Athletes at the highest level of competition need a special diet to help them meet the rigorous physical demands of training and competition. The Olympic ski team has specific dietary requirements that may vary depending on factors such as gender, height, weight and the event in which they compete. Low-carbohydrate fad diets marketed as the Olympic ski team diet have nothing to do with the actual diet of the ski team.
History
Olympic ski competition requires a high intake of calories to burn as fuel while the body performs demanding physical challenges. Before the 1980s, ski team members had a poorly regulated diet that often led to them filling those caloric needs with foods high in sugar and fat but with few nutrients -- such chips, candy bars and ice cream.
Time for a Change
In the mid-1980s, the Olympic ski team diet underwent a makeover. The new diet was designed by the Shaklee company. The diet cut the intake of glycogen-depleting fats -- which may also be associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory infection -- and increased the proportion of complex carbohydrates. Fruits replaced candy as snack foods and supplements boosted vitamin intake.
Specific Needs
Although the basic proportions of nutrients for skiers is the same as the recommendations for the general population, some athletes have specific nutritional requirements. For example, cross-country skiers need a higher proportion of carbohydrates to burn as fuel in long endurance competitions. On the other hand, ski jumpers require a higher proportion of protein for more muscle power and restricted calories to keep their body weight low. Female athletes may require higher proportions of certain vitamins and minerals -- such as calcium and iron.
Fad Diet
In 1972, the United States Postal Service filed a complaint against a company that claimed to be selling the diet plan developed for the United Sates Olympic ski team. The company, Alpine Ski Diet, claimed that its diet could help participants lose 20 lbs. in two weeks without feelings of weakness or hunger. However, a medical expert gave testimony that the diet was unsafe as it was not tailored to individual needs, did not offer a balanced diet, couldn't cause the rapid weight-loss claimed and would result in feelings of fatigue and weakness.
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