Episode 106: Should you take nutrition advice from CrossFit? with Jenna Stein

In this episode, I catch up with Jenna to chat through the CrossFit nutrition course—and let’s just say, we’ve got thoughts.We talk about how the course leans hard into body composition and aesthetics, and how that doesn’t always reflect what everyday athletes actually need. Jenna shares her experience from the Torian Pro, and we dig into why nutrition for performance is so different from just eating to look a certain way.We also bust a few common myths—like carbs being the enemy, or insulin being something to fear—and talk about the pressure to stay lean in the CrossFit space, even when it’s not always healthy or realistic.If you’ve ever felt confused by the mixed messages around food, macros, or what you “should” look like as someone who trains, this one’s for you.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to CrossFit Nutrition Course02:57 Insights from Torian Pro and Athlete Nutrition05:59 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of CrossFit Nutrition09:02 The Sickness to Fitness Continuum11:49 Genetics vs. Nutrition: The Bigger Picture14:57 Authors and Credibility of the Nutrition Course18:10 Understanding Insulin and Its Role21:03 The Misconception of Carbohydrates23:58 Body Composition and Health Markers27:00 The Pressure of Body Fat Percentages30:09 The Dangers of Low Energy Availability32:53 Conclusion: Rethinking CrossFit Nutrition35:07 Cherry Picking in Research36:01 The Importance of Body Composition36:31 Eating for Wellness38:46 Understanding Macronutrients40:13 The Role of Vegetables and Fats42:40 Debunking Myths about Oils44:40 Navigating Carbohydrates and Sugar46:47 The Challenge of Meal Planning50:58 The Quantity of Food and Performance55:01 Setting Realistic Dietary Goals01:01:16 The Role of Supplements and Mental HealthClick me for show notes!PS. If you're interested in a weight loss program with delicious food, daily access to me and a supportive community that won't mess up your relationship with food, ​click here to join the weightlist​.