Eating to Support Training, Health, and Longevity
As an endurance athlete and fitness instructor, people often ask what I eat during a typical week. The truth is, fueling my body is something I think about very intentionally — not only for performance, but for long-term health.
For those who may not know, I live and train without a thyroid and take T3 and T4 medication daily. Because of that, my metabolism functions a little differently than most peoples, and I have to be thoughtful about how I fuel my body to support my training, energy, and recovery.
Over the years, I’ve learned an important lesson:
Eating less isn’t the answer. Eating smarter is.
This week my focus is simple — fuel my workouts, prioritize protein, and keep my meals balanced and consistent.
My goals for the week
• Eat real, whole foods most of the time
• Fuel workouts so I can train strong
• Include protein at every meal
• Keep healthy fats moderate
• Eat enough carbohydrates to support endurance training
Because I teach multiple classes and train for endurance events, my body burns a significant amount of energy throughout the day. Instead of restricting food, I focus on timing my nutrition around my training.
On harder training days, I increase carbohydrates, so my muscles have the fuel they need. On lighter or recovery days, meals are a little simpler and slightly lower in carbs.
What a typical day of eating might look like
Breakfast
Eggs with oatmeal and berries, or Greek yogurt with fruit and granola.
Lunch
Lean protein such as chicken or fish, vegetables, and a balanced carbohydrate like quinoa or sweet potato.
Snack
Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a protein smoothie with fruit.
Dinner
Tuna or chicken with roasted vegetables and a healthy carbohydrate such as rice or potatoes.
The key is balance. I try to keep meals simple, nourishing, and consistent.
What I’ve learned over time
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through years of endurance training is this:
Your body performs best when it is fueled, not restricted.
Healthy eating, for me, isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, balance, and paying attention to what my body needs.
And if my journey as a #NoThyroidAthlete helps someone else realize they can still train, compete, and live fully — then sharing it is worth it.
Here’s to another week of strong workouts, good food, and chasing the sunshine.
#NoThyroidAthlete
#IronSunshine
#EnduranceAthlete
#ThyroidWarrior
#StrongOver50
