Diet, training and sleep: a survey study of elite Canadian swimmers

A three day survey of food intake, training and sleep patterns was completed by 8 male and 12 female elite Canadian swimmers. Both groups were swimming similar training distances (ca. 9000m per day) and performed similar flexibility and strength training exercises. Males averaged 5 and females 4 meals per day (p < 0.05). In addition, the male swimmers are significantly more food from the meat, milk and grain food groups, taking in nearly twice as many calories as the female swimmers. The female swimmers were generally deficient in foods from the meat and milk group compared to recommended amounts. Twelve of the 20 athletes took additional food supplements. Both groups slept for similar periods of time each day (ca. 8h).