You're logging endless kilometres in the pool, on the bike and in your running shoes. Your training plan is meticulous. Yet somehow, the numbers on the scale refuse to budge. If you're feeling exhausted, constantly hungry and frustrated that you’re not losing body fat despite all that training, you're not alone. This is one of the most common struggles I see as an advanced sports dietitian working with triathletes.

The truth is, you simply cannot out-train a poor diet.

There’s No One Size Fits All

Next time you're at an Ironman event, take a look at the athletes around you - they’re all different shapes and sizes. Many of them train 15+ hours a week but still struggle with body composition. The disconnect often stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of how our bodies respond to training and nutrition.

It sounds like a contradiction, but under-fuelling during heavy training doesn't lead to fat loss – it leads to compromised recovery, diminished performance and a body that clings desperately to its energy stores. The result? Depleted, exhausted athletes moving further away from their goals with each training session.

Balancing Energy Requirements

When training for long-course triathlons, your energy demands skyrocket but so many athletes don’t know how to fuel properly.

This creates a frustrating cycle: inadequate nutrition leads to poor recovery, which diminishes training quality, which reduces your body's ability to utilise fat as fuel. The end result is often injury, burnout and stalled progress.

The Appetite Rollercoaster 

During heavy training blocks, your appetite regulation can go haywire. Some days you're ravenous; others you have no appetite at all. Add in training fatigue, and you're naturally drawn toward quick-fix carbs and sugars – often consuming more calories than your session actually burned.

This isn't a willpower issue – it's your body's natural response to energy demands. But without a strategic approach, these patterns can completely derail your body composition goals.

Taking A Strategic Approach

Losing body fat while training for triathlon is absolutely possible, but it requires a strategic approach. Rather than drastic calorie cutting or carb cutting, focus on creating sustainable deficits during less critical training windows while continuing to fuel effectively on key training days.

The off-season is an ideal opportunity to address body composition without compromising performance. Attempting significant fat loss during peak training or race preparation is almost always counterproductive.

Testimonial: Erin Byrge lost 40 pounds while getting faster and stronger

Make sure you stay tuned toward the end of the episode where I interview Erin, a member of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Program, who learned exactly how to shed a significant amount of body fat while fuelling her body for performance. She not only completely changed her body composition, but came out stronger, faster and continues to knock out rockstar race performances.

LINKS:

🚴 Grab your copy of Fuel Your Adventure and fuel your long rides with real food that works

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Build your personalised triathlon fuelling plan inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy. 

Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with my 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery

WORK WITH TARYN HERE

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever found yourself 300 meters from the buoy on race day or struggling to maintain pace during training, there might be a high-tech solution out there for you.

No magic bullet will ever replace good old fashioned swim training, but could FORM Smart Goggles be game changer?

Or are they just a fancy new gadget, or even worse, a complete waste of money?

Today I’m joined by Brenton Ford from Effortless Swimming to give us a no BS review of the FORM Smart Goggles. These high-tech goggles provide real-time metrics displayed right before your eyes as you swim but at nearly $300, are they worth the investment? 

You might know Brenton from his popular technique videos on YouTube or his coaching programs that have helped thousands of triathletes become way more efficient swimmers. With thousands of success stories under his belt, Brenton shares his professional and practical perspective on this product. There’s no sponsorship here, so rest assured this is his honest and unbiassed review.

The Technology Behind FORM

FORM Smart Goggles aren't your standard $40 purchase. They feature augmented reality that displays your swim metrics – pace, stroke rate, distance – directly in your field of vision as you swim. Think of them as a Garmin for your face, potentially offering more accurate readings than wrist-based devices since they're measuring from your head position.

Real-Time Training Pros

Brenton describes how the real-time data can be genuinely useful, particularly if you struggle with pacing. Many new swimmers go out too hard and fade dramatically, or they haven't developed that internal clock that elite swimmers possess. Seeing your splits in real-time allows you to adjust your effort on the fly, potentially making your training more effective.

The Smart Goggles also offer technical feedback like head position correction, though Brenton cautions that this shouldn't replace proper technique coaching, as optimal head position varies between swimmers.

The Cons

Let's be honest – no tech is perfect, even at this price point. The bulkier design means you'll sacrifice some peripheral vision compared to your sleek racing goggles. If you're swimming in packed lanes or squad sessions, this could mean more shoulder bumps than you'd like. And while beginners might love the instant feedback, there's a risk of becoming too dependent on technology rather than developing that essential feel for the water that defines skilled swimmers.

Perhaps the most frustrating reality? That premium anti-fog coating eventually wears off just like your regular goggles. Hot tip – a drop of baby shampoo can temporarily restore crystal-clear vision when you're in a pinch.

As for the much-hyped "swim straight" feature for open water? While helpful, proper sighting technique remains essential for most triathletes. After all, technology can fail, but well-practiced skills stay with you through every race.

Final Verdict

So are FORM Smart Goggles revolutionary? For data-driven athletes, they offer unique training insights that might improve your sessions. For tech enthusiasts, they're certainly a novel addition to your kit. But as Brenton wisely points out, they won't replace good coaching or consistent practice.

At their price point, consider them a useful tool rather than a miracle solution. If you're struggling with pacing or love analysing your metrics, they might be worth considering. If you're a beginner, your money might be better spent on technique lessons first.

LINKS:

Connect wth Brenton 

Website | Instagram | YouTube 

🚴 Grab your copy of Fuel Your Adventure and fuel your long rides with real food that works

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Build your personalised triathlon fuelling plan inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy. 

Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with my 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery

WORK WITH TARYN HERE

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest – choking down another gel at hour three on a long ride isn't anyone's idea of fun. 

If you’re done with flavour fatigue, you’ve been struggling with nasty GI issues or you’ve crawled home like a zombie after bonking mid-ride, this episode is for you.

While gels and sports nutrition products have their place, they're not the only answer to fuelling your long rides. Fuelling doesn’t have to be expensive or gut-destroying. There are loads of real food options that taste amazing and keep your energy up from start to finish. Today I’m sharing five of my go-to real food ideas for long ride fuelling.

Why Real Food Matters

When it comes to sessions longer than two or three hours, proper fuelling isn't optional—it’s essential. Without effective fuel, you're risking poor performance and compromising recovery and immunity. Consistently under-fuelling can lead to fatigue, poorer training adaptations, and even hormonal issues. Let's avoid that by being strategic about our nutrition.

Common Mistakes in Long Ride Fuelling

1. Overreliance on Sports Nutrition Products: A lot of athletes exclusively depend on gels and sports drinks but this can lead to GI distress, let alone the flavour fatigue due to their sweet, monotonous nature. 
2. Choosing the Wrong Types of Real Food: Opting for heavy, high-fiber or high-protein snacks can be really hard on your gut, especially over extended periods. For the extended sessions, you need to focus on easy-to-digest carbohydrates that deliver quick energy without the bloat.
3. Inadequate Packaging and Practicality: Your snacks need to be accessible on the bike, otherwise they become soggy, melt, or fall apart. This is one of the major appeals of gels and other sports nutrition products but there are ways to package homemade foods properly.
4. Flavour Fatigue and Lack of Variety: There aren’t many athletes out there who are actually happy to chew on the same gummies or choke down the same gel hour after hour. So many athletes ask me how to change it up, including savoury options and varying textures. It can be done!
5. Mismatched Fuelling to Ride Intensity and Duration: Not all rides are created equal which is why you need to tailor your nutrition strategy to match the intensity and duration of each session. 

Top 5 Real Food Ideas for Long Rides

1. Rice Cakes: Light and versatile with sweet or savoury flavors. Perfect for long, steady aerobic rides.
2. Energy Balls: My recipe is portable and customisable with endless flavors. Ideal for a mid-ride energy boost.
3. Dietitian-Approved Bike Bars: This is my take on a homemade muesli / granola bar for a nutritious, easy-to-digest mid-ride snack.
4. Fruit Puree Pouches: Quick carbs in a mess-free option. Great for sensitive stomachs and hot conditions.
5. High Carb Muffins: Sports-specific muffins offer a delicious and practical treat for long endurance rides, without the excess fat and fibre of store bought options.

You can find these specific recipes and loads more in my  Fuel Your Adventure Recipe book, which is packed with recipes to help you fuel better and power your body to perform at your best.

LINKS:

🚴 Grab your copy of Fuel Your Adventure and fuel your long rides with real food that works

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Build your personalised triathlon fuelling plan inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy. 

Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with my 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery

WORK WITH TARYN HERE

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creatine is having a serious moment right now! From bodybuilders to busy mums, we’re all being told to jump on the creatine bandwagon to  improve our strength, muscle mass and performance.

And to sweeten the deal, creatine is now available in the form of convenient and tasty gummies  that claim to give us the same muscle boosting powers and benefits as the powder. 

But is that actually true?

And should everyone really be taking creatine?

What Exactly Is Creatine?

First things first—why is creatine all the rage? Found naturally in our muscles, creatine helps generate energy for those intense, short bursts of exercise. It's one of the most researched supplements for improving strength, muscle mass, and performance but not everyone needs to jump on the creatine train.  It’s not a one size fits all solution and we need to be far more strategic when it comes to supplementing with creatine.

Gummies vs. Powder

The allure of creatine gummies is pretty obvious —they’re convenient and delicious. But you’ll pay for it. Here in Australia, one brand like Push Gummies costs a whopping $1.67 per serve. Compare that to the range of $0.20 to $0.80 per serve for creatine powder, and you’re looking at eight times the cost! Do you really want to blow over $600 a year when powder sets you back just $73?

Independent Testing Reveals Inconsistencies

In 2024, NOW Foods did some independent testing of 12  brands of creatine gummies by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to see how much creatine is actually in each gummy compared to what is on the label. 

Out of the 12 brands tested, six of them didn't contain the amount of creatine that was claimed to be on the label. In fact, one brand had none whatsoever. So you’re basically just buying expensive lollies.

Creatine Powder Gets My Vote For Now

The science remains clear: traditional creatine monohydrate powder is still the gold standard. It's cost-effective, stable, reliable and backed by decades of research. You can measure it precisely, ensuring you're getting exactly what you need for optimal performance.

Until gummy manufacturers can prove their products deliver consistent, stable doses of creatine (with transparent testing to back it up), your best bet is sticking with proven powder forms and saving your money. 

NOW testing: Testing programme identifies creatine gummy failings

Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with my 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery

WORK WITH TARYN HERE

SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE

CONNECT WITH TARYN

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy® is a podcast by Dietitian Approved®. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nailing your training but can't shift those stubborn kilos? Maybe you’re battling gut issues despite a dialled-in nutrition plan or even dragging yourself through sessions after a solid 8 hours sleep. 

If this sounds all too familiar, it might be that your thyroid has been flying under the radar.

As a sports dietitian, I'm seeing more triathletes pushing through these warning signs – constant fatigue, resistant weight, bloating, and mysterious gut problems – not realising there's a tiny butterfly-shaped gland in their neck calling the shots. 

Thyroid health isn’t my area of specialty so today I’m joined by Registered Dietitian and Functional Practitioner, Alisha Knicely, to talk about about how this powerful gland affects everything from your race-day performance to your Monday morning motivation.

Diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid disease in 2017, Alisha’s drive to understand what was happening in her body was a turning point in her career. She now specialises in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism and helps her clients to reverse the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. 

The Performance Powerhouse You're Overlooking

Your thyroid is your body's metabolic control centre. It regulates your heart rate, energy levels, and even how quickly you bounce back from those brutal brick sessions. For triathletes pushing their bodies to the limit, optimal thyroid function isn't just helpful – it's essential.

The Nutrient Trifecta

Want your thyroid firing on all cylinders? You need three key players: iodine, selenium, and zinc. But here's the catch – more isn't always better. Like race-day nutrition, it's about getting the balance right. Strategic food choices like seafood, organ meats, and nuts can deliver these nutrients without the risks of over-supplementation.

Red Flags You Can't Ignore

If you're experiencing:

- Unexplained fatigue despite proper rest

- Stubborn weight changes

- Slower recovery between sessions

- Mood swings affecting your training drive

It's time for a proper thyroid assessment. Don't guess – get tested. A comprehensive blood panel including TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies will tell you exactly where you stand.

The Overtraining Connection

Think you can push through anything? Think again. Excessive training without proper recovery can throw your thyroid into chaos. Those sleepless nights and persistent fatigue aren't badges of honour – they're warnings that your body needs a different approach.

Your Action Plan for Optimal Thyroid Function

1. Fuel Smart: Focus on nutrient-dense whole foods that support thyroid function
2. Guard Your Gut: Your thyroid depends on proper nutrient absorption
3. Manage Stress: Yes, that includes training stress – more isn't always better

Beyond the Basics

Living with a thyroid condition doesn't mean hanging up your tri suit. Whether you're managing Hashimoto's or just optimising your performance, it's about working with your body, not against it. Regular monitoring and professional guidance can keep you racing strong.

LINKS:

Alisha Knicely Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisha_thyroid_rd/

Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

Website: www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved  @triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever wake up feeling shattered but you just make yourself train hard anyway?

I know it sounds like the thing you should do, but is that actually the best thing for your recovery, your performance and ultimately, your body?

As triathletes, we’re masters at tracking watts, pace, and heart rate but there's another metric that could revolutionise your training decisions. Enter Heart Rate Variability (HRV) – your body's daily report card on recovery and readiness. 

Today I'm getting nerdy with Daniel Roland from HRV4Training to learn how tracking your HRV can help you get the most out of your training sessions, understand your recovery and avoid burnout. And all it takes is one minute every morning.

What's HRV and Why Should You Care?

Think of HRV as your body's daily stress barometer. It measures the variation between your heartbeats, giving you a window into your nervous system's state. Low HRV? Your body's in fight-or-flight mode. High HRV? You're recovering well and ready to tackle those key sessions. For triathletes juggling three sports and the demands of life, this is the kind of data you want to know.

The HRV4Training App

The HRV4Training app turns your smartphone into a sophisticated recovery monitoring device. Created by computer scientist Marco Altini, you don’t need any expensive or annoying gadgets – just your phone's camera and your finger for a 60-second morning check.

The Science Behind Smarter Training

Research shows athletes who adjust their training based on HRV perform better, even when doing fewer intense sessions. Think about that – better results with more strategic, not necessarily more, training. It's about training smarter, not harder.

How to measure your HRV

Consistency is key here and by measuring at the same time each morning, you’ll get a baseline of your individual scores so you can understand when your body is in a state of stress. Unlike other apps that present HRV data with an unknown algorithmic value, HRV4Training gives you raw data so you can understand how variabilities such as training sessions, sleep, nutrition, alcohol, menstrual cycles and life stressors impact your body.

Daniel explains how the app's tracking features help you connect the dots between your lifestyle choices and recovery capacity. It's like having a personal performance detective.

While HRV isn't a strict training dictator, it's an objective adviser when you're unsure about whether you should push through or perhaps back off a little. Think of it as your body's early warning system.

Your Investment in Smarter Training

For less than the cost of a new race belt, HRV4Training gives you ongoing insights into your recovery status. Available on iOS and Android, it's a one-time purchase that could save you a lot of guesswork and help you train smarter and recover faster.

I've personally been experimenting with HRV for training myself lately and I love it how it provides that real time insight into my recovery, my training readiness, and the quality of my sleep the night before. 

And no, this isn’t a paid partnership. I bought the app out of my own pocket and I’m not getting any kickbacks! But I sure am excited to bring this conversation to you to help you unlock another level of performance. Let’s go!

LINKS:

To learn more about HRV4Training 

Website: https://www.hrv4training.com/

Download the app

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hrv4training/id686923970?ls=1

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asma.hrv4training 

Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

Website: www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved  @triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think your challenges are holding you back from triathlon? 

Meet Aditya Mehta from Mumbai, India, a 35 year old endurance athlete who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4. Despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he learned how to swim freestyle at 32 years old. 

He has since gone on to complete triathlons worldwide. 

His story isn't just inspiring – it's a masterclass in turning limitations into stepping stones for success. And it all started with watching a half marathon in Mumbai.

From Spectator to Game-Changer

In 2015, Aditya stood on the sidelines of the Standard Chartered half marathon, not knowing that moment would transform his life. With zero running experience and epilepsy as his constant companion, Aditya has since completed multiple 10Ks, marathons, and even a 50k ultra. But he wasn't done yet.

Breaking Through the "Impossible"

In 2019, Aditya added cycling to his repertoire and, despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he quite literally took the plunge and learned to swim freestyle in 2022 at 32 years old, adding the final piece to his triathlon puzzle. 

For Aditya, this wasn't just about completing a race – it was about seeing how far he could challenge his body and shattering preconceptions about what is possible with epilepsy.

The Nutrition Game-Changer

With the support of his family, swimming coach and doctors, Aditya continued to train but knew he needed a nutrition strategy as unique as his situation. Joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy has given him the personalised approach to help him fuel his ambitious goals.

No more guesswork, no more generic plans – just precise, targeted fuelling strategies that support both his epilepsy and his performance goals. The result? He's now preparing for a Half Ironman in Estonia with a sub-six-hour target in his sights.

Beyond Personal Victory

Aditya isn't just changing the game for himself – he's reshaping how the world views athletes with epilepsy. Through citywide events and advocacy, he's building a community that turns "you can't" into "watch me." His message is clear: with the right support and strategy, your supposed limitations can become your greatest strengths.

If you have challenges that you think are too big, Aditya reminds us that limitations are only set in our minds. Once you let them go, anything is possible.

LINKS:

Aditya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythmic.runner/

Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

Website: www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved  @triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I’m chatting with Jo Hurley, mum of 4, Award-Winning Businesswoman and determined triathlete, who started her triathlon journey completely winging her nutrition. 

You wouldn't show up to a race without training. You wouldn't tackle an Ironman without a pacing strategy. So why are you still winging it with your nutrition? 

I see it so often - talented triathletes meticulously tracking every training metric while completely guessing their way through fuelling. They take supplements they think they need and fuel their bodies based on nutrition plans that haven't been developed for their specific bodies.

After decades of working hard and smart in business, Jo found herself in early retirement with the schedule most triathletes dream of - the ability to train like a pro. But even with a solid commitment to training and a rock strong mindset, a major piece of the puzzle was missing: The right nutrition plan.

Jo shares why her haphazard approach to fuelling was detrimental to her training and her longevity goals and how joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy (TNA) to learn about proper fuelling has taken her to the next level in training, recovery and performance.

A solid nutrition plan to fuel your body

As a highly successful accountant in the self managed super fund industry, Jo knew the importance of strategic planning in business. But when it came to fuelling her triathlon journey, she had no idea what she was doing. Despite her natural athleticism, her quarterly DEXA scans were showing an increase in visceral fat levels, courtesy of a high fat, low-carb diet that simply wasn't serving her training needs.

Like many triathletes I work with, Jo discovered that copying nutrition advice from others – particularly male training partners – was a fast track to underperformance. What worked for the 90kg male smashing his ironman training simply wasn't right for her body and her goals. 

Underfuelling and lack of recovery

Joining TNA marked a pivotal shift in Jo's approach. Her biggest breakthrough? Understanding that under-fuelling wasn't just affecting her performance – it was impacting her health. The right nutrition strategy isn't about restriction; it's about strategic fuelling for both training demands and overall wellbeing.

Reflecting back on the early days of her triathlon journey and the mistakes she made with her fuelling and recovery, Jo is a huge advocate for building a nutrition strategy as early in your triathlon journey as possible. 

Now, armed with the knowledge she has gained in just phase one of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy program, Jo is throwing herself into local and international events with newfound confidence and energy. 

She just completed  Geelong 70.3 and has one of the fullest race calendars I’ve ever seen. With her strategic nutrition plan in place and the incredible support from the TNA community, I can’t wait to see where Jo’s triathlon journey takes her.

LINKS:

Jo Hurley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johurley_/

Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

Website: www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved  @triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to hit your training targets—even though you're doing all the "right" things?

Your gear is dialled in. You’re ticking off sessions and watching those green boxes stack up in TrainingPeaks. But deep down, you’re wrecked. Tired all the time. Sore for days. Motivation? Slipping fast.

Or maybe you're trying to shortcut your way to better performance with every new gel, bar and supplement on the market—still waiting for something to actually work.

Here’s the thing: most triathletes don’t have a clear, strategic nutrition plan. But once you start fuelling with purpose? Everything changes.

You train harder. You recover faster. And you finally start performing at the level you’re capable of.

In this episode, I’m breaking down five key signs your nutrition is holding you back—and exactly what to do about it. Let’s fix it.

LINKS:

Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

Website: www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved  @triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved

The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picture this: you're a dedicated triathlete, passionate about your sport and you’ve got a chronic condition that complicates every step of your training. 

My guest today is Tony Hampton and I’ll admit, he joined Triathlon Nutrition Academy (TNA) doubting whether I could help him at all. Spoiler alert - I did.

After navigating the complexities of Type 2 diabetes for over 25 years, Tony had tried everything to lose weight and get his blood sugar under control. He experimented with all sorts of diets and training regimens, but inevitably kept crashing when he hit the 2 hour mark.

Since working together in TNA, Tony’s results have been outstanding and in this conversation, we talk about his journey to weight loss, blood sugar control and what he’s learned about fuelling his body properly as a triathlete with type 2 diabetes. 

Don’t Be Scared of Carbohydrates

One of the most significant shifts in Tony’s nutrition strategy was his approach to carbohydrates. Previously, he adopted a low-carb diet out of fear it would spike his blood sugar levels—a common misconception for those managing diabetes. Thankfully, Tony has now learned to view carbs as a necessary component of his fuelling strategy, particularly for endurance events.

Where he once consumed a mere 60 grams of carbohydrates for an entire 70.3 event, he now comfortably takes in 60 carbs per hour during his races. This dramatic change is bolstered by his use of a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), helping him monitor and understand his body's responses in real-time.

Rising to the Challenge with Community Support

Tony is a pretty stubborn guy - he’ll admit it himself. And knowing he was determined to continue racing for as long as possible, I set him a race day weight challenge. Tony reflects on his experience during the challenge, the incredible support he received from his TNA cohort and the incredible results he saw, particularly in the loss of visceral fat.

Advice for Fellow Diabetics in Endurance Sports

No challenge is insurmountable with the right tools and knowledge and Tony’s advice to fellow triathletes grappling with diabetes is simple: don’t shy away from carbs. Learning to fuel properly—with the understanding that elevated glucose levels during intense exertion may be part of an effective strategy—is key.

There isn’t a whole lot of information out there for diabetics who want to participate in endurance sports. So, for any athlete dealing with diabetes out there, Tony's message is clear: don’t be afraid to explore, adapt, and fuel your body for success. Your journey could inspire not only your next personal best but also provide a roadmap for others facing similar challenges.

LINKS:

Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy 

Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

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