BREAD may not be the most glamorous of foods but it is what the likes of Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell will be tucking into at this summer's 0lympic Games.

Forget old-fashioned steaks - the British Olympic team is more likely to be feasting on carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, pasta and rice.

Olympic nutritionist Jane Griffin will be making sure team members stick to their diets while they are out in Atlanta.

And for her the words "Give us this day our daily bread" couldn't be more appropriate. Jane said: "Bread is probably one of the most underrated foods.

"Most of us eat some bread every day, although generally we don't eat as much as we used to do. There is still a lot of misunderstanding about bread - so many people don't eat it because they think it is fattening.

"It is not fattening - it is just what you put on it that can pile on the calories."

Bread is rich in carbohydrates and most athletes get around 70 per cent of their total energy from complex carbohydrates.

Although we aren't all top sportsmen, we all need energy and current medical opinion suggests that we should all increase our carbohydrate intake to approximately half of our total energy. Eating more bread is an easy way to do this. Jane has joined forces with the Bread For Life campaign to promote the benefits of this everyday food. She added: "All bread, whether it is white, brown or wholemeal is good for you. And there are now so many different types around, from French loaves, Italian ciabatta, muffins, bagels, naan and pitta breads - the choice is practically endless."

As well as being a good source of carbohydrates, bread is also rich in protein, fibre, iron and B vitamins.

On average we eat four slices of bread a day - but we should eat more.

Jane has worked with most members of the Olympic team, ranging from athletes like Linford Christie and John Regis to members of the rowing, equestrian and cycling teams.

She said: "I have helped them all draw up diet plans and, of course, they have to follow them all year round, not just while they at the Olympics. "I ask them about their likes and dislikes and personal requirements and work from that.

"But generally food like bread, pasta, potatoes and rice feature heavily, while fatty foods are kept to a minimum."

Bread For Life are sponsoring the Atlanta Olympics. They have produced a leaflet packed with diet and fitness advice. For a free copy call 0171 4936786.

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