Eat like a champion: diets, workouts and getting active with Dave Ryding

What’s your usual diet like while training during the off-season?

”My diet is always pretty similar whether in season or out of season. At my grand old age of 34, I can very quickly turn crisps or chocolate into fat these days so I have to be extra careful with my dedication to the diet. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the odd cake from The Boskins Cafe as a nice treat, but I generally eat a balanced diet and cut out the junk where possible. I don’t get too caught up in calorie counting, I just eat everything in moderation to my training.”

What’s your favourite quick and easy healthy meal/snack?

”I am a huge fan of efficiency in the kitchen. Healthy meal: my go-to lunch is either couscous or a packet of rice/quinoa, lentils, mackerel and fresh veg, normally made well under 5 minutes flat! A healthy snack, glass of milk with a pear and a handful of nuts.”

What’s your typical workout routine in the off-season?

“All sorts, but now Parkrun is back on a Saturday morning, I really enjoy my weekly World Champs running event to finish off the week! I also love when the whole team joins up on ‘Zwift’ (online cycling platform) and smash out a 20-30 minute race together with the coaches…and yes the coaches win more often than the athletes. It’s good for their ego!”

What’s your favourite exercise and why?

”Either the back squat or the clean… there’s no hiding here! But my favourite varies monthly.”

Any tips for someone wanting to get active this autumn?

”Join a club, everything is easier with other people and I get so much more out of myself too. I rarely train alone on the bike, or if you’re in the area why not come and join me on a 5k parkrun on a Saturday morning?! My local is Southport Hesketh Park, so if I am back in the country come and bring it on! I love a challenge 😉”