At a glance
WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT
Eat To Perform: Carbs, Micros, And Competition Nutrition Demystified
- Tim Briggs explains how to build nutrition for athletic performance by prioritizing health (micronutrients and gut function) first, then dialing in macros and calories around training demands.
- He argues that carbohydrates are the primary fuel for almost all strength and endurance sports, and outlines how to time carbs and protein pre-, intra-, and post-workout for better performance and recovery.
- The discussion contrasts fad diets (keto, paleo, carb backloading, etc.) with a more evidence-based, sustainable approach that balances macros, emphasizes veggies, and manages gut inflammation via tools like low-FODMAP choices.
- They also cover competition-week and weight-class strategies, hydration and electrolytes, intermittent fasting trade-offs, and how to think about body composition goals without wrecking health or performance.
IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING
5 ideasStart with health: fix micros and gut before obsessing over macros.
Briggs begins every athlete by correcting micronutrient intake (especially lack of greens) and minimizing gut inflammation, because deficiencies and poor digestion blunt energy, recovery, and mood long before macro tweaks matter.
Most athletes need more carbohydrates, not fewer, to perform.
Across the energy systems spectrum—from powerlifting and CrossFit to football and endurance—carbohydrates are the dominant fuel, so very low-carb or keto approaches usually compromise output, especially for high-intensity, glycolytic work.
Structure training-day meals around a clear pre–intra–post framework.
A simple template is: complex + simple carbs, protein, and some fat 1–2 hours pre; a little fast carb (e.g., banana) right before; optional intra carbs + BCAAs during strength work; then fast carbs plus protein immediately post and a lower-fat, carb-heavy meal soon after.
Use carb loading and familiar, low-irritant foods before competition.
In the week before an event, gradually increase daily carb intake and avoid ‘gut-bomb’ foods (pizza, excessive gluten/dairy, high-FODMAP items) so you start competition fully fueled, with minimal GI distress and inflammation.
Hydration and electrolytes are performance variables, not afterthoughts.
Serious training and multi-WOD comp days can drive liters of sweat loss, so baseline intake (≈3–4 L/day) plus deliberate electrolyte replacement (e.g., Dioralyte or homemade salt–honey–citrus mix) are critical to avoid cramps, fatigue, and impaired recovery.
WORDS WORTH SAVING
5 quotesIf you don't feel 100% when you eat a food, don't eat the food.
— Tim Briggs
If we look at the whole spectrum of sports—carbohydrate is throughout.
— Tim Briggs
The best diet for me appears to be the one that I can stick to the longest.
— Chris Williamson
We’re not so much a performance company. We start everyone the same: fix health, then adjust calories up or down.
— Tim Briggs
You can be the best fighter in the world, but if your body falls apart when you cut, you're fucked.
— Chris Williamson
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