Words RUTH JAMES
The life of any university student is a busy one, but it's even busier when you are an athlete too. Juggling studies with training several times a day, competing during the season and often travelling far away – it’s no small challenge. Beyond this you are now managing yourself with considerably reduced support from your family. This may be exciting and liberating but it also comes with added responsibilities such as self organisation and making food decisions for the first time.
Between going to the gym, being out on the water, attending classes, talking to your friends and trying to get lots of sleep, it can feel like there isn’t time for much else. In addition to all of this, high performance rowers need about twice as many calories including protein as their non-athletic friends. So food bills can be high. Here you are then, trying to eat on a budget with limited time and food management skills. It’s hard. Combining this with sustaining a good quality diet whilst avoiding ultra-processed foods such as protein bars presents a challenge. Where and what should you shop for, what are the cooking facilities on or off campus, and what about snacks before and after training? Working this all out demands organisational, financial and practical cooking skills.