Eat like an athlete - Maisie Summers-Newton's diet
A double Paralympic swimming champion and world record breaker, find out Maisie's signature dish, energy-boosting training meals and favourite takeaway
At only 15 years of age, Maisie broke the world record in 100m breaststroke and has since become a double Paralympic swimming champion. Maisie was born with achondroplasia (a condition that affects bone development).
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.
Maisie Summers-Newton's diet
What do you like to eat to start the day?
I like to keep things pretty basic for breakfast, so I'll usually have a yogurt with some fruit and cereal.
Do you have a signature dish?
I’m very fortunate to still live at home and have amazing meals cooked by my mum, however I would say I make a yummy pasta bake and good fajitas.
What’s your favourite treat food?
A cheeseburger with grilled onions and fries!
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What does a typical day of training food look like?
I like to keep a balanced and varied diet when I am training, I tend to have a similar lunch each day which could include a chicken bagel or classic beans on toast and then have a larger meal like a pasta dish after training to refuel, ready for the next day.
What are your go-to energy-boosting snacks?
Bananas are an easy way of me getting some energy back and dried fruit is a great snack while competing.
How do you keep your diet varied when you have to follow such a strict training regimen?
I try to have a mindset of eating everything in moderation. I find as a swimmer, we do so much work in the pool and gym that we constantly need to refuel, so I try to not put too much pressure on myself.
What do you eat on your days off?
I treat myself to either a burger, pizza or a takeaway – Chinese food is my favourite.
What would your top diet and exercise advice be for amateur athletes?
Make sure you know what works well for you and gives you the best outcome for performance.
Do you have any advice for getting more protein into your diet?
Try to get some protein in lots of different forms, whether that’s through meat, yogurt, nuts or pulses.
Apart from your speciality, what’s your favourite sport/exercise?
I enjoy watching tennis, especially during the summer months while Wimbledon is on.
What’s your favourite recipe on goodfood.com?
My family love the chilli recipe and we have that on a regular basis.
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