Fueling the Mission (Nutrition is Not an Option)

You wouldn’t put cheap 87-octane gas in a jet engine and expect it to fly. Yet people trying to lose weight starve themselves, and athletes try to perform on energy drinks and snacks. If your workers aren’t working, it’s usually because the supply chain is empty. Your nutrition needs to match your mission, or the mission will fail.

The International Society of Sports Nutrition released a 2019 position stand stating that energy availability is the number one predictor of success. If you’re in too high of a calorie deficit for weight loss, your thyroid slows down and you stop losing weight. If you’re an athlete not getting enough protein, research from the University of Stirling by Dr. Kevin Tipton shows you’ll lose lean power-producing muscle. You have to eat for the performance you want, not just the weight you want to see on the scale.

The 60-Second Fix: Front-load your day with protein. Aim for 30 to 40 grams in your very first meal. This stabilizes your blood sugar, prevents late-night cravings, and triggers muscle protein synthesis early so you stay in a building state all day.

If your nutrition feels chaotic or the conflicting advice has you spinning, I’ve got you. Talking to a health professional before making major changes is always smart. If you want a high-performance fuel plan that works with your life and your goals, I will build it for you.

Emmanuel Ofori

Your friendly neighbourhood fitness professional