Simone Biles' Intuitive Approach to Nutrition
Simone Biles has long been a vocal advocate for intuitive eating, especially for gymnasts who can be vulnerable to disordered eating patterns. She explicitly avoids tracking calories or restricting herself, choosing instead to eat what makes her feel good and provides the necessary fuel for her demanding training schedule. This flexible philosophy extends to her breakfast, which adapts based on her day's commitments. This mindful approach ensures that her physical and mental health are supported equally, allowing her to perform at an elite level.
Breakfast on Busy Training Days
On a typical training day, Biles has an early start, often waking around 7 a.m. for practice that begins at 7 a.m. or soon after. Given the time constraints and intense physical demands, her pre-practice breakfast is typically light and quick to digest.
Her go-to options include:
- Oatmeal: A simple, carbohydrate-rich option that provides sustained energy without feeling heavy.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit offers a quick dose of natural sugars, vitamins, and antioxidants to kickstart her morning.
- Quick Bite: She has also stated that sometimes she'll just grab a 'quick bite,' or may skip the meal entirely before her morning workout if time doesn't allow.
Following her morning workout, Biles replenishes her body with a protein shake. Her preferred choice is a Core Power Protein Shake, with vanilla being a current favorite flavor. This post-workout shake is crucial for muscle repair and recovery after intense training sessions.
Weekend and Relaxed Breakfasts
When Biles has a break from her intensive training, her breakfast routine shifts to something more substantial and leisurely. On the weekends, she has the time to indulge in more home-cooked meals, reflecting her more relaxed lifestyle outside the gym. This balanced approach to food—allowing for both functional, quick meals and more indulgent, enjoyable ones—is a hallmark of her intuitive eating philosophy.
Her weekend breakfasts often include:
- Protein Waffles with Chocolate Chips: A more decadent, yet still protein-rich, breakfast she enjoys when she has more time.
- Eggs: A staple source of protein, often paired with other breakfast foods.
- Cinnamon Rolls: A sweet treat that she sometimes makes and enjoys on her days off.
How Her Breakfast Choices Differ: A Comparison
To better understand her fueling strategy, this table compares her typical training day breakfast with her more relaxed weekend meal.
| Feature | Training Day Breakfast | Weekend Breakfast |
|---|---|---|
| Time Constraint | Minimal time, often rushed before a 7 a.m. practice. | More time, allowing for a relaxed pace. |
| Food Items | Oatmeal, fruit, or a granola bar. | Protein waffles, eggs, or cinnamon rolls. |
| Primary Goal | Quick, easily digestible fuel for a strenuous workout. | More substantial and enjoyable meal when not rushing. |
| Nutrient Focus | Primarily carbohydrates for energy. | Includes protein, carbs, and some indulgence. |
Beyond Breakfast: The Full Nutrition Picture
While breakfast sets the tone for her day, Biles' overall diet is what truly supports her high-performance career. Her meals later in the day, which often incorporate lean proteins like chicken and salmon, complex carbs like potatoes, and a wide variety of vegetables, provide the bulk of her daily nutrients. The absence of strict tracking, combined with an allowance for occasional treats like pizza or dessert, maintains a healthy relationship with food. This holistic perspective is an integral part of her training and mental wellness.
This approach aligns with principles advocated by sports nutritionists who focus on performance and mental well-being over strict calorie counting. The emphasis is on balanced nutrition and listening to the body's cues. For a deeper look into a day in her diet, check out the in-depth article from Women's Health(https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a34482124/simone-biles-diet/).
Conclusion: Flexibility is Key
In summary, Simone Biles' breakfast is not a rigid routine but a flexible part of her larger intuitive eating philosophy. On training days, it's about quick and easily digestible energy from sources like oatmeal or fruit. On weekends, it's about enjoying a more substantial meal like protein waffles or eggs when she has more time. This balance between fueling for performance and allowing for enjoyment is a crucial element of her success, demonstrating that even at the pinnacle of athletic achievement, a healthy relationship with food and listening to your body are paramount. Her approach provides a powerful lesson on flexible, balanced nutrition that can benefit anyone, athlete or not.
