Eat Like an Athlete: Why Fueling Enough Is Your Secret Weapon

Tina
Oct 16
2 min read

For too many female college athletes, food becomes complicated. Between social media pressure, team weigh-ins, and comparison with non-athlete friends, eating “enough” can start to feel wrong — even when it’s exactly what your body needs to perform, recover, and stay healthy.

You’re Not Like Your Non-Athlete Friends

Let’s be real — your training load is different. You can’t eat like your roommate who studies all day and doesn’t have practice at 6 a.m. You train, lift, sprint, and compete. You break your body down daily — and if you don’t refuel, it can’t rebuild. Under-eating isn’t discipline; it’s self-sabotage.

A Little Humor from My College Days

Back when I was a top collegiate athlete, we didn’t know half of what we know now about sports nutrition. My idea of post-match recovery? A Papa John’s pizza at midnight — and maybe a Diet Coke to “balance it out.” Let’s just say that’s not quite the same as strategic fueling! But we did our best with what we knew. Now, you’ve got access to better knowledge — so use it.

The Performance Cost of Under-Fueling

When you don’t eat enough, your body fights back. You lose energy, focus, and strength. You recover slower, your hormones get disrupted, and injuries creep in. You might think you’re “leaner,” but in reality, you’re running on empty — and your performance will show it.

Food Is Fuel — Not the Enemy

You can’t expect your body to perform like a Ferrari if you fill it like a scooter. Fueling right means eating enough of the right things, at the right times. Food gives you energy, power, and mental clarity — it’s not something to fear or earn.

Coaches and Parents — Your Language Matters

Talk about fueling, not dieting. Replace “watch your weight” with “how are you fueling today?” When young women hear consistent, positive messages around strength and nourishment, it builds confidence — not guilt.