I have to make sure I get the right amount of protein and iron, and I take supplements for that. I think people would be surprised if they saw my diet, though; it's very normal.

Lizzie Armitstead’s quote reflects the care and attention she gives to her diet, particularly when it comes to ensuring she gets the right amount of protein and iron—essential nutrients for maintaining physical performance and overall health. As an elite athlete, she acknowledges that she relies on supplements to help meet her nutritional needs. However, she emphasizes that despite the specific requirements for her sport, her overall diet is normal and not as restrictive or specialized as some might expect for someone in her field.

The origin of this perspective likely comes from Armitstead's experience as a professional cyclist, where a balanced and properly fueled diet is crucial to optimize performance. While she focuses on getting the right nutrients, her comment reveals that she doesn’t adhere to extreme or unconventional diets. Instead, she maintains a balanced approach to food that aligns with her athletic needs while still being accessible and not overly complicated.

Armitstead’s statement also highlights the normalcy of her eating habits, which contrasts with the often exaggerated image of elite athletes having highly restrictive or unusual diets. Her approach underscores the idea that maintaining a high level of fitness and performance doesn’t necessarily require extreme dietary practices, but rather a sensible and balanced approach to nutrition, focusing on the essential nutrients her body needs for optimal function.

Ultimately, Lizzie Armitstead’s quote speaks to the importance of maintaining a practical and balanced diet, even for athletes. While she pays attention to key nutrients like protein and iron, she proves that a well-rounded and normal approach to eating can support high-performance levels without the need for drastic or overly complex dietary restrictions.