wheat toast with peanut butter
MORNING, POST-TRAINING
Whole milk 700 ml with 2 scoops of TRUE POST (40 grams protein, 30 grams carbs)
BREAKFAST
4 eggs, 200 grams of chicken breast, roasted tomatoes, ½ to 1 avocado, handful of arugula, olive oil. Plus, 300 grams of cooked oats in coconut milk, 50 grams of Greek yoghurt, 100 grams of berries, 15 grams of maple syrup, and a large latte coffee
SNACK
1 to 2 packets of shot bloks, 600 ml of SOS Hydration
LUNCH, IF ON SHORE
Salad, 200 to 300 grams of vegetables, 200 grams of rice or pasta, 200 to 300 grams of protein source (beef/lamb/fish/shellfish/chicken), oil for cooking (coconut or olive)
LUNCH, IF ON WATER
300 grams of pasta with 200 to 300 grams of protein source (beef/lamb/fish/shellfish/chicken), egg tarts, fruit salad, protein balls (homemade), muffins/cookies, shot bloks, Red Bull, True Protein Cyclic Dextrose plus water, SOS Hydration.
AFTERNOON SNACK, AFTER SAILING OR TRAINING
200 grams of rice or pasta, 200 to 300 grams of protein source (beef/lamb/fish/shellfish/chicken), sauce
DINNER, SELF-REGULATED BUT IDEALLY
Vegetables or salad (majority), a carb source (quinoa/pasta/couscous/rice), 200 to 300 grams of protein source (beef/lamb/fish/shellfish/chicken)
Optional: True Protein Casein Protein drink with milk before bed
WANT TO TRY IT FOR YOURSELF?