Simone Biles' Intuitive Approach to Fueling Her Body
Unlike many athletes who follow rigid, calorie-counting diets, Simone Biles has adopted an intuitive and mindful eating philosophy. This approach is intentional, born from her awareness of the eating issues that can impact gymnasts, and it allows her to maintain a healthy relationship with food. For Biles, it’s about listening to her body and eating what makes her feel good, rather than adhering to a strict plan. This balance is crucial for sustaining the energy required for her demanding, multi-hour training sessions.
A Typical Day of Eating for Simone Biles
Her day is structured around her rigorous training schedule, which influences her eating times and food choices. Here is a look at a typical day, combining her preferences with her nutritional needs as a top-tier gymnast:
Morning Fuel
- Before Practice: Given her early 7 a.m. practice start, breakfast is sometimes a quick bite or occasionally skipped. When she does eat, it's typically a simple, energy-boosting option like oatmeal or fresh fruit.
- Weekend Breakfast: On days when she has more time, Biles enjoys making a more substantial and indulgent breakfast. This might include protein waffles with chocolate chips or homemade cinnamon rolls.
- Post-Workout Refuel: After her intense morning session, Biles focuses on recovery. She drinks a vanilla Core Power Protein Shake, often splitting one shake between her two daily practices.
Midday Nourishment
- Lunch: For lunch, Biles often opts for convenience due to her busy schedule and uses an app like Uber Eats to order food. Her go-to options include meals with protein and fiber, such as chicken or salmon paired with a variety of vegetables. Pasta is also a frequent choice.
Snacking and Hydration
- Snacks: Snacking isn't a primary part of her day due to her constant training, but when she does need an extra boost, her choices vary depending on her mood. Favorites include a variety of fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, and bananas. For a more indulgent snack, she might choose banana bread muffins, popcorn, or pretzels with Nutella. Plantain chips are another easy and tasty option.
- Hydration: Staying properly hydrated is paramount for Biles, especially during and after training. She prioritizes drinking plenty of water throughout the day, particularly during her morning workouts, and doesn't rely on coffee for energy.
Evening Meals and Treats
- Dinner: Similar to lunch, dinner often features lean protein and vegetables. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, sometimes cooks for them, and their meals frequently include chicken or salmon with vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, or mac and cheese.
- Indulgences: Biles makes sure to leave room for her favorite treats. Her ultimate comfort food is pizza, specifically pepperoni, which she enjoys after competitions. Other indulgences include fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and home-baked s'mores cookies.
The Role of Mindful Eating in Performance
Biles' food philosophy is a significant departure from the strict regimens often associated with elite sports. By embracing an intuitive approach, she avoids the negative psychological effects of food restriction while still providing her body with the fuel it needs. Her diet is built on a foundation of balanced, nutrient-dense foods, but it remains flexible enough to accommodate cravings and celebratory meals.
Training Day vs. Rest Day Eating Habits
It's important to note how her routine changes based on her training schedule. During heavy training days, her focus is on quickly refuelling and providing sustained energy. On rest days or weekends, she has more time for relaxed meals and special homemade treats, showcasing a less rigid and more enjoyable approach to food.
| Aspect | Training Day Eating | Rest Day/Weekend Eating |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Quick and simple: oatmeal, fruit, granola bar | More relaxed and indulgent: protein waffles, eggs, cinnamon rolls |
| Lunch/Dinner | Often a convenient order via an app, focusing on lean protein and veggies | More time for home-cooked meals like salmon with vegetables and potatoes |
| Snacks | Fruit or light, portable snacks like plantain chips | Potentially more indulgent options like banana bread muffins or pretzels with Nutella |
| Dessert | Less frequent, only when a craving truly strikes | More likely to enjoy cookies or ice cream, especially when out of town |
The Importance of a Balanced Perspective
Simone Biles' diet proves that elite performance and a healthy, balanced relationship with food are not mutually exclusive. Her ability to nourish her body effectively while still enjoying life's simple pleasures is a testament to her holistic approach to health, prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical fitness. Athletes and non-athletes alike can find inspiration in her mindful strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what Simone Biles eat on a daily basis is a flexible and mindful mix of nutritious, protein-rich meals and satisfying comfort foods. Her intuitive eating philosophy is a critical component of her sustained success, demonstrating that high-performance diets can and should include balance and enjoyment. By listening to her body, she ensures she's properly fueled for intense training while still having room for life's treats, setting a powerful example of holistic wellness for all.
