The diet of a champion
Josh Mahan
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Sports
I was able to sit down this week with one of the foremost authorities on dieting and exercise: Mr. Shane O'Neil of the University of Dallas Rugby Football Club.
JM: Shane, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to get to be able to sit here and talk with you. Your philosophy on what goes into a great rugby diet is quite popular on the rugby team itself, and it seems to have left an impression on the athletic community. Tell me, what is your eating regime, and how do you keep yourself in such tip-top shape during the off-season.
SO: Well, first off, thanks for speaking with me. I like to think of my diet as implementing the best of old and new health techniques. That is, while I follow the traditional food pyramid style of eating, I have switched around the types of food which have commonly been recommended.
JM: Could you give us an example?
SO: Well, at the bottom of my pyramid, the place where I eat the most servings a day, I usually consume six servings of meat a day. Second to that, I have what I call the cheese and broccoli section at three and two servings respectively; this might include something like a cheese and broccoli soup or some highly cooked broccoli with three cups of Taco Cabana queso.
Lastly, on the remaining food groups, I take in filler calories from Taco Bell cheesy burritos and the occasional beer.
JM: What about protein shakes, vitamins or any additional supplements?
SO: I find that supplements are usually not that beneficial. Cooked broccoli is really sufficient for most of my supplemental needs.
JM: How would you recommend that someone begin on your extensive eating regime?
SO: First off, buy a Taco Bell gift card and then stock up on the late night drive through. Secondly, buy lots of meats that cook quickly. Third and finally, melt your cheese down for easy dipping and speedy access.
And there it is folks, the diet of a champion. Simply follow Shane's advice and you too may be in the best rugby shape of your life.
JM: Shane, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to get to be able to sit here and talk with you. Your philosophy on what goes into a great rugby diet is quite popular on the rugby team itself, and it seems to have left an impression on the athletic community. Tell me, what is your eating regime, and how do you keep yourself in such tip-top shape during the off-season.
SO: Well, first off, thanks for speaking with me. I like to think of my diet as implementing the best of old and new health techniques. That is, while I follow the traditional food pyramid style of eating, I have switched around the types of food which have commonly been recommended.
JM: Could you give us an example?
SO: Well, at the bottom of my pyramid, the place where I eat the most servings a day, I usually consume six servings of meat a day. Second to that, I have what I call the cheese and broccoli section at three and two servings respectively; this might include something like a cheese and broccoli soup or some highly cooked broccoli with three cups of Taco Cabana queso.
Lastly, on the remaining food groups, I take in filler calories from Taco Bell cheesy burritos and the occasional beer.
JM: What about protein shakes, vitamins or any additional supplements?
SO: I find that supplements are usually not that beneficial. Cooked broccoli is really sufficient for most of my supplemental needs.
JM: How would you recommend that someone begin on your extensive eating regime?
SO: First off, buy a Taco Bell gift card and then stock up on the late night drive through. Secondly, buy lots of meats that cook quickly. Third and finally, melt your cheese down for easy dipping and speedy access.
And there it is folks, the diet of a champion. Simply follow Shane's advice and you too may be in the best rugby shape of your life.
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