Olympic Appetites: How 8 Top Athletes Eat to Win

Eric Shanteau, 28, swimmer

You were diagnosed with testicular cancer right before competing in the 2008 Olympics. You're now cancer-free-how has cancer changed your philosophy?
Having cancer changed my whole perspective on swimming and life. I think I was a really good swimmer before cancer, but I was a great swimmer after cancer. I realized there are much bigger things in life than competing. When I came back after treatment I just relaxed

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Eric Shanteau, 28, swimmer

You were diagnosed with testicular cancer right before competing in the 2008 Olympics. You're now cancer-free-how has cancer changed your philosophy?
Having cancer changed my whole perspective on swimming and life. I think I was a really good swimmer before cancer, but I was a great swimmer after cancer. I realized there are much bigger things in life than competing. When I came back after treatment I just relaxed and had fun. A happy athlete is a better athlete.

What do you typically have for breakfast?
I shred a plain wheat biscuit, dump some Grape-Nuts on it, and add some kind of vanilla almond nut cluster. Then I put in a handful of raisins, a big spoonful of ground flaxmeal, a handful of walnuts, raspberries and cut-up kiwi with the skin on. I put a splash of almond milk on there, then put some type of organic yogurt on top. It's a pretty heavy bowl. The dietitians I've talked to say, "I can't believe you can digest that." But it doesn't hurt me-it kind of just sits in my stomach like a ball of energy, which is great.

What's the best nutrition advice you've received?
Getting the right food in my body 30 minutes after working out helps so much more with the next workout and has really changed my training.

So what are some things that you cook really well?
I think I make a great alfredo sauce. I also cook a lot of chicken and I go as organic as I can afford.

Related Link from EatingWell:

• Best Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss

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