In this episode, Brooke welcomes Megan Foley, a seasoned performance dietician and professional triathlete, to discuss her experiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Megan shares a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Olympic Village, the challenges athletes face in terms of nutrition and daily routines, and her role in supporting athletes to achieve peak performance. Listeners will gain insights into the unique lifestyle within the Olympic Village, the importance of proper nutrition for athletes, and the pressures of competing at the highest level. Key Takeaways

• [00:44] Megan's background in sports performance nutrition and her experience as a professional triathlete.
• [05:02] The two pathways in elite triathlon: Olympic distance and Ironman, and how Megan found her niche in short-distance racing.
• [15:53] Life in the Olympic Village, from dorm-style accommodations to the 24/7 cafeteria and the social dynamics among athletes.
• [24:26] The importance of carbohydrates in an athlete's diet and how the Olympic Village catered to these needs with various food options.
• [30:06] The challenges athletes face in finding time to relax amidst a busy schedule, and the importance of managing stress and recovery.
• [34:48] Megan’s insights on how the food provided in the Olympic Village could be optimized to better meet the specific needs of elite athletes.
• [36:59] Megan's favorite food memory from the Olympics – the fresh baguettes that were available daily in the Village.

Notable Quotes

• (09:55) "If you are constantly operating in a deficit, you're never going to be at 100%. You’re never going to actually reach your potential because you're always just leaving this margin of unmet needs."
• (13:00) "We really need to stop the messaging that you need to diet to be a better athlete or be super lean. Nobody's weighing endurance athletes at the end of an event."
• (30:45) "You haven't laid down in three days, right? Rest is as important as training, especially at this level."
• (36:20) "There’s just something about bread straight out of the oven that's hard to beat, and it was not beaten."

Resources:

• Visit her website at www.megafoley.com
• Follow Megan on Instagram
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram