Fueling for Performance – How to Optimize Your Nutrition as an Athlete
Written by Conquer Athlete Coach Jason Leydon, CSCS
When it comes to athletic performance, training gets most of the spotlight—but make no mistake, your nutrition is the foundation that supports every rep, every sprint, every recovery. You can have the best training plan in the world, but if your fueling strategy is off, you're leaving performance on the table. Over the years of coaching elite CrossFit Games athletes, pros, and everyday competitors, one thing has remained constant: those who eat with purpose, perform with power.
Here are the key points I emphasize when coaching athletes on how to optimize their food for performance:
1. Eat for Output, Not Just for Aesthetics
Too many athletes under-fuel because they’re chasing a look rather than fueling for what their training demands. Performance nutrition starts with knowing your energy needs. The more you train, the more fuel you need. Under-eating leads to poor recovery, energy crashes, hormonal imbalances, and plateaued progress. I always say: “You can’t out-discipline physiology.” Fuel the work.
2. Timing is Critical
Nutrient timing matters, especially around your training window. Pre-training, you need easy-to-digest carbs and some protein to prepare your body. Post-training, that window is crucial for recovery. Prioritize fast-digesting carbs and high-quality protein within 30-60 minutes of your session to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.
3. Prioritize Whole Foods, Supplement Wisely
Supplements are exactly that, supplements. They’re not a replacement for quality food. Focus your foundation on lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. From there, consider creatine, whey protein, or electrolytes if they serve a purpose in your routine. But don’t lean on powders when you’re skipping meals or lacking food prep.
4. Hydration Is Performance
Dehydration, even as little as 2% loss in body water, can significantly impact output. Start your day with water. Sip throughout the day, and increase fluid intake around workouts. For longer sessions or hot environments, include electrolytes. Athletes who struggle with cramping or brain fog often don’t have a training issue, they have a hydration issue.
5. Individualization Over Fads
There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. What works for your training partner or favorite athlete online might wreck your energy. Your food choices should reflect your volume, intensity, recovery capacity, and lifestyle. If it’s not supporting your training, it’s not working.
6. Consistency Beats Perfection
The best nutrition plan is the one you can stick to. Don’t chase perfection. Instead, build habits. Meal prep weekly, have go-to meals, and stay ahead of your schedule. Missing one meal won’t break you—but missing the habit of fueling with intent will.
At the end of the day, food is your foundation. It’s not just about how you look—it’s about how you perform, how you recover, and how long you can sustain a high level of output.
If you're serious about taking your performance to the next level, dial in your nutrition just like you do your training. At Conquer Athlete, we don’t just write programs—we develop people. Our approach to individual design isn’t just about physical training. It’s about developing the traits, habits, and systems that unlock high performance across the board. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels on a program that doesn’t know you… if you’re ready to operate like the person you say you want to be—apply for Individual Design. We’ll meet you where you are and build the roadmap to where you’re meant to go.
