78: Christina Chu: How to Eat for Strength, Recovery & Energy—Without Overthinking It

Most people are eating for weight loss, not performance—and it’s holding them back. If you’ve ever felt exhausted during workouts, struggled to recover, or found yourself constantly craving snacks, your nutrition might not be keeping up with your training. In this episode, I sit down with Christina Chu, a board-certified sports dietitian, to break down how to fuel like an athlete (even if you don’t think of yourself as one). We’re tackling some of the biggest misconceptions in nutrition—like why carbs aren’t the enemy, why eating “clean” isn’t always better, and how under-fueling is more common than you think. Plus, we’re getting into the science behind pre- and post-workout meals, the truth about protein supplements, and the top three nutrients women need to focus on for strength, energy, and recovery. Christina is a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) with extensive experience working with athletes, tactical professionals, and high performers who want to optimize their nutrition without overcomplicating it. Her approach is evidence-based, realistic, and designed to help you fuel smarter—not less. If you’re ready to eat in a way that actually supports your body and workouts, this episode is for you. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Sports Dietitian (10:37) Performance Plate (15:34) Nutrition for Female Athletes (27:32) Nutritional Supplements for Athletes (34:42) Understanding Food Processing and Variety (47:47) Pre-Workout and Post-Workout Nutrition (53:57) Costco Nutrition and Convenience Options (58:44) Costco Nutrition and Wellness Tips Thank You to Our Sponsors:   Cronometer: Track your nutrition with precision— Cronometer provides real data on macros, micros, and everything in between for better health and performance. Get 15% OFF! Legion: Use code Tara20 for 20% off your first order and double loyalty cash back any order after that when you shop at LegionAthletics.com Broads: Broads gives you structured, progressive training and a powerhouse community to keep you strong, consistent, and unstoppable. Join today at broads.app and use code PODCAST for 20% off your first month!   Find more from Tara:   Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/ Instagram: @taralaferrara @broads.podcast @broads.app Youtube: Tara LaFerrara