In the old days UK athletes often ate a huge full English breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomatoes etc and sometimes even things like steak. Nowadays the approach is different, but they still have to eat quite a large breakfast - about 500 calories - two hours or more before they start their training or event.

An athlete's breakfast can take many forms, but the main thing you need is carbohydrates. These give energy - it's why marathon runners used to have a 'spaghetti party' the night before the race. Bread or toast, porridge and muesli type cereals are all popular with sports people. Athletes also need protein, so often have eggs, oily fish and/or nuts and seeds as well. Fruit both fresh and dried is important for energy, fibre and vitamins - it's best to eat some whole fruit as well as drinking juices.

You can find some ideas for a healthy, athletic breakfast here.