Fueling as a D1 Collegiate Track & Field Athlete

Meet Bella, our guest athlete, a junior division I collegiate track and field athlete at the University of Texas. Her speciality is the pole vault, but she also competes in the 60 m dash (indoors), 400 hurdles, and 4×400 relay. We asked her how she fuels to compete amongst the best athletes in college. 

1. What do you eat for breakfast on competition day?

On the day of competition, I’ll have eggs (either scrambled eggs or an omelet), fruit, greek yogurt or cottage cheese (just depending on what the hotel breakfast might have), and I’ll choose a carb. Since I’m gluten free, it slightly varies on what I choose, but cheerios, gluten free toast, or gluten free waffles are always wonderful.

2. What is your go-to pre event meal?

My pre-event meal looks like a version of a Chipotle bowl. So I’ll make sure I have my greens, rice or sweet potatoes, grilled chicken, cheese; and then I like to have fruit or to take with me to the track.

3. What do you recommend to high school athletes and parents to be successful?

I recommend taking a chance and believing in the importance of nutrition. Commit to it for a full season and see the benefits come to fruition as time goes on. It doesn’t only help your performance, but it helps your mind. More importantly, with God, I’ve learned the importance of gratitude and positive self-talk, so I recommend putting all these things together: place your confidence in God, take time to be grateful, speak positively, and with the right nutrition every day, great things can happen. Everything counts!

4. What is your favorite NWW dinner the night before a meet?

I don’t have a particular favorite since I’m usually travelling for meets and not in my own kitchen for a pre-event meal. This is why I really like Nutrition with Wendi’s templates for ideal eating times, ideas of what to eat before and after an event, and just the overall guidance of how to fuel a long day of activities.

5. What’s your favorite breakfast on a practice day? 

When I’m at home, my go-to is always waffles or pancakes – I love that you can make these really nutritious. I spray the pan with butter, use a gluten-free pancake mix, add cinnamon, and always have a side of fruit (usually blueberries). 

6. What is your protein pairing with pancakes or waffles? 

I’ll either make a smoothie with protein in it or have greek yogurt. I like the Chobani and Siggi’s plain versions. 

7. Why is sleep important?

Sleep does something to your soul and mind. Just like healthy nutrition, it allows for your body to heal properly. Over time, good sleep adds up and helps you be more present and focused for all the daily activities at hand.

8. What advice would you give to a middle schooler who wanted to compete in college? 

Learn the importance of gratitude and self talk with God. Place your confidence in God, speak positivity, and get your nutrition right every day. It all adds up. 

Rapid Fire Questions:

1. Favorite Pre-Practice Snack: honey stinger or apple ~30 min out
2. Favorite Post-Practice/Lift Snack: chocolate muscle milk or core power 
3. Favorite NWW Smoothie: Vanilla Berry Blast for sure. It has the right mix of flavors and texture, and has a lot of benefits as far as protein and recovery.