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!