Nutrition and Sport: As Happy as a Greek?
Mentalities change, and perceptions of phenomena such as sport and nutrition evolve over time. Thus, society’s view of sport and athletes is fluid. While sport and nutrition played a central role in Ancient Greece, the 20th century and its massive urbanization reduced the place of sport in everyday life. In recent years, interest in sport and nutrition seems to be enjoying a second wind. What about the way athletes are perceived? We will examine Greek thinking on sport and nutrition before looking at how our contemporary practices are moving closer to it. Happy as a Greek—the athlete of today?
Sport and nutrition among the Greeks
The place of sport in Greek society
Ancient Greece is often remembered for its lively political debates or tragedies. The practice of sport occupied an equally important place in the life of a Greek. The term “Agôn” refers to a competition, whether sporting or an oratorical contest; the distinction between body and mind was not as pronounced in Ancient Greece as it is today: to the Greek mind, body and spirit were intimately connected. Thus, the education of young children focused as much on physical practice (gymnastics, which referred to all physical exercises) as on intellectual training, whose pillars were grammar, philosophy, and rhetoric. For a Greek, being healthy meant being in good physical shape, quick-witted, and able to express oneself with ease.
Sport on display: the venerated athlete
Sport, as the most obvious and tangible manifestation of this good health, was showcased through numerous rituals. Religion in Greece was not separate from everyday life; on the contrary, it was integrated into it. Sporting practice was no exception: the primary purpose of the Olympic Games was to honor Zeus. Thus, major sporting competitions were accompanied by religious celebrations and rituals. Sport was practiced without clothing, as illustrated by the term gymnastics: the prefix “gymno” means “naked.” In addition, athletes covered themselves in oil during competitions to warm up their muscles before exertion: the gods of the Greek stadium gleamed! Running on flat ground was the premier event of the Games; the stadion, the shortest format, corresponding to the length of a stadium (approximately 200 m), was the most prestigious: the winner of this event gave his name to the Olympiad. In this highly competitive environment, nutrition quickly became one of the pillars of athletes’ preparation for the Games.
A sound mind in a sound body: nutrition as the first medicine
A certain frugality characterized the Greek diet, imposed by difficult climatic conditions and poor harvests; it was therefore gradually elevated to a virtue. Gastronomic pursuits were condemned: the Persians were mocked for their taste for luxury and gastronomy; some authors saw their gluttony and extravagance as the reason for their defeat against the Greek armies. The Greeks placed great importance on nutrition, and the link between diet and health was established. Thus, it was common to adapt a sick person’s diet to facilitate recovery. Similarly, athletes took an interest in their diet very early on: Iccus of Tarentum, a 5th-century BC athlete, is presented as the first athlete to adopt a frugal diet specifically adapted, in his view, to his practice. Not everyone agreed; other athletes were famous for their excessive consumption of wine, bread, and meat. Pythagoras was the first to recommend that athletes eat red meat. This recommendation quickly became a reference point, to the extent that Galen criticized contemporary athletes for eating too much meat, seeing it as a long-term health risk for athletes. These debates about meat consumption led some Greeks, including athletes, to adopt different dietary practices: Orphism and certain Pythagorean schools promoted vegetarianism. Nevertheless, this remained a relatively marginal practice among athletes.
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A return to Greek thinking?
The myth of the divine athlete
Greek ideas about sport and nutrition are still very much present. The themes that interested the Greeks have been adapted to every aspect of modern sporting practice. The Greek vision can be seen, among other things, in our relationship with our champions, the return of outdoor sporting activities, and the renewed interest in sports nutrition. The modern athlete enjoys an aura reminiscent of the recognition the Greeks gave their champions: everyone knows their name, and personal mythologies develop around them. When Usain Bolt says he is a living legend, he has every reason to believe it: that is the image the crowd reflects back to him when he looks at it. Once a champion’s personal mythology has been established, he is perceived as omnipotent. In some team sports, such as football, the public places an almost faith-like level of trust in a single player: Messi, Ronaldo, ... are perceived as players capable of changing the outcome of a match on their own. This admiring gaze evokes the religious veneration the Greeks held for their athletes, some of whom were seen as heroes or demigods. The crowd’s perception eventually persuades certain champions of their own divinity: if Lance Armstrong’s confessions teach us one thing, it is the extent of the pressure resting on a champion’s shoulders. Faced with such expectations, some turn to doping in the hope of achieving the performances expected of them.
Sport everywhere in our society
Far from champions and their imposing, intoxicating celebrity, sport is now found everywhere in our daily lives. A favorite subject of the media, it occupies a large amount of television, press, and radio coverage. There is a world of difference between professional—and therefore commercial—sport and personal practice. The public does not stop at the screen; watching is no longer enough. Thus, beyond its extensive media coverage, sport is also increasingly practiced and integrated into the daily lives of enthusiasts.
Sporting practice is becoming more diverse: beyond gyms, more and more people are seeking a more authentic sporting experience outdoors, without machines; trail running, for example, is attracting more and more followers.
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Nutrition back in the spotlight
If sport is center stage, nutrition is not far behind. Indeed, good practices are now well known; for most people, the question now concerns the leap from theory to practice. Endurance events such as triathlons and marathons lead athletes to seek every possible means of maximizing their performance. The distances covered and elevation gains represent an effort that requires nothing less than a modern version of the Greek hero/athlete to overcome. Thus, nutrition quickly captures their attention: it plays a central role in endurance. Good luck running a marathon on an empty stomach!
Various alternative diets seeking to return to more natural nutrition are emerging. The main motivations of their followers are physical: they want to be fit, feel good in their bodies, and live a long life. The Paleo diet, for example, proposes returning to the nutrition of our ancestors. This mainly involves avoiding sugars, grains, legumes, and starchy foods. The caveman may still have much to teach us. Similarly, the Okinawa diet and the Cretan diet, originating from regions famous for the longevity of their inhabitants, focus on simple foods.
The desire to return to a simpler, healthier diet that is in harmony with our bodies and their environment is palpable.
It therefore seems that our vision of well-being is returning to its Greek origins. Being fit in 2020 no longer simply means being capable of good physical performance. Nutrition plays a vital role. Being healthy means being well nourished, comfortable in one’s body, physically fit, and quick-witted.
There is still time to make good resolutions for this very special year ...
Nutrition strategy?
It is therefore important to keep the balance of your nutritional plate in mind: enjoy yourself with a plate full of good things.
Also remain vigilant about any deficiencies caused by repeated exertion and LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
We offer numerous supplements that help you stay fit and manage your passion over the long term... but this remains a supplementation approach ... your daily diet takes precedence.
In summary:
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