As a registered sports dietitian, I see firsthand how endurance sports shape the lives of athletes, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. The discipline, the rush of adrenaline, and the sense of accomplishment are all unparalleled. However, I also recognize that this intense focus on a single activity can lead to challenges, especially when unforeseen circumstances prevent participation. This is why I advocate for looking at the whole human and considering how we spend our time when we're not out on a run, bike, or swim.

Proper nutrition is so important for endurance athletes. Every bite you take plays a role in optimizing your training, performance, and recovery. Protein, in particular, is a crucial macronutrient for athletes. It supports muscle repair and growth, promotes recovery, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels to prevent energy crashes throughout the day.

This is why starting your day with a high-protein breakfast, containing 20-40 grams of protein, is a winning strategy. It sets the tone for the day, kickstarts muscle recovery from yesterday's workout, and prepares your body for the challenges ahead. Not to mention, it helps you feel satiated and focused throughout the morning, allowing you to crush those training sessions with renewed strength.

Have you ever gotten blood work done, only to find your ferritin levels hovering a little (or a lot) lower than the ideal range for athletes? You scramble for iron supplements, religiously pop them for weeks, and then... your next test results show a minor bump, but still not quite where it "should" be. Frustrating, right?

The culprit behind this ferritin rollercoaster might be a sneaky little thing called inflammation. Here's the deal: ferritin, often used as a marker for iron stores, isn't always the most reliable indicator, especially for athletes. Why? Find out inside!

Stress. It's a part of life, and as athletes, we face a unique blend of stressors. From the physical demands of training to the pressure to perform (plus various life stressors), our bodies are constantly under stress. But what many athletes don't realize is that stress is stress, no matter the source.

This blog post unpacks the concept of cumulative stress and how it can impact your training, performance, and overall well-being. We'll also explore some practical strategies for building stress resilience and keeping yourself in top form, both physically and mentally.

As athletes, we're constantly bombarded with information about the latest supplements and recovery techniques. Collagen is one that's been gaining a lot of traction lately, but is it all it's cracked up to be? Let's delve into the science behind collagen and see if it can truly support your training goals.