Can naturally gifted runners eat junk food?

Question:

How much difference does a good diet really make? I keep reading about great runners living off junk food and beer. Can nutrition really impact on my times?

Answer:

Let’s begin first, by considering overall health. It is clear from decades of scientific study and observation that diet and nutrition has a profound effect on human health, and freedom from disease. Sound health is the foundation of physical performance too, with diet impacting on muscle and heart function, as well on immune function, and digestion – all crucial to an athlete wanting to achieve optimal performance, or to simply get fitter, stronger and faster. Thankfully (again via science and observation), it is well documented that a well balanced diet has a significant effect on human performance. A healthy athlete is far more likely to reach his/her full potential, training consistently, and recovering well. If these great runners really are living off junk and beer (which I doubt), then my first thought is, “Just think what they could achieve if they ate well!” It’s worth understanding that “fitness” doesn’t always equate to good health. There are many cases and examples of “great athletes” who suffer with health problems, digestive complaints, sleep problems, and blood sugar imbalances at some point in their career. Invariably, the diet will, in some way, be at fault.

Having said all that, there are several other factors at play, other than nutrition, that impact overall performance and especially “race performance”. Factors such as mental preparation, mental state, effective use of mental strategies & techniques, environmental conditions, and the performance of other athletes all play a part. So, whilst diet is vital, it is not the only factor that determines running performance. By the way, I wouldn’t believe everything you read in the media! We rarely get the full, true picture of people’s lives, diets and training routines. What is important is what works for you.

Whilst I would never advocate a “junk food diet”… there is nothing more powerful than “experiential knowledge”…  SO… try an experiment on yourself. Eat “junk food and drink beer” for 2 weeks, and note how you feel, function, train and recover. Then eat a good diet (fresh foods, no alcohol) for 2 weeks and again, note how you feel and train etc. Let me know the results!

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