We Asked Olympic Athletes What They Eat, And Here's What They Said

Damn.

If you've been watching the Olympics, then you've probably at one point wondered, "How the f*** do they do that?!"

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To figure out at least one part of that answer,* we asked Team USA's figure skater Alex Shibutani and cross-country skier Jessie Diggins what they eat on their training days.

Alex Shibutani, Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images

*Because obviously, like 99% of their success can probably be owed to thousands of hours of relentless, focused training. 💁

Jessie starts out her day with a bowl of oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and seeds.

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"I always make a bowl of oatmeal with mixed berries, Greek yogurt, honey with nuts and seeds. And coffee, coffee, coffee," she told BuzzFeed.

For his first meal of the day, Alex fills up on protein and some fruit.

Alex Shibutani, @alexshibutani / Via instagram.com

"In the morning when I wake up, I go to the cafeteria for breakfast. On training and competition days when I have enough time, I get some egg whites, chicken or sausage, fruit, and some orange juice. On off days, I can eat a little more freely because I don’t have to be as active. I’ll eat more and add a pancake or two to my plate," Alex said.

Whatever Jessie snacks on, it's always sure to be tasty and filled with protein.

@jessiediggins / Via instagram.com

"I love to bake so there are often home-made bars or muffins in the house for an easy grab-and-go snack. Or, I'll also have toast with avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, and salt, Greek yogurt with cereal and fruit, or a homemade banana power muffin. It's good to have a pre- and post-workout snack to help my body start recovering right away."

On off days, Alex indulges with McDonald's, obvi. 👌

Alex Shibutani, @alexshibutani / Via instagram.com

"The cafeteria in the Athlete’s Village also has a McDonald’s. They have burgers, nuggets, fries, salads, and a McCafé, so on my off day I got a cappuccino with my breakfast. They also have a fried chicken sandwich on the menu that I’ll definitely try once I’m done competing."

For lunch, Jessie makes big mixed bowls of rice, kale, apples, avocado, grilled chicken, toasted walnuts, and "a thick lemon-tahini dressing."

@jessiediggins / Via instagram.com

"I love making grain salads because it's easy to throw in every nutrient I need — carbs, protein, veggies, fruits, and good fats — and make it all taste delicious! I have to eat a lot since we burn through so many calories, which is great because I’m a little bit of a foodie and I love to cook and be creative in the kitchen."

Alex is a fan of Korean food (pretty convenient, since the Olympics are in Pyeongchang this year) and lunches on bibimbap, a mixed rice bowl.

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"I eat a lot of small snacks throughout the day to keep my energy up, but one of the stations that I like the most in the cafeteria is the bibimbap station. You can build your own bowl, and I’m able to add ingredients that get me the nutritional content I’m looking for."

Jessie varies up the protein and carbs for dinner with some grilled salmon, orzo pasta "with basil from the plants growing on the deck," and a green salad.

@jessiediggins / Via instagram.com

The green salad comes with apples, pecans, and goat cheese, and of course, a thick slice of homemade sourdough bread.

"I am obsessed with Shalane Flanagan’s cookbook “Run Fast, Eat Slow,” and it’s always fun to try recipes from another athlete! My nutrition plan is fairly simple: Eat to fuel for training with a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies, lots of complex carbohydrates, and a variety of protein."

In the evenings, Alex adds some carbs to his meals.

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images / Via instagram.com

"Most days, I opt for a balanced plate with some protein — chicken and/or tofu —

pasta, and vegetables."

And as a treat, Jessie loves to bake everything from banana bread to flourless chocolate cake.

@jessiediggins / Via instagram.com

"When you're doing five-hour-long workouts, there's ALWAYS time for dessert! I love to make banana bread because I always bake that at home with my dad and it reminds me of home. I'm a huge fan of dark chocolate, and my two favorite desserts are fruit crisps and flourless chocolate cake," she said.

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