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 Course 02:57 Insights from Torian Pro and Athlete Nutrition 05:59 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of CrossFit Nutrition 09:02 The Sickness to Fitness Continuum 11:49 Genetics vs. Nutrition: The Bigger Picture 14:57 Authors and Credibility of the Nutrition Course 18:10 Understanding Insulin and Its Role 21:03 The Misconception of Carbohydrates 23:58 Body Composition and Health Markers 27:00 The Pressure of Body Fat Percentages 30:09 The Dangers of Low Energy Availability 32:53 Conclusion: Rethinking CrossFit Nutrition 35:07 Cherry Picking in Research 36:01 The Importance of Body Composition 36:31 Eating for Wellness 38:46 Understanding Macronutrients 40:13 The Role of Vegetables and Fats 42:40 Debunking Myths about Oils 44:40 Navigating Carbohydrates and Sugar 46:47 The Challenge of Meal Planning 50:58 The Quantity of Food and Performance 55:01 Setting Realistic Dietary Goals 01:01:16 The Role of Supplements and Mental Health Click 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 .