How Tuning Into My Body Changed My Relationship With Food and Strength Training

Train with me

When it comes to nutrition and feeling your best in training, the truth is… it’s highly individual.

Sure, there can be larger factors at play — like specific medical conditions — but if those aren’t part of your personal equation, one of the most powerful things you can do is simply pay attention. How does your body respond to different foods? What about meal frequency? Timing?

Have you ever noticed how you feel after certain meals? Not just tracking calories or macros — but paying attention to things like:

• How your stomach feels

• Your energy levels throughout the day

• How your training performance is impacted

For me, this kind of awareness was a total game-changer. Understanding how my body responds helped me shape my entire lifestyle around food — in a way that actually feels supportive, not restrictive.

A Few Things That Changed Strength Training and Relationship with Food

Over time, I’ve made a few shifts that have had a huge impact on how I feel and perform:

• I now buy very specific foods from certain places because I know my body responds well to them.

• I time my meals around my training to stay fueled and strong — yes, even for those early 5am sessions (please eat something before you train).

• I don’t track calories. I eat intuitively and listen to my body — especially throughout the different phases of my hormonal cycle (this could be a whole blog post on its own!).

Supplements That Made a Real Difference

Adding a few key supplements into my routine was another turning point:

• Creatine is now a daily staple. It’s one of the most well-researched, effective, and safe natural supplements out there — especially for strength athletes. I recommend it to almost anyone serious about improving performance. It’s not just physical either — there’s also emerging research on its cognitive benefits. Personally, I feel stronger, more resilient, and better recovered when I’m consistent with it.

• Magnesium made a noticeable difference to my sleep, which in turn improved my recovery — especially during periods of heavier training.

• Electrolytes have been another game-changer. I use True Protein electrolytes, which include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and carbohydrates. Since adding them in, my hydration, energy, and endurance have all noticeably improved.

My Go-To Food Routines

Over time, I’ve developed a few food habits that I genuinely swear by — not out of discipline, but because they just make me feel better.

• I source my meat, veggies, and fruit from local farmers markets. (If you’re in Brisbane, definitely check out Rocklea Markets on a Saturday!) The quality is unmatched — and honestly, your body knows. I always feel more energised, stronger, and less sluggish when I’m eating high-quality, whole foods.

• I try to make things myself instead of buying packaged. It’s not about being fancy — I just like knowing exactly what’s going into my meals. Simple homemade options like protein balls or DIY crumbed chicken schnitzel are not only more nourishing, they taste better too.

Produce from the Rocklea markets in Brisbane.

Food Isn’t Just Fuel — It’s Information

When I stopped viewing food as something to control and started using it as a tool for performance, recovery, and vitality — everything shifted.

Now, I eat to feel good, lift better, and live well.

If you’re struggling with bloating, low energy, or inconsistent performance in your training, I can’t recommend this enough: start tuning in. Keep a simple journal of what you eat and how you feel — even for just a couple of weeks. It might show you exactly what your body has been trying to tell you all along.