The 2024 Olympic Games have officially kicked off in Paris, and sports bars around the world are already packed with excited fans, ready to watch. As you watch some of the world's best athletes compete this year, you might be wondering how they fuel themselves before training and competing. We spoke to professional sports nutritionist Amy Stevens to find out more about how Olympians cook and eat, and the products she encourages her clients to keep in their kitchens.
Stevens, who is the nutritionist for the NYU Track and Field team and the Empire Elite, a professional running team in New York City, says a big part of her job is teaching young athletes how to cook. She recommends six must-have tools and appliances that start at just $10 on Amazon.
Top Kitchen Products for Olympians
- Vitamix 5200 Blender, $400, original price $550
- Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, $50, retail price $70
- VitaClay Smart Claypot Multicooker, $230
- Cosori Compact Air Fryer, $85 with coupon, retail price $100
- Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $34, retail price $45
- Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother, $10
Vitamix 5200 Blender
Amazon
Stevens recommends a quality blender for all of her customers. From protein shakes to sauces, many quick and healthy recipes require a high-performance blender. Stevens' favorite is the Vitamix. “It's a little on the pricier side, but I think it's great,” she says. And, best of all, our favorite Vitamix is currently $150 off on Amazon.
Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender
Amazon
If you're looking for a personal-sized blender, Stevens recommends this 16-ounce compact blender from Ninja. Its high-powered motor and razor-sharp blades will crush frozen fruit and other tough ingredients in seconds. Don't just buy Stevens' product: This blender is a #1 bestseller on Amazon, with over 31,800 five-star ratings, and it's currently on sale for 29% off.
VitaClay Smart Clay Pot Multi Cooker
Amazon
Carbohydrates are a core component of any athlete's diet, which is why Stevens believes everyone should own some kind of multi-cooker. “Most athletes rely on carbs, so I have them make rice or oatmeal in the slow cooker.” Her top pick from VitaClay is their organic clay pot, which Stevens calls “healthier than cooking in stainless steel” and “easy to clean.” This multi-purpose cookware has an eight-cup capacity and can make anything from beans to stews.
Cosori Compact Air Fryer
Amazon
Efficiency is key for athletes on the go, which is why Stevens loves her Kosori air fryer. One of her most recommended dishes is salmon and vegetables: “You can put all of those in the air fryer at the same time, and along with some rice cooked in the slow cooker, it makes one meal.” This beginner-friendly model has a 5-quart capacity and nearly 22,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Amazon
A good water bottle is a necessity, especially for professional athletes. “If you bring a plastic water bottle to practice, it's going to heat up within two minutes,” Stevens says. “You need insulation to keep the ice frozen,” especially on hot summer days. Though it can be bulky, Stevens stresses the importance of a stainless steel bottle, like this wide-mouth Hydro Flask. Her recommendation is also our favorite stainless steel bottle, which is currently 25% off.
Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother
Amazon
Stevens also recommends investing in a simple milk frother, for an unexpected use: Protein powder “can clump and taste bad after a workout, so blending it well helps,” the nutritionist says. The frother will blend and emulsify shakes and other powdered drinks in seconds; this Amazon bestseller costs just $10.
