Throughout the world, eating is associated with a vast array of customs and cultural norms. Some cultural differences can play havoc with an athlete’s usual habits.  In order to minimise ‘culture shock’, consider the following before leaving home:

Typical Meal Patterns

Don’t be caught short by assuming that the evening meal will be the most substantial meal of the day in all countries you visit. Some cultures opt for a large midday meal and light snack in the evening.  If your training or competition schedule causes you to miss a catered lunch, you may need to add some extra snacks to your evening meal.  In many countries, breakfast is a much smaller meal than athletes typically require.  Be prepared to add your own supplies.  In some countries, snacking is not a common practice.  This is an important consideration when organising catering or when staying with a host.

Timing of Meals

In many cultures, it is usual to eat the evening meal quite late and restaurants tend to have later opening hours than is usual in Australia.  This may not suit athletes who need to eat soon after training and grab an early night.  Siestas and long lunches are a feature of many cultures.  If you are planning to cater for your own lunch, you will need to be organised and shop early, as in some cultures all the shops will shut during this time (usually between noon and 2pm).

Meal Style

Some cultures adopt a shared style of eating where a variety of dishes are expected to be shared among a group.  There can be all sorts of cultural norms associated with this, including expectations regarding who serves and who eats first.  Often, it is practice for someone else to serve the guest and provide the best food selection.  This sounds good, but your host’s view of the best foods may differ significantly from your own.  In many cultures the fattiest cuts of meat are highly prized.

Utensils

Hands, chopsticks, fork and spoon, or knife and fork are all possibilities for eating utensils, depending on your travel destination.  Most places will cater for Westerners and provide a knife and fork.  However, it pays to practice eating with the expected utensils before leaving home.  Remember when eating with your hands, to only use one hand (watch the locals to determine the correct one).  When eating a shared meal, it is poor etiquette to use your eating utensils to transfer food to your own plate – always use serving utensils.

Grooming

In many cultures it is practice to wash at the table before eating.  Sometimes finger bowls are provided.  Alternatively, it may be a damp face washer. When unsure, ask for help or watch those around you before commencing to eat.

Dress

In most cultures it pays to be conservative when dressing for group meals.  Always change out of your training gear and cover up.

Nutrition

It is useful to be familiar with common foods likely to be available at your destination.  Investigate the main sources of carbohydrate, fat and protein, and the local versions of fruit and vegetables.  You may need to find substitutes for the foods you count on at home to meet your nutritional needs and to plan for ways to improve the nutritional quality of local meals.  It may help to eat at a relevant ethnic restaurant before leaving home to familiarise yourself with possible choices.

Language

Language barriers can be one of the most difficult challenges when trying to choose nutritionally appropriate meals in a foreign destination.  Try to master some simple phrases and words before leaving home.  For example, know how to ask for water, bread and other important items, or to avoid things you hate or are allergic to.  Know how to say please, thank you, ‘what is….?’, etc.

This fact sheet is based on AIS / National team athletes and is therefore specific to these athletes. Written by AIS Sports Nutrition, last updated December 2009. © Australian Sports Commission.