‘Greens powder, collagen, creatine and beef liver’: What a sprinter eats in a day

Olivia May is a beach sprinter. The 23-year-old shares her day on a plate.

Credit: Art by Eliza Iredale

4.30am My morning routine starts with a big glass of water and taking my electrolytes to the beach to watch the sunrise with my dog, Oakley.

6.30am Back home, I take my non-negotiables – greens powder and supplements including collagen, creatine and beef liver.

7am Chocolate-swirl overnight oats is my favourite pre-workout breakfast to keep me fuelled through training.

10.30am I snack on protein yoghurt, a peach and a prebiotic soda.

1pm Lunch is a bowl with chicken, roast vegetables and rice.

3pm Before I head back to track training, I have sweets and some more electrolytes.

6pm Dinner of slow-cooked, pulled-chicken enchiladas with plenty of vegetables. I finished the day with homemade protein ice-cream and my favourite magnesium Moon Mylk to unwind.

Dr Joanna McMillan says

Top marks for… Prioritising hydration by taking electrolytes to assist water absorption. This is only necessary when you’re sweating during training, especially in the heat. Your overnight oats are terrific in topping up your body’s carbohydrate stores, ready to meet your training needs.

If you keep eating like this you’ll… Meet your energy and protein needs nicely, but may fall short on iron. This is commonly low in female athletes, whose iron requirements are exceptionally high. Even slightly reduced levels can impact your performance.

Why don’t you try… Swapping one of the chicken meals for lean beef or lamb. Eat mussels or oysters, both terrific sources of iron, at least once a week. Be sure to include dark leafy greens in your meals so you don’t rely on greens powder.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.