Eat like an athlete – Greg Rutherford’s diet

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/07/GREG-HEADSHOT-HIGH-RES-ba64c5e.gif?quality=90&resize=620,413" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/07/GREG-HEADSHOT-HIGH-RES-ba64c5e.gif?quality=90&amp;resize=960,639 960w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/07/GREG-HEADSHOT-HIGH-RES-ba64c5e.gif?quality=90&amp;resize=720,479 720w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/07/GREG-HEADSHOT-HIGH-RES-ba64c5e.gif?quality=90&amp;resize=576,383 576w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/07/GREG-HEADSHOT-HIGH-RES-ba64c5e.gif?quality=90&amp;resize=360,239 360w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/07/GREG-HEADSHOT-HIGH-RES-ba64c5e.gif?quality=90&amp;resize=180,119 180w, " sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" width="620" height="413" class="wp-image-894454 alignnone size-landscape_thumbnail" alt="Greg Rutherford headshot" title="Greg Rutherford" /> <p>Greg Rutherford is an Olympic Gold, World and European Athletics Champion. Having retired from athletics, he is now a TV presenter, motivational speaker, content creator and brand influencer. Greg also recently featured in ITV1’s Dancing on Ice and BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing and won the 2019 title of BBC Two’s Celebrity MasterChef.</p>
<p><strong>Next, read <a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-when-running-marathon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what to eat and drink when training for a marathon</a> and <a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-your-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what to eat before a run</a>. We also have information on what to eat on <a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-heavy-training-days" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heavy training days</a> and <a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-rest-or-low-intensity-training-days" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rest and easy training days</a>. </strong></p>
<h2>Greg Rutherford’s diet</h2>
<h3>What do you eat to start the day?</h3>
<p>If I’m being healthy, I like to start the day with fish (<a href="/recipes/hot-smoked-trout-scramble-with-rocket-salad">smoked trout</a>, smoked salmon or kippers), eggs and a rocket salad. For a sweet treat, I love a <a href="/recipes/pain-au-chocolat">pain au chocolat</a>. And coffee, always.</p>
<h3>Do you have a signature dish?</h3>
<p>It would have to be a big fluffy <a href="/recipes/best-ever-fluffy-american-pancakes-cherry-berry-syrup">American pancake stack</a> or <a href="/recipes/collection/french-toast-recipes">French toast</a> covered in chocolate sauce and maple syrup.</p>
<h3>What’s your favourite treat food?</h3>
<p>A big Texan-style barbecue with all the sides including <a href="/recipes/collection/macaroni-cheese-recipes">mac ’n’ cheese</a> and cornbread. I also love sour sweets!</p>
<h3>What does a typical day of eating look like when you’re in training?</h3>
<p>I often fast so I skip breakfast, then lunch is usually a <a href="/recipes/collection/tuna-salad-recipes">tuna salad</a>. I use my barbecue all year round so dinner would be some <a href="/recipes/next-level-bbq-chicken">barbecued chicken</a> and veg, sometimes with some rice if I’m eating carbs. Then for dessert I’ll have a bowl of fruit and Greek yogurt with nuts or chia seeds.</p>
<p><b>Want more like this? Now try…</b></p>
<p><a href="/howto/guide/how-recover-after-your-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What to eat after a run</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-during-your-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What to eat during a run</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-cycling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What to eat before cycling</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/what-eat-during-cycling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What to eat during cycling</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/what-should-i-eat-if-i-exercise-morning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What should I eat if I exercise in the morning?</a></p>
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