HOW DOES A FULL TIME CROSSFIT COACH EAT TO PERFORM?

What do you eat & how do you train?

Since becoming a full time CrossFit & Weightlifting coach, my training and schedule has changed a lot.

I have learned so much from trying new things and am constantly changing and tweaking my eating plan to figure out what works best for me.

I stick to fruit, veg, lean meats, dense carbs like potato, sweet potato and brown rice. With a bit of bread, some wraps and depending on how my calories are looking for the day I might get a treat at night.

I find it hard to put on weight so I am currently eating as much good food as I can to ensure I can increase my weight and maintain good lean muscle.

Breakfast is at 3:50am, I coach in the mornings from 5am-10am so I get a snack at about 7am. I go home and eat, get some sleep, eat again and be back at the gym for 3pm to train. I will have a piece of fruit and a protein shake before I train and then another shake afterwards with some carbs like a muesli bar or some rice and tuna. Then I coach from 4:30-7:30pm and I have to hit another small snack on the way home and then cook (if my beautiful fiance is at work) and eat dinner. Maybe a late night snack depending on how I’m feeling. Back to bed.

I HAVE FOUND A FEW GOLDEN RULES TO HELP ME OUT:

Hydration is most important. 

I have two big glasses of water with my breakfast to get me started and continue to drink water throughout the day. Remember the standard is 2L for people flying a desk PLUS 500m for every 30 mins of exercise. So 1 have a big glass with every meal and whenever I’m thirsty.
I have really noticed the difference in my training, energy levels and my skin.

Eating certain foods around your training is important.

I eat about 1200 calories for breakfast. I get them from a homemade muesli (nuts, chia seeds, oats, dates, honey, oil, yogurt and milk) which has heaps of good fats. I wouldn’t have that if I trained in the morning. I would have a pre workout meal before (sugary carbs like fruit and a bit of protein). So be aware of what you have for lunch if you are an afternoon trainer. Lots of fats will slow you down and have you feeling sluggish.

Have I noticed a change?

HELL YES! Who would have thought - more calories = more energy. My results are improving and with being diagnosed with Ross River Virus earlier this year I can really tell when I let my eating drop off.