No Coffee in Rio

No coffee to wake you up in the morning?  Where’s the cup of joe for the afternoon energizer?  Brazil has been known for its delicious caffeinated beverage for decades of years; however, this year’s Paralympic games do not have any sign of fresh coffee within the village.  Coca-Cola is the official sponsor for this year’s games, so the company will not be supplying any coffee in the Rio sports venues or village apartments.  What does this mean for the athletes?  Those who need that fresh cup of joe for an early morning event – sorry about your luck.  It seems as though Coca-Cola will be the main option for the under-caffeinated athlete.  The company does have their own brand of coffee, Gold Peak; however, that will not compare to the biggest java manufacturer in the world.  The Rio 2016 Taste of the Games provides a list of which beverages and foods are being catered for the competitors at this time.  Though fresh coffee will not be available, a high-quality menu with a variety of options will be served on a 24/7 basis at the main dining hall.

The reason this has also become a concern for some athletes revolves around the effects of caffeine and how it contributes to endurance performance.  Caffeine may directly affect muscle contractility and reduce fatigue; however, its diuretic effects may cause negative consequences for athletes with excessive water needs or for those participating in long-distance events who do not want to urinate during the competition.  

So besides coffee, what are some other ways to consume caffeine or feel energized?  Here are some options to try:

1.    Taste a different type of caffeine, such as diet soda, iced tea, brewed tea, or low-fat chocolate milk.
2.    Get active by taking a walk, doing inclusive yoga, or other exercises to get the blood flowing.
3.    Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate.
4.    Choose a healthy breakfast with whole grains, healthy fats, and protein.
5.    Get enough hours of sleep.