When traveling east, what dietary change should athletes implement to minimize jet lag effects?

To minimize jet lag effects when traveling east, athletes should focus on adjusting their meal timing in relation to their destination's time zone. Consuming heavy meals earlier is beneficial because it allows the athlete's body to align more closely with the local time zone of their destination. When traveling east, the body needs to adapt to an earlier time schedule, so having substantial meals earlier in the day can help signal to the body that it is time to adjust its internal clock.

In contrast, consuming heavy meals later may exacerbate feelings of lethargy and disrupt sleep patterns, as the body may still be adjusting to the new time zone. Avoiding heavy meals could lead to insufficient caloric intake, which might not provide the energy needed for optimal performance. Eating light meals all the time doesn't provide the necessary fuel for recovery and energy levels after a long flight, making it less effective in combating jet lag impacts. Therefore, consuming heavy meals earlier supports a smoother transition into the new time zone.