Olympic Weightlifter David Liti and his coach Tina Ball. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Like most Olympians, New Zealand weightlifter David Liti has been selective with his pickings at the food hall at the athletes village in Paris - but that is not going to last.
Liti is a big guy and needs a decent intake of fuel.
He's been working hard on controlling his weight in recent years but admits that might go out the window briefly once his competition is over.
"The pastries and desserts are ten out of ten," Liti told RNZ.
Not that he's had any yet.
The 28-year-old will compete in the +102kg division.
During his career, his hunger for success has almost been matched by his hunger for food.
Athlete at an Olympic food hall. Photo: AFP
He finished fifth in Tokyo where he was in a higher weight division.
But with the help of a nutritionist at High Performance Sport NZ, he's getting that under control.
"My diet has been a really big work in progress the last few years.
"I'm learning to have three meals a day which is good for my athlete life.
"I have a team back at home that help prepare my meals for me and I've been able to drop 11 kilos."
The loss in weight is helping with his mental fitness also.
"I'm happy, I'm feeling light, I'm feeling healthier and more energised so I'm excited for Saturday night (competition).
Coach Tina Ball is also happy with the shape that Liti is in.
"We've had some discussions about that, but yes, overall I think it's really good for his performance.
"Mass moves mass, but positions you have to get into for the snatch and not having so much bulk will work in his favour too.
"(The nutritionist) has found the magic formula for him and he's been a self starter on it so it's been fantastic."
David Liti of New Zealand Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Since arriving in Paris this week, Liti has been just like every other athlete in the food hall.
"Get a good mixture of protein and carbs, get your fibre and salads in as well, they have an excellent salad bar."
Liti hasn't had any of the famous French desserts since being in the village, but that will change after competition.
So what will be his 'go to' delight?
"Everything, I think I'll stay in the French food hall and I'll have all sorts of pastries, I'm so excited for that.
"I'm going to stay there for a week, it's going to be my treat."
