It takes more than just practice to become an Olympian. Gold medal performances require some serious nutrition. Have you ever wondered what these successful athletes eat to stay in peak shape? 

Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and founder of Nutritious Life Meals, appeared on "Good Morning America" today to give you a glimpse into the diets of some top athletes. Some of their meals could surprise you. 

Crazy Calorie Count 

_ One secret of swimmer Michael Phelps' astonishing performance in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was consuming as many as 12,000 calories in one day. 

Athletes can eat like this and not gain any weight because their workouts are intense. According to Glassman, Phelps' workouts can burn 4,000 to 6,000 calories in a day, and those calories must be replenished in order to train the following day. 

Snacking Secrets 

Some athletes eat wacky (strange, unusual) foods that they swear improve their performance. Yohan Blake, the Jamaica sprinter and 100-meter world champion, has been making waves for stealing champion sprinter Usain Bolt's thunder on the track during the Olympic trials. Asked about how he gets his stamina, Blake answered that he eats 16 bananas per day, Glassman said. 

Jonathan Horton, the lead gymnast on the US team, has a blood sugar problem. His solution is honey. When he starts to feel shaky at the gym, he takes swigs of honey to boost his energy, Glassman said. 

Foods for Recovery 

What are the best foods to help the body recover after rigorous (strict) competition? 

For Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, the recovery meal is grilled chicken breasts with Alfredo sauce, whole-grain spaghetti and a salad with lemon juice and olive oil. Lochte, who recently cut out junk food, candy and soda, has undertaken a rigorous strength-training regimen that involves flipping tractor tires, dragging shipyard chains and tossing beer kegs, Glassman said.
Who is Keri Glassman?
What did she found?
What show did she go on?
How many calories does Michael Phelps take in?
What is his sport?
How many calories does he burn?
What did he do in Beijing?
Who is Yohan Blake?
What is his event?
Who did he beat at trials?
How many bananas does he eat?
Who is Jonathan Horton?
Does he have a physical issue?
What is it?
What solves his problem?
Who is Lochte?
What is one thing he eliminated from his diet?
What else?
What does he throw to gain strength?
What does he flip?
a registered dietitian
Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian
Nutritious Life Meals
Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and founder of Nutritious Life Meals
Good Morning America
 appeared on "Good Morning America"
as many as 12,000 calories in one day.
Michael Phelps' astonishing performance in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was consuming as many as 12,000 calories in one day.
swimming
 swimmer Michael Phelps
4,000 to 6,000
Phelps' workouts can burn 4,000 to 6,000
consume as many as 12,000 calories in one day
in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was consuming as many as 12,000 calories in one day
a sprinter
Yohan Blake, the Jamaica sprinter
100-meter
Yohan Blake, the Jamaica sprinter and 100-meter
Usain Bolt
has been making waves for stealing champion sprinter Usain Bolt's thunder on the track during the Olympic trials
16 per day
Blake answered that he eats 16 bananas per day
a gymnast
Jonathan Horton, the lead gymnast
Yes
Jonathan Horton, the lead gymnast on the US team, has a blood sugar problem
a blood sugar problem.
Jonathan Horton, the lead gymnast on the US team, has a blood sugar problem.
honey
His solution is honey
a swimmer
swimmer Ryan Lochte
junk food
Lochte, who recently cut out junk food
candy and soda
Lochte, who recently cut out junk food, candy and soda
beer kegs
has undertaken a rigorous strength-training regimen that involves flipping tractor tires, dragging shipyard chains and tossing beer kegs
tires
has undertaken a rigorous strength-training regimen that involves flipping tractor tires