Times of India: Eating Right – A good way to diet hard

BENGALURU: Gone are the days when Indian hockey team campers could indulge in panipuri and bhelpuri on off days at an eatery outside the SAI, South Centre campus. In a bid to stay fit for the Rio Olympics, the players’ diet has undergone a sea of change. Parathas, mutton dishes, canned juice and desserts are no longer on the menu. The diet plan, instead, is tailor-made for individual players, depending on their body fat and preference.

The team is monitored by Matthew Eyles, scientific advisor to the men’s team, and the Australian has helped the players understand the importance of eating right.

Eyles said he had to learn about Indian cuisine before he made the changes. “It was an interesting process for me because Indian cuisine is different. Also, the way things are cooked varies. So apart from educating the players, the staff too had to be informed. The players have been taught about eating right. Sugar, excessive use of oil and spices have been drastically cut down,” he said.

Eyles started the process almost 18 months ago and has seen a remarkable improvement.”Now they know what’s good for them and what to stay away from.” Apart from monitoring the diet, the players are put through a skinfold test to measure their body fat every week. Players with lesser fat percentage like Kothajit Singh are prescribed high-carb diet, while bulky players like defender VR Raghunath are asked to have more leafy green vegetables instead of rice and roti.”We encourage paneer for vegetarians since they are at the risk of consuming lower protein,” added Eyles, who has worked with rugby teams in the past.

With players coming from various backgrounds, tastes and cuisines vary and craving is common. But for them, food is a small sacrifice they are making towards mission Rio.