Nutrition

Nourish your swimming lifestyle with insights into the best foods, hydration practices, and nutrition tips for peak performance.

Putting on weight for swimming: how would this affect your health?

The perceived wisdom is to deliberately put on weight to increase your natural insulation for marathon swimming. But how might…
The Fell Foodie’s mushroom and thyme risotto recipe

Harrison Ward is your guide to how to create a restaurant-style mushroom risotto on a camping stove in the open…
The Fell Foodie’s Moules Mariniére recipe

Mussels are the perfect food to enjoy outdoors while overlooking open water. The Fell Foodie Harrison Ward shares his recipe…
How to nail nutrition for swimmers by marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas

When you’re taking on a long swim that requires feeds, dialling in your nutrition is paramount to success. You can…
Fuel your adventures with these recipes for outdoor swimmers

Together with Arla, sponsors of the Great North Swim, we've put together this selection of tasty and nutritious recipes for…
How to fuel your long-distance swim, plus energy gels tried and tested

Swimming in open water poses unique challenges in terms of energy needs. Read our tips for staying fuelled on long-distance…
Watch our webinar about nutrition for swimmers: all you need to know

What should you eat before, during and after your swims? Watch our webinar hosted by Simon Griffiths and James Phillips…
The Fell Foodie’s berry and banana smoothie recipe

Whizz up this simple and nutritious smoothie – ideal for post-swim adventures.
The Fell Foodie’s muesli recipe

Packed with fibre and complex carbohydrates, muesli is the perfect breakfast for fueling your morning swim.
The Fell Foodie’s energy balls recipe

These energy balls are the perfect carbohydrate hit for long-distance and endurance swimming – and with no foil sachets left…
Meet outdoor cook Harrison Ward, AKA Fell Foodie

Harrison Ward, known as the Fell Foodie, is an outdoor cook who loves to recreate restaurant-style meals in remote locations.
Black Bean and Avocado Smash Quesadillas

In the run up to the Great North Swim, the UK’s biggest open water swim event, sponsors Arla share their…
Foraging for swimmers: watercress

Offering a gentle rendition of wasabi’s heat, watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by…
What should I eat during a marathon swim?

Jelly Babies, caffeine gels or peanut butter sandwiches? Swimming coach Cassie Patten and veteran long distance swimmer Colin Hill are…
Post-swim recipe: Mushroom and lentil ragu

Warm up after your swim with a flask of mushroom and lentil ragu – perfect with a big chunk of…
Post-swim recipe: Ranjan’s Chana Masala

Anna Southwell of Loves Cafe shares this authentic Chana Masala recipe cooked by Ranjan, an asylum seeker taking part in…
Post-swim recipe: simple cookies

These moreish cookies take little time to prepare and are ideal for sharing among friends after a cold dip.
Post swim recipe: everyday tomato sauce

A simple and nutritious tomato sauce recipe that comes in handy for a variety of meals.
Post swim recipe: frangipane mince pies

These decadent mince pies are great to share among friends after a festive dip. Recipe by Anna Southwell of Loves…
Does a warm drink after a cold swim really help?

A warm drink after a winter swim is top of everyone’s recovery list. But how effective is it in rewarming…
Post swim recipe: Pesto

Pair this simple homemade pesto with fresh pasta cooked on a camping stove – the perfect post swim recipe when…
POST SWIM RECIPE Massaman Dhal

Simple, quick and nutritious – this post-swim dhal is an ideal way to warm up after a cool dip.
Cold water, science and nutrition

What science says about exercising in cold environments, and what the nutrition implications of that might be.
How to stay hydrated while swimming

Sports scientist Andy Blower shares his advice for staying hydrated while swimming.
Speedy recovery recipes – 3

The last of three quick and easy recovery dinners from nutritionist Kathy Findlay for when time is short.