08/05/2026
As a former soccer player and now sports dietitian, I thought I knew how to eat for performance. Looking back, there are a few things I wish I would’ve done differently, and they’re the same mistakes I see many athletes making today!
1. Not eating enough carbohydrates.
Rushing between classes, practices and lifts often left me under-fueled. I was trying to make balanced choices, but I definitely wasn’t eating enough to support my training. Carbs are your body’s primary fuel source for performance. A good starting point for many athletes in moderate training is 5–7 g carb/per kg of body weight/day. It’s also important to plannnnnnn ahead (a whole different topic)🙃
2. Not taking recovery nutrition seriously.
After training sessions, I’d often wait too long to eat and drink. At the time, I didn’t realize that delaying recovery meant potential for more soreness, slower recovery, and less energy for the next day’s training. Need a quick option? Chocolate milk (one of my greatest joys post morning lift when I decided to actually drink it🫠). It provides carbs to replenish glycogen, high-quality protein (including leucine) to start muscle repair, and fluids to rehydrate.
3. Treating hydration like an afterthought.
If I wasn’t thirsty, I assumed I was hydrated. In reality, dehydration can begin affecting performance before you ever feel thirsty (esp during two a days or in the heat). Aim for 8–16 oz of fluid before training + drink throughout based on your sweat losses (roughly 6-12 oz per 15 min), and include electrolytes + carb during longer sessions (>60 minutes) or in hot, humid conditions.
4. Taking only game day nutrition seriously.
Performance nutrition isn’t about one perfect pre-game meal. It’s the consistency of what you eat every day that supports better training, faster recovery, and improved performance when it matters most.
The good news? You don’t have to make the same mistakes I did 🙌 If you’re ready to fuel smarter and perform at your best, I’d love to help! Reach out to learn more about working together💪