Ever wondered what Olympic athletes eat? No, we are not talking about Michael Phelps’ 12,000 daily calories of fried-egg sandwiches, chocolate chip pancakes, kilos of pasta, pizza and energy drinks… but rather a more “healthful” approach.

Simon Whitfield, Canadian Olympic triathlete, has relentlessly pursued excellence in his sport: 12 national championships, 14 world cup victories, and, perhaps most significantly, a stunning silver medal in 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Games.

All of Simon’s success has come from a great deal of hard work. Combined with a rigorous training schedule, Simon is dedicated to fueling his body with the best foods to help him succeed. He has committed to healthy eating habits and his overall nutrition since he established his Olympic goals at only 16 years old.

In the video below, Simon explains how he “eats well.” He loads up on 30 grams of protein at breakfast with chia seeds to help him feel satisfied throughout the day; he avoids starches at dinner, instead replacing them with lean protein and healthy fats (like olive and coconut oil). He also takes omega3 supplements, which have been shown to lower cholesterol and help bones and joints.

Above all, Simon emphasizes that you need to find what works for you! So take it or leave it, an Olympic athlete shares everything you need to know about how to be healthy, fit and competitive.