What I know for sure is that Garrett ate a lot. So often, our schedule revolved around Garrett’s hunger pains. If he got hungry or thirsty when he was just a toddler, he would howl. He needed immediate attention. Get that kid something to eat or drink. He was inconsolable until you, “fed the beast.”
He has never been very big for his age. When he started high school, he wore a size 13 shoe and weighed 135 pounds. Actually, he was kind of scrawny. But boy, could he eat. He has basically eaten for two people for years. Let me tell you it can get pretty expensive, too.
Swimming at an Early Age
We always thought we were feeding our kids with healthy food. No soda, very little candy, hardly any chips, lots of pasta and vegetables, skinless chicken, lean beef. Pizza was an afternoon snack before swimming. Garrett could eat an entire pizza by himself. Back then, we didn’t really pay attention to “whole wheat or whole grains” like we do now or sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes.
Garrett has always done everything he could to help ensure his success in whatever he does. As an athlete, he watches everything he eats. Our family is also very cognizant of what we eat. When Garrett started to see a nutritionist in Austin back in 2002, our family took notice. We started to incorporate much of what the nutritionist was recommending. Good and nutrition became a passion for all of us.
A lot goes into raising an Olympic athlete. Hillary Clinton said it right, “It takes a village,” starting with the athlete’s family. There are a lot of sacrifices made by parents and siblings. I think it takes a special person to achieve Olympic status.
In addition to the food and fitness posts, my blog is going to offer parenting tips, some pertain to the ups and downs of raising an athlete and some might help with any child.
I would love to hear from my readers. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send them my way.
Diane 
