5 Olympic-Worthy Recipes From Lindsey Vonn's Personal Chef
Healthy, energizing meals are important for everybody, but when you're an Olympic athlete, fueling your body with the right stuff is especially crucial. While some athletes choose to go it alone in the healthy eating department, others enlist the help of personal chefs. Under Armour-sponsored athlete Lindsey Vonn, a four-time Olympian and three-time medalist in Super-G and Downhill skiing, relies on chef Dan Churchill for healthy, tasty, balanced meals that give her the energy she needs to perform at the highest level.
In addition to being a chef and cookbook author, Churchill is a lifelong athlete and has a master's degree in exercise science. When it comes to designing meals for athletes like Vonn, Churchill says it's crucial to understand both their taste preferences and the demands of their training. "My goal is to find out what works best for each athlete in regards to both nutrition and taste," Churchill tells SELF. "I love cooking for Lindsey because she knows what she likes and doesn’t like, but she’s also game to try out new things."
And, figuring out what to cook is only part of the puzzle—meal timing is also important for athletes, given intense training schedules and frequent travel. Another key factor? Establishing a routine and sticking to it throughout competition. "We never want to introduce a new ingredient or meal close to a competition, such as the Olympics," Churchill says. "I’ve been working with Lindsey over the past few months to create a schedule of which foods she will be eating during the games, and at what times. Consistency is key!"
Below are a few recipes from Vonn's 2018 Olympic menu.
1. Protein Bliss Balls
These quick snacks are a mix of caffeine, carbs, protein, and healthy fat. Churchill explains that he typically relies on fruits to add sweetness, plus the occasional bit of added sugar, usually in the form of coconut sugar or honey. These balls are sweetened with dates, cacao powder, and honey. Get the recipe here.
2. Lean Turkey Chili With Turmeric Rice
This protein- and veggie-packed lunch is super flavorful thanks to a variety of vegetables and tons of spices, but it's still easy to throw together. Plus, it makes for great leftovers. Get the recipe here.
3. Chocolate Mint Protein Shake
Shakes are great for when you need to fuel up but don't have time to wait for a big meal to digest. This one is simple, free of added sugar, and packs 21 grams of protein. Get the recipe here.
4. Coriander Fish Tacos
Fish tacos and snow skiing might not be the most obvious combination, but this easy meal is tasty and energizing, no matter the circumstances. Get the recipe here.
5. Rainbow Lunch Bowl
"One of Lindsey's go-to lunches is a colorful grain bowl, with quinoa or brown rice as a base, and loads of veggies, such as roasted Brussels sprouts," Churchill says. "This is a great option to make at home – you can find one combo you love and stick with it, or change up the ingredients as often as you like!" Get the recipe here.
