Episode 127 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast is the final show of the year, and I'm dedicating it to you, my listeners, clients, and Fuel for Life Crew members. You all sent me so many great nutrition questions and stories over the past few months, and I spend this episode answering and reading all of them.

If you're an active person trying to feel and perform your best, whether you're training for a race or just for everyday life, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to simplify nutrition when it feels overwhelming
• What “gut training” really means and how to start
• Tips for becoming a Board-Certified Sports RD (CSSD)
• Estimating calorie and macronutrient needs
• Navigating hunger cues vs. performance fueling
• Travel nutrition tips for busy working athletes
• Body image challenges and fueling during the off-season
• And more!

This is a must-listen for any athlete who wants evidence-based, compassionate guidance from a registered Sports Dietitian with 11+ years of experience helping athletes of all levels.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode. I appreciate every question and message, and am so glad to hear that this show is helping you stay well-fueled. 

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources

• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime, discounted membership options available)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Browse my library of nutrition masterclasses (all are included inside the Fuel for Life Crew membership)
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form (new clients starting January 2026)
• Shop all my affiliate links for Skratch, Tailwind, Momentous, and more
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In Episode 126 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by fertility experts Laura Ligos, Registered Dietitian and founder of The Sassy Dietitian, and Danielle Kepics, Physician Assistant and founder of Empowered Mind + Body. Together, they co-run The Unconventional Collaborative, a mastermind supporting practitioners, coaches, and trainers looking to elevate their work (I’m a member myself!).

In this episode, we explore a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in athletic spaces: fertility and how it connects to performance and long-term health for both women and men.

PSA: Fertility isn’t just about having kids. It’s also a reflection of hormone and metabolic health, energy availability, and overall well-being. In other words, your reproductive health is a vital sign of how your body is functioning.

We dive into:

• Why fertility is about so much more than having kids (although we talk about that too, don't worry)
• How underfueling and stress impact fertility and hormone health
• Common signs of low energy availability in athletes
• Why menstrual cycles (for women) and testosterone levels (for men) are key performance and health indicators
• Nutrition strategies to support fertility and healthy hormones
• The role of birth control in reproductive health
• And SO much more!

This is a must-listen for any active person who wants to perform their best and protect their long-term well-being.

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources

• Follow Laura Ligos on Instagram and visit her website 
• Follow Danielle Kepics on Instagram and visit her website 
• Check out the Unconventional Collab if you're a provider
• Join my membership, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime, discounted membership options available)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Browse my library of nutrition masterclasses (all are included inside the Fuel for Life Crew membership)
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form 
• Shop all my affiliate links for Skratch, Tailwind, Momentous, and more
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

This one’s short and sweet! I’m popping in for a few minutes to let you know that my final episode of 2025 is going to be all about you.

I’d love to feature your questions, stories, reflections, and feedback. Maybe you…

• Had a race go really well (or really badly!)
• Took away something from an episode that stuck with you
• Want to share your personal journey with fueling, health, or performance
• Have a question you’d love me to answer
• Or simply want to tell me what you’d like to hear more of in 2026

This podcast has grown into such a special community over the last six years, and your voices are what keep me motivated to continue the show. I’d be SO grateful if you reached out and shared your stories or whatever is on your mind with me.

📩 Send your questions/stories/feedback by October 22nd to:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website contact form: eatforendurance.com
• Instagram DM: @eatforendurance

You can stay anonymous if you prefer - just let me know.

THANK YOU so much for listening, sharing, rating, reviewing, and supporting my show. I can’t wait to highlight you in the final episode of the year!

P.S. If you haven't yet grabbed my new fueling-themed stickers, show your support by purchasing them here. 

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In Episode 125 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by running coach and podcaster Lindsey Hein.

If you’re a runner, you may already know Lindsey’s voice as she’s the host of the I’ll Have Another Podcast, and co-host of The Relay Podcast. She’s also a longtime distance runner, certified running coach, race announcer, and mom of four boys.

In this episode, we go behind the mic to talk about Lindsey’s personal journey through running, motherhood, and nutrition. From navigating major life transitions like a preventative double mastectomy and hysterectomy, to fueling a busy family of six, Lindsey shares what it looks like to juggle miles, meals, and motherhood, all while building a thriving career in the running community.

Lindsey and I discuss:

• Her path from passionate runner to coach, podcaster, and community-builder
• Real-world strategies for fueling an active family without overcomplicating meals
• How major life transitions shaped her outlook on her body, nutrition, movement, and self-care
• Why nutrition isn’t static, and how to let it evolve across life stages
• The importance of authenticity and connection in coaching and podcasting

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources

• Follow Lindsey Hein on Instagram and visit Lindsey's Website
• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime, discounted membership options available)
• Purchase my new fueling-themed stickers
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Browse my library of nutrition masterclasses (all are included inside the Fuel for Life Crew membership)
• Shop all my affiliate links for Skratch, Tailwind, Momentous, and more
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In Episode 124 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by sports dietitian and multi-sport athlete, Alex Larson, RD LD, to explore two important topics: triathlon nutrition and body composition for endurance athletes. 

We dive into questions like what makes fueling for triathlon uniquely challenging, and whether or not endurance athletes should directly work on body composition goals during a training cycle (or, ever). 

Key timestamps:

8:53: Triathlon nutrition

34:20: Body composition and endurance training

Alex and I discuss:

• How fueling strategies differ across swimming, cycling, and running
• Common nutrition mistakes triathletes make
• How to build a solid pre-race meal, why fueling on the bike should be a “mobile buffet," and other race-day logistics
• Troubleshooting fueling and other challenges during long-course triathlons
• Whether or not endurance athletes should pursue body comp goals during training (Alex has a slightly different take on this one)
• Which types of athletes should not be working on body comp changes 
• Why a performance and health-first approach should guide nutrition decisions

Heads up – we talk a lot about body comp for athletes in this episode, and it is a very nuanced topic. While "getting leaner" is a common goal for many active people, I want to be clear: your health, performance, and worth do NOT depend on you being "lean," however you define that. 

It's okay to want to change your body composition, and for some athletes, this can be done safely in certain situations. It's also okay (and for some athletes, very necessary) to NOT chase body comp goals, ever. So please take care of yourself, and remember - your body is meant to change over time.  

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources

• Follow Alex Larson on Instagram and visit Alex's Website
• Check out my NEW Ultimate Fueling Sticker Pack, a collection of 6 high-quality stickers to help you celebrate how you fuel your active lifestyle 
• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Browse my library of nutrition masterclasses (all are included inside the Fuel for Life Crew membership)
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form (spots limited for 2025)
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In Episode 123 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by sports dietitian and nutrition communications specialist, Marie Spano, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD. 

Marie is the Sports RD for the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Hawks, and she has previously worked with powerhouse teams including the Atlanta Braves (World Series champions in 2021), Chicago Cubs, and more. I’ve admired Marie’s work and have been trying to get her on the show for many years, so I’m extra excited to finally share this conversation with you.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the food matrix, including what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts nutrient absorption. As Marie explains, “Food is so much more than the sum of its nutrient parts.” We break down how nutrients interact within foods, how processing or cooking can change them, and what this means for fueling, recovery, and performance.

Marie and I discuss:

• What the food matrix is and why it’s so important for athletes
• How the food matrix impacts nutrient absorption, hunger/satiety, gut health, and more
• Real-world examples of how protein, carbs, and fat behave differently depending on food form
• The role of fiber, antioxidants, and other plant compounds in long-term health and performance
• Why processed foods (like sports drinks, juice, or protein powders) can be the best choice for athletes in certain situations

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources

• Follow Marie Spano on Instagram and visit Marie’s Website
• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime, discounted membership options available)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Browse my library of nutrition masterclasses (all are included inside the Fuel for Life Crew membership)
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form (spots limited for 2025)
• Shop all my affiliate links for Skratch, Tailwind, Momentous, and more
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In Episode 122 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m catching up with Lauren Thomas, an endurance athlete and the Lead Performance Dietitian for Maurten in the US.

Lauren has been a collegiate sports RD, a Tactical Performance Dietitian within US Special Operations, and now works with athletes of all levels at Maurten.

This episode is a grab-bag of topics, all focusing on overcoming sports nutrition challenges to improve performance. From sodium bicarbonate and hydration to real-life fueling logistics, Lauren offers a thoughtful perspective based on her unique mix of experiences.

Lauren and I discuss:

• 8:32: Why athletes benefit from having the support of a multi-disciplinary team to reach health and fitness goals
• 13:23: Why fueling periodization matters, and how under-fueling on shorter training days can derail progress
• 29:10: Whether sodium bicarb is really worth the hype, and when it may help endurance athletes
• 37:00: When and how to correctly prioritize fluid, carb, and sodium intake, and why US athletes often overdo electrolytes
• 44:00: The role of sport culture and race terrain in shaping fueling strategies

FYI: This episode is NOT sponsored by Maurten. We do talk about Maurten products, as that is part of Lauren’s career and story, but as always, I encourage you to try different products and strategies to find what works best for you. 

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources:

• Follow Lauren on Instagram
• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Browse my library of nutrition masterclasses (all are included inside the Fuel for Life Crew membership)
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form
• Support the pod by shopping with my affiliate codes
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

🎂 The Eat for Endurance Podcast just turned SIX!

On August 13, 2019, I released my first two episodes, and it’s been quite a journey ever since. Today, I’m celebrating six years, 121 episodes, listeners in 162 countries, and countless inspiring conversations with athletes and sports dietitians.

Whether it’s been big-name guests like Courtney Dauwalter, Jesse Diggins, Meb Keflezighi, Lael Wilcox, Tara Dower, and Matt Wilpers, or incredible recreational athletes and fellow sports RDs, I’ve loved bringing you a wide range of nutrition stories and expertise since day one.

In this 13-minute episode, I share:

• How the podcast began
• A look back at standout guests and moments
• The behind-the-scenes reality of keeping this show going (including things I haven’t figured out yet)
• How YOU can help support the podcast’s future

To celebrate, I’m holding a special birthday giveaway to win one of two prizes:

• An Eat for Endurance BOCO technical trucker hat + sticker
• One free month in my Fuel for Life Crew membership

To enter: Visit THIS LINK and submit your name + email between August 14–21, 2025. One winner per prize will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, August 22nd.

Thank you for being here and fueling your training, and your life, with me these past six years. Here’s to many more! 

🎧 Support the Podcast:

• Share your favorite episode with a friend or on socials (tag me!)
• Leave a 5-star rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Subscribe wherever you listen (or on YouTube)
• Join my Patreon community
• Shop using my affiliate links 
• Join Fuel for Life Crew for just $30/month (cancel anytime)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads and my masterclasses
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In episode 121 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by Natalie Robertello, MS RD CSSD of BeFueled Sports Nutrition. Natalie is a wealth of knowledge, and as an endurance athlete herself, she’s the perfect person to deep dive into the one macronutrient I haven't podcasted about yet...FAT!  

We clear up myths, provide practical strategies, and cover everything else you need to know about how fat fits into everyday and performance nutrition.

Whether you’re still holding onto low-fat diet messaging, getting sucked into the current media surrounding seed oils, confused about saturated fats and cholesterol, or just unsure how much fat you need as an athlete, this episode will help you confidently include fat in a way that supports your performance, recovery, and overall health.

Natalie and I discuss:

• Whether you really need to avoid eggs or limit higher fat dairy if you have high cholesterol
• If seed oils are actually inflammatory (spoiler: they’re not)
• The importance of omega-3 fats and when supplementation might help
• Why going high fat low carb is not a great choice for most athletes
• Why fat is essential for hormone health, nutrient absorption, satiety, meeting energy needs, and more

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources:

• Visit the BeFueled Sports Nutrition website and check out her self-paced course, Power Up
• Follow Natalie on Instagram
• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form
• Use code EATFORENDURANCE20 for 20% off at Skratch Labs
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

In episode 120 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by Emily Holland, a trail runner, climber, creative business owner, and all-around outdoor enthusiast based in Boulder, Colorado. Emily is the co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative Consulting, where she helps small businesses and creatives increase their impact.

I first connected with Emily earlier this year when she and her business partner, Angie (who you may remember from episode 110), supported me behind the scenes with this very podcast. We hit it off immediately, and I knew I wanted to bring her on the show to share her story.

In this episode, Emily shares her journey to embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle and how that decision has transformed her relationship with movement, food, and self-care. We also dive into how she fuels her multi-sport adventures, including trail running, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, with more energy, joy, and intention.

Emily and I discuss:

• Her evolution from using exercise as punishment to finding joy in movement
• Why she chose to stop drinking alcohol and how it’s improved her mental and physical health
• Fueling strategies for trail running vs. rock climbing
• Her favorite sports nutrition tools and non-alcoholic beverages
• How small mindset shifts around food, alcohol, and movement have made a big difference
• That alcohol-free isn’t all or nothing, it’s about paying attention to how it makes you feel

🎧 Tune in to learn more!

Links & Resources:

• Visit the Wild Poppy Creative Co website
• Follow Emily on Instagram
• Join my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)
• Check out my free nutrition downloads
• Interested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry form
• Use code EATFORENDURANCE20 for 20% off at Skratch Labs
• Join my Patreon community
• Get in touch at [email protected] 

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!

Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).