Eat like an athlete - Callum Deboys' diet
Find out what a typical day of eating looks like during training for Paralympian Callum Deboys who will be competing in this summer's para cycling in Paris
While working as a chef in 2017, Callum was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident and his left leg was amputated above the knee. He competed in Nordic skiing at the 2022 Games in Beijing, but will debut as a Para cyclist this summer in Paris.
Next, read what to eat and drink when training for a marathon and what to eat before a run. We also have information on what to eat on heavy training days and rest and easy training days.
Callum Deboys's diet
What do you like to eat to start the day?
Either porridge, honey and berries, or a bagel with loads of crunchy peanut butter and blackcurrant jam.
Do you have a signature dish?
I love to make an authentic-style carbonara. I usually don't use guanciale, but it's close enough! Getting it balanced and just right can be tricky but so worth it.
What’s your favourite treat food?
I've got a really sweet tooth, apple crumble and custard is up there in my favourites but after a trip to Italy, I'm obsessed with gelato.
What does a typical day of training food look like?
For breakfast I'll have a bagel or porridge, then after training a protein shake, and for lunch I'll eat chicken wraps, salad and rice. My go-to pre-training snack is a peanut butter and jam bagel or yogurt and granola, then for dinner I like salmon teriyaki noodles with mixed vegetables and roasted broccoli. Before bed I'll have a yogurt with a cuppa.
What are your go-to energy-boosting snacks?
I'm obsessed with a toasted bagel and peanut butter for pre-training, or during training I have an oat or toasted rice bar as they're easy on the go.
How do you keep your diet varied when you have to follow such a strict training regimen
Keeping a good diet can be tough, made even tougher with having to work alongside my training now. I think having goals helps me to keep a good varied diet and it gives me the motivation to keep focused on my diet.
What do you eat on your days off?
I tend to eat a lot of the same things as I do when I'm training as I usually only have one day off a week. I like to keep it high-protein on my days off, as that's when I will be recovering most. I don't tend to have a 'cheat day' – if I want to have a treat, I'll have it but in moderation.
What would your top diet and exercise advice be for amateur athletes?
Enjoy the process, first and foremost, if you don't have fun along the way it'll just become a chore. Secondly, listen to your body, it'll tell you what you need.
Do you have any advice for getting more protein into your diet?
Read the labels on packets. There's lots of protein-rich food out there and most of the products have the values written on it. I currently have two obsessions, yogurt and peanut butter which are both high in protein and really convenient.
Apart from your speciality, what’s your favourite sport/exercise?
My favourite sport is Formula 1. My favourite exercise is weightlifting in the gym – a lot of my programme has recently changed from upper body to lower body, so I've been having fun learning some new movements.
What’s your favourite recipe on goodfood.com?
Honey & soy chicken with sesame broccoli. I love the depth of flavour in Asian cuisine.
Want more like this? Now try...
What to eat after a run
What to eat during a run
What to eat before cycling
What to eat during cycling
What should I eat if I exercise in the morning?
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