Historical athlete interviews: these excerpts describe individual athletes' food choices at the time of their interviews. They offer examples and context rather than a current meal plan or a diet suitable for every CrossFit athlete.
Just What do Top CrossFit Athletes Eat?
WOD Fever gathered these athlete accounts to show how food choices can differ across training and competition routines.
Read each account in its original context. An athlete's preferences do not establish what you should eat or how much you need.
Danielle Sidell
- CrossFit Regionals Athlete 2012 & 2014
- CrossFit Games Athlete 2012
“I would describe it as simple, I don’t do anything special. I don’t avoid a whole lot of foods, I don’t stress over weighing out my food. I really just focus on taking in quality food sources, plenty of calories and stabilizing blood sugar. I want to maximize my workouts by getting the best recovery possible. I already have a very good idea of how much Macro’s are in most foods from changing up my diet so much in the past. So when I say 6 or 8 oz. of meat of sweet potatoes, I am not actually measuring it, but I would say its pretty accurate.” - Danielle Sidell
Sidell describes a familiar routine and an existing understanding of her usual portions. Her comment about not weighing food follows that experience; it is not evidence that portion awareness or nutrition planning is unnecessary for everyone.
Emily Bridgers
- CrossFit Regionals Athlete 2012 - 2017
- CrossFit Games Athlete 2012 - 2017
“I may have more of an open approach than other Games athletes these days, in that I don’t follow anything specifically. When I started CrossFit, I tried to eat mostly Paleo, because that’s what everyone else in my gym was doing. But now that I’m competing and training all the time, I know I need to eat more carbohydrates and not just through [eating] fruits and vegetables.” – Emily Bridgers
Bridgers describes moving beyond a strict Paleo approach as her training demands increased. Her account does not show that she continued to follow a Paleo diet, and it does not establish that one eating pattern is appropriate for every athlete or free of long-term drawbacks.
Chris Spealler
- CrossFit Regionals Athlete 2009-2014
- CrossFit Games Athlete 2007 - 2008, 2010 - 2014
“Lots of the regular stuff. Mornings consisted of eggs, some sweet potatoes or some fruit. Sarah made me some Paleo pancakes one morning as well. While competing I ate things that sat well with lunch meat, Lara bars, some chicken salad from Whole Foods, and a Paleo kit here and there. Cashews and almond butter were easily accessible in by bag. I was also taking recovery drinks from Progenex after each workout to keep myself feeling good. Night time we ate more consistent again. Competitions were finishing late so I’d get back to the hotel and make some chicken and sweet potato or something similar, and go to bed. I didn't change much since I didn't want to disrupt my digestive system. I think people get geeked out on their nutrition during competitions but I believe it's more important to stay consistent and not change things up too much and risk having your body respond differently than you are used to. I also drank a TON of water. Partly because it's a nervous tick, but also because I notice a huge difference when I drink more water at long competitions.” - Chris Spealler
Spealler emphasizes familiar foods and consistency during competition. He also mentions recovery drinks, but this account does not compare them with ordinary meals or establish a need to buy a supplement.
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Alyssa Christian
- CrossFit Athlete
- Level 1 CrossFit Coach at CrossFit Populace
"I don't like to feel heavy during my workouts, so I snack often on small things that pack loads of nutrients. Think nuts, Greek yogurt, or baby food pouches for a quick carbohydrate blast." — Alyssa Christian
Christian describes snacks she personally likes before training. This does not establish that rice or bread are unsuitable, or that yogurt and nuts will suit everyone. Treat her examples as preferences rather than a universal pre-workout menu.
So How Can You Eat Like a Top CrossFit Athlete?
Use these historical accounts to ask practical questions about your own routine: which foods are familiar, how portions fit your schedule, and what changes during competition. Avoid copying a complete diet from a short athlete interview.
Do you follow any of these guidelines?
In Summary:
- Understand your usual foods and portions.
- Consider how your food routine fits your training schedule.
- Notice the emphasis on familiar competition foods.
- Treat athlete anecdotes as inspiration, not a personalized meal plan.
Background reading on diet approaches mentioned in these historical interviews:
Motivation. Information. Preparation.
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