Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney, pictured making a smoothie, Olympic gold medallist sailors Polly Powrie and Jo Aleh, trampolinist Dylan Schmidt and 2012 Olympics hepthathlete Sarah Cowley all spoke about nutrition and in particular the need for dairy protein in their breakfasts to help power their training and peak performance.
Some recipes from Eliza were on show including 5 minute Fruity Chai Spiced Porridge, Berry-Licious Walnut and Banana Smoothie Bowl, Choco-Berry and Banana Brekkie Smoothie and Scambled Egg Breakfast Muffins.
Also speaking was NZ Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith and High Performance Sport NZ nutritionist Jeni Pearce who reinforced the message.
Some of the athletes not only included milk and yoghurt but added milk powder for the extra boost.
Anchor is a sponsor the NZ Olympic Team competing soon at Rio. Leon Clement, managing director, Fonterra Brands, says they are excited to be associated with the Olympic team and the pending Olympics this year.
He says a Fonterra employee Nick Smith is also on the cusp of joining the Olympic team. Nick is in the men's hockey team, he has made the squad of 25, and in 10 days' time he finds out if he makes the squad of 16 to travel to Rio.
"Nick we are really proud you are one of us. We know how much work goes into being an elite athlete and working for us at the same time," Clement told the breakfast.
Clements says athletes know the importance of nutrition and getting a strong start with breakfast. But research has found this isn't hardwired into all Kiwis, especially those under 35.
The research showed 11% say breakfast isn't that important – one in 10 – and 20% only eat breakfast sometimes- one in five. Those under 35 are less likely to eat breakfast always.
"Kiwis need to learn more about a good breakfast and the benefits it can provide. Dairy can provide a strong role in setting us up for success in the morning – protein, energy, vitamins and minerals including calcium that are really important to start the day right."
