Triathlon Nutrition Academy

What actually happens when you stop winging your nutrition and start doing it properly? In this episode, I’m joined by three brand new Triathlon Nutrition Academy athletes who are right at the beginning of their journey and still remember exactly what it felt like on the outside looking in. From sitting on the fence for months (or years), to finally taking the leap, they share the honest truth about what held them back, what surprised them most and the changes they’ve already noticed in just a few short weeks. If you’ve ever thought “my nutrition is probably fine” or quietly closed the tab when looking at getting help, this conversation is for you. Meet the athletes: Jade Collins – Busy mum from WA, juggling Ironman training, work and family life Curtis Yanish – Age group triathlete from Texas who spent years underfuelled and hangry Stephen Sutherland – 71-year-old athlete with 30 years of racing experience, finally dialling in nutrition In this episode, we cover: Why so many triathletes “wing it” with nutrition (even after years in the sport) The real reason athletes delay investing in their nutrition How underfuelling shows up in training, racing and daily life The biggest early wins from improving nutrition (within weeks, not months) Why recovery nutrition is the missing piece for most triathletes How better fuelling = more energy, faster recovery and better performance The concept of “free speed” through nutrition Common mistakes like fasted training, skipping pre-session fuel and delaying recovery What surprised these athletes most once they joined TNA Why nutrition is not an optional extra in triathlon Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet the athletes and their backgrounds 03:40 – Why a 30-year triathlete finally focused on nutrition 05:20 – Sitting on the sidelines and the “secret bank account” 07:00 – Constant bonking, low energy and underfuelling 12:30 – Finding time for nutrition (even with a busy life) 14:10 – Nutrition as “free speed” 17:20 – Biggest surprises after joining TNA 18:00 – Underfuelled training and calorie misconceptions 19:00 – The importance of recovery nutrition 21:10 – Changes implemented straight away 23:00 – From reactive to proactive fuelling 28:00 – What they’re most excited to learn next 31:50 – Advice for triathletes sitting on the fence 42:00 – Why waiting costs more than starting Key takeaways: You can’t out-train poor nutrition Eating enough carbohydrates is critical for performance Recovery starts immediately after training, not hours later Fuelling properly improves both performance and daily life Nutrition is the fourth leg of triathlon Ready to stop winging it? If you’re tired of guessing your nutrition, bonking mid-session or feeling wrecked after training, it’s time to get a plan. Head to dietitianapproved.com/academy and get on the waitlist for the next intake. Because nutrition isn’t an optional extra. It’s the piece that holds everything together. Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

Are you doing everything “right”… but still feeling exhausted? If you’re a triathlete who’s training consistently, eating “clean” and still hitting the wall by the end of the week, this episode will hit close to home. In this powerful athlete case study, Taryn sits down with TNA athlete Julia Burgess to unpack the real reason she was constantly tired, struggling with gut issues and underperforming… despite thinking she had her nutrition dialled in. Spoiler: eating clean was actually part of the problem. In this episode, we cover: Why “clean eating” can sabotage endurance performance The common high fibre fuelling mistake causing GI issues on long sessions What low energy availability actually looks like in real life Why salads and “healthy foods” aren’t enough for triathletes The importance of fuel timing and periodisation How to fuel properly before, during and after training Managing gluten-free and dairy-free diets without compromising performance The impact of cross-contamination for coeliac athletes How to build a simple, repeatable nutrition system that actually works Why you shouldn’t rely on race course nutrition How Julia went from exhausted and flat… to training strong and racing confidently Key takeaways: Eating clean doesn’t equal fuelling properly You can’t train for a 90km ride on a banana and a piece of toast High fibre foods before sessions = gut bomb waiting to happen Nutrition needs structure, not guesswork Small, consistent changes compound into massive performance gains Timestamps: 00:00 – Julia’s struggle with food intolerances and “clean eating” 04:00 – Why she felt constantly exhausted despite training well 07:00 – The biggest nutrition mistakes holding her back 10:00 – Fixing gut issues and fuelling for performance 14:00 – Making your own gels and becoming self-sufficient 18:00 – Discovering underlying health issues through proper testing 22:00 – Simple strategies to systemise your nutrition 27:00 – Final advice for tired, frustrated triathletes Loved this episode? If you’re sick of feeling tired, underfuelled and stuck guessing what to eat… it’s time to stop winging it. Inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, you’ll learn exactly how to fuel your training, fix your energy levels and perform at your best without the confusion. Register your interest now here. Links & Resources: Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Grab your free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist Learn more about blood tests for triathletes Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your triathlon performance with your nutrition? In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the 7 biggest nutrition mistakes triathletes are making in 2026 and why they’re holding you back from training hard, recovering properly and performing on race day. Some of these mistakes have been around for years, but there are a few new ones creeping in, especially with the rise of AI and tracking apps. If you’ve ever felt flat in sessions, struggled with gut issues or wondered why your race day doesn’t reflect your training, this episode is a must-listen.  What you’ll learn: Why AI-generated nutrition plans can do more harm than good (and how to use them properly) The problem with macro tracking apps that ignore the bigger picture Why copying pro athletes is a fast track to frustration How leaving nutrition until race season is costing you performance The importance of fuelling for the work required instead of eating the same every day Why you need to train your gut like you train your body The real reason investing in your nutrition education changes everything Nutrition isn’t the last piece of the puzzle, it’s the piece that holds everything together.If you’re not fuelling properly, you’re leaving performance on the table no matter how good your training plan is. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: What’s changed in triathlon nutrition in 2026 01:50 - Mistake #1: Blindly following AI-generated plans 04:50 - Mistake #2: Relying on macro tracking apps without context 10:10 - Mistake #3: Copying what the pros do 13:20 - Mistake #4: Leaving nutrition until race season 15:50 - Mistake #5: Eating the same every day 18:20 - Mistake #6: Not training your gut for race day 20:30 - Mistake #7: Trying to figure it all out on your own  Links & Resources: Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy waitlist: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy Listen to Episode 224: The Problem with Outsourcing Your Nutrition to AI Grab your free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist Ready to take action? If you saw yourself in any of these mistakes, that’s your sign to do something about it. The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is opening soon. This is your chance to stop guessing, start fuelling properly and finally unlock your performance.  Get on the waitlist now: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

Why you’re still struggling with your nutrition (and what to do about it) You’re training consistently, trying to eat well and doing all the “right” things… so why do you still feel exhausted, hungry and stuck? If you feel like your nutrition isn’t matching your effort, this episode will help you understand exactly why and more importantly, what to do about it. Because here’s the truth… it’s not that you need to try harder. You need a better approach. In this episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson breaks down the most common reasons triathletes struggle with nutrition, even when they’re putting in the work and how to finally start seeing results from your training. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why doing “all the right things” still isn’t getting you results The biggest mistake triathletes make focusing on the wrong nutrition priorities How inconsistency is quietly sabotaging your energy, recovery and performance Why you need a structured nutrition system (not random tips from everywhere) The problem with “winging it” and how it leads to constant second guessing What actually matters for endurance performance and long term progress Key takeaways: You can’t out-train a poor nutrition strategy Your body adapts to what you do consistently, not occasionally The basics done well will always outperform the fancy stuff A clear system removes the mental load and creates better results Chapters: 00:00 – Do you feel like you’re doing everything right but still struggling? 01:00 – Why the issue isn’t effort, it’s your approach 03:00 – The trap of focusing on supplements and small details 04:00 – The “big rocks” that actually drive performance 05:00 – How inconsistency is holding you back 06:20 – Why your body needs consistency to adapt 07:00 – The missing piece: a structured nutrition system 08:00 – Why winging it leads to frustration and confusion 09:00 – What proper triathlon nutrition actually involves 10:50 – How to take action without overwhelming yourself 11:40 – Your next step to start making progress Ready to stop winging it with your nutrition? If you’re tired of second guessing what to eat, feeling flat in sessions and not seeing results from your training, it’s time to take a more structured approach. Inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, you’ll learn exactly how to fuel for performance with a clear, evidence-based system that evolves with your training. 👉 Register your interest now: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

What if one of the biggest factors affecting your energy, recovery and long-term health wasn’t your training or nutrition… but the light you’re exposed to every day? Most triathletes spend hours dialling in their fuelling, sessions and recovery protocols. But modern life has quietly changed something fundamental to human biology. We now spend around 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that is very different to the sunlight our bodies evolved with. In this fascinating episode, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson sits down with Professor Glen Jeffery, a neuroscientist from University College London and one of the world’s leading researchers on how different wavelengths of light influence our biology. Professor Jeffery explains how light interacts directly with your mitochondria, the tiny energy factories inside your cells. And why certain types of light may influence everything from energy production and inflammation to recovery, metabolism and ageing. You’ll also hear why athletes might be using red and infrared light the wrong way, and why the biggest benefits could actually come after hard training sessions rather than before. If you’ve been curious about red light therapy devices or wondering whether they’re worth the investment, this episode will help you separate real science from marketing hype. And if you want the full deep dive specifically for athletes, check out the brand new Red Light Therapy Masterclass here: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy In This Episode We Discuss Why light is far more than just something that helps us see The surprising role of mitochondria in responding to light exposure How modern LED lighting may be quietly impacting metabolism and health The difference between short wavelength light vs long wavelength light Why sunlight contains critical wavelengths most indoor lighting lacks The link between light exposure, inflammation and blood glucose regulation Whether red light therapy can actually improve athletic performance Why athletes may benefit more from post-training light exposure for recovery The problem with many expensive red light therapy devices Simple, low-cost ways to improve your daily light environment Key Takeaways for Triathletes Mitochondria respond directly to certain wavelengths of light, influencing energy production. Long wavelength light (including infrared) may help reduce inflammation and support cellular recovery. Athletes are already highly efficient metabolically, so red light therapy may have limited benefits before exercise. The biggest opportunity may be after hard sessions, when mitochondria are stressed and recovery is needed. Many commercial red light devices deliver far more energy than necessary, meaning more is definitely not better. About the Guest Professor Glen Jeffery, PhDProfessor Glen Jeffery is a neuroscientist at University College London and a leading expert on how different wavelengths of light affect cellular health and biological function. Chapters: 00:00 – The surprising role of light in human health03:00 – The spectrum of sunlight explained05:00 – Why mitochondria are the key to energy production08:00 – The problem with modern LED lighting11:00 – How indoor environments may influence metabolism and inflammation16:00 – The benefits of long wavelength light20:00 – Can red light therapy improve recovery and health?21:00 – Simple ways to improve your light environment29:00 – The explosion of red light therapy devices30:00 – Why athletes may not benefit before exercise32:00 – Where red light may actually help athletes recover faster35:00 – Practical advice for athletes experimenting with red light therapy37:00 – The potential risks of overusing red light devices If today’s episode sparked your curiosity about how light impacts recovery and performance, dive deeper with the Red Light Therapy Masterclass for Athletes here:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/redlighttherapy Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

What happens when someone with zero athletic background decides to completely change their life… and accidentally signs up for an Ironman four months later? In this episode of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Podcast, Advanced Sports Dietitian Taryn Richardson sits down with Triathlon Nutrition Academy athlete Chris Tubbs to unpack his incredible journey from couch potato to multiple Ironman finisher. Chris started triathlon at 48 years old, while travelling 60% of the time for work in the biotech industry. Early on, things didn’t go to plan. Despite doing the training, races were ending in DNFs, cramping, nausea and serious frustration. The surprising part? Fitness wasn’t the problem. Through this conversation, Chris shares how dialling in his nutrition and hydration completely changed his ability to train, race and actually finish events. From ditching an expensive supplement habit to discovering he loses more than 2 litres of sweat per hour, this episode highlights just how powerful personalised nutrition can be for endurance performance. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, learning from mistakes and why it’s never too late to start something big. In This Episode We Discuss How Chris went from “championship potato chip eater” to Ironman athlete The moment that sparked his decision to completely change his lifestyle Accidentally signing up for an Ironman just four months into triathlon Why he kept experiencing DNFs, cramping and poor race performances The surprising truth about supplements vs nutrition foundations How he saved hundreds of dollars a month by ditching unnecessary supplements Discovering his extremely high sweat rate of over 2L per hour Why hydration, not carbs, was the missing piece of his race-day puzzle The challenges of fuelling properly while travelling constantly for work How personalised nutrition strategies helped him finally finish races feeling strong The mindset shift that kept him pushing forward through setbacks Why it’s faster and far more effective to get expert help rather than trying to figure it all out alone Key Takeaway You can be incredibly fit, train hard and still struggle on race day if your nutrition and hydration aren’t dialled in. Chris is proof that when you stop guessing and start fuelling strategically, everything changes. Chapters 01:10 The photo that changed everything03:00 From couch potato to triathlon at 4806:10 Accidentally signing up for an Ironman09:00 Why his early races kept falling apart12:30 The supplement mistake many triathletes make16:00 Discovering a massive sweat rate19:30 Hydration vs carbs for endurance performance23:10 Learning to fuel properly while travelling27:00 Racing in heat vs cold conditions30:30 The mindset shift that changed everything34:00 Why getting expert help speeds up progress37:00 Chris’ future triathlon goals Links & Resources Learn more about the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Program Listen to Episode 101: How much money triathletes waste on supplements Connect with Chris on Instagram@iron_clydesdale Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

Trying to lean up but your FTP keeps tanking? If every time you try to “eat less” your watts drop, your legs feel flat and your sessions turn into survival mode… this episode is for you. In this week’s podcast, I’m breaking down how to lose body fat strategically without compromising performance. Because you don’t get faster by shrinking yourself. You get faster by building a strong engine and fuelling it properly. Inside this episode, I walk you through: Why slashing carbs across the board is one of the biggest mistakes triathletes make How to fuel threshold, VO2, long bricks and key sessions properly without blowing your fat loss goals What carbohydrate periodisation actually looks like in a real training week Why protecting muscle mass is critical for both metabolism and power output How small, boring calorie deficits beat aggressive six week shreds every time A real athlete case study of a masters triathlete who lost 45 pounds while improving her FTP and keeping it off long term This is the difference between dieting and performance nutrition. Dieting just shrinks you. Strategic fuelling supports your training, your recovery and your long term triathlon career. If you’re training for three sports, juggling work and family and still trying to create a massive calorie deficit on top of that, you’re setting yourself up to underfuel and underperform. You don’t need to eat less. You need to eat smarter. Chapters: 00:00 Why your FTP drops when you try to lose weight01:05 The biggest mistake triathletes make when dieting02:40 Why cutting carbs hurts performance04:15 Can you lose fat and maintain power?05:30 Real athlete case study: 45 pounds down, FTP up08:00 Fuel the sessions that matter10:00 How to periodise carbohydrates properly12:00 Protecting muscle mass and metabolism14:00 Why your calorie deficit should be small16:00 How to lean up without losing watts17:30 What to do next Links & Resources Mentioned Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart CourseStep-by-step guidance to build your performance plate, pre-training fuel, during-training targets and recovery plan. Triathlon Nutrition Academy ProgramOngoing coaching, support and accountability inside our comprehensive group program. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start fuelling like a performance-driven triathlete, this episode is your starting point. Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

Training hard but still feeling flat, constantly hungry or stuck at a performance plateau? If you dropped into my world tomorrow as a triathlete, there are four things I would fix immediately. And no, it’s not your supplements, your race day gel strategy or your power to weight ratio. In this episode, I break down the four big rocks of triathlon nutrition that almost every age group triathlete gets wrong. These are the foundations that make everything else work. Before you worry about fancy fuelling strategies, you need to get these right. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why recovery is more than just a protein shake and how to refuel properly after key sessions How to fuel before training, especially early morning sessions, without feeling heavy or sluggish What a true “triathlete’s plate” looks like on a double session Tuesday How to fuel during long rides, long runs and bricks without underdoing it or overdoing it Why inconsistent nutrition leads to cravings, poor sleep and stalled body composition How to stop DIY-ing your nutrition with piecemeal advice and build a structured weekly plan Most triathletes love structure in their training but completely wing their nutrition. They copy what their mates are doing, grab tips from Instagram and end up with inconsistent carbs, random recovery and underfuelled long sessions. Chapters: 00:00 - Training hard but still underperforming?01:20 - Why most triathletes DIY their nutrition04:10 - The 4 foundations that actually matter06:15 - Fix #1: Recovery nutrition done properly09:10 - Fix #2: Pre-training fuel, especially mornings12:30 - Fix #3: Building your triathlete performance plate16:55 - Fix #4: During-training carbs and sodium strategy21:40 - What happens when you nail the fundamentals24:30 - Stop jumping to advanced strategies26:00 - How to get structured support When you nail these four fundamentals: Your energy stabilises across the week Your session quality lifts almost immediately Cravings and snack-cidents reduce Recovery improves and sleep gets better Body composition goals become easier to achieve You build consistency and longevity in the sport These aren’t sexy strategies. They’re the foundations. And they change everything. Links & Resources Mentioned Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart CourseStep-by-step guidance to build your performance plate, pre-training fuel, during-training targets and recovery plan. Triathlon Nutrition Academy ProgramOngoing coaching, support and accountability inside our comprehensive group program. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start fuelling like a performance-driven triathlete, this episode is your starting point. Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

Ironman has changed its on-course hydration globally. Sounds simple. It’s not. All Ironman-branded events have now moved to PH1000 for hydration and Maurten for carbohydrate fuelling, separating fluids and carbs completely. If you’ve relied on sports drink to do both jobs, this shift has major implications for your race nutrition plan. In this solo episode, I break down exactly what’s changed, how much sodium you’re actually getting per bottle and how to decide whether this setup works for your individual sweat rate, sodium losses and fuelling preferences. Because hydration and sodium are never one-size-fits-all. And winging it at 70.3 or full distance is how you end up walking the marathon. Chapters & Highlights: 00:00 - Why this Ironman change matters02:15 - What’s actually changed on course05:30 - PH1000 explained: sodium without carbs08:10 - How to calculate sodium per bottle11:45 - Will this setup work for you?14:20 - What if you prefer to drink your carbs?16:00 - Why practising in training is non-negotiable18:00 - How to build a race plan that actually works Key Takeaways: PH1000 provides 1000mg sodium per litre and zero carbohydrate Carbohydrates now come separately via Maurten gels and solids Your sweat rate and sodium losses determine whether this works for you You may need to be more self-sufficient on race day Testing your full race setup in training is essential Hydration isn’t about what’s on course. It’s about knowing your body and executing with confidence. If you want help building a personalised race nutrition plan: Register your interest for the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Or start with the Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart Course And if you’re not sure where your current plan stands, download the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist Other Links & Resources Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

What does it take to go from a promising junior to a world champion triathlete? In this episode, I sit down with Aussie triathlete and 2025 World Champion Matt Hauser for a real, behind-the-scenes chat about his training load, nutrition evolution and what’s driven his rise to the top of the world triathlon stage. Matt shares what his day-to-day looks like, how his mindset and fuelling approach have shifted over time, and the routines that support peak performance. Whether you're an age-grouper trying to balance work and training, or just keen to hear what it takes to compete at the highest level, this episode is packed with golden takeaways.  Here’s what we cover: ⏱️ [00:00] Welcome and intro to Matt⏱️ [01:08] Career highlights: From Junior World Champ to World #1⏱️ [03:00] What it means to win on home soil⏱️ [05:00] A typical training week: 30 hours of triathlon training⏱️ [08:28] Daily routine: early starts, fuelling strategies & coffee orders⏱️ [13:00] The role of gym strength in elite triathlon⏱️ [15:27] Cramping: The strength connection⏱️ [17:18] Matt’s fuelling evolution - from mayo subs to plain rice⏱️ [21:00] The realities of early-career athlete life⏱️ [24:44] Mental resilience, setbacks and chasing progress⏱️ [27:00] Transitioning from raw talent to strategic athlete⏱️ [29:29] Building an identity outside of sport⏱️ [31:38] What’s next: Going back-to-back, Olympic goals & short course focus⏱️ [35:00] Will Matt ever go long course? His take on 70.3 and Ironman⏱️ [37:45] The future of triathlon and Matt’s legacy If you’re ready to take your nutrition (and racing) to the next level, don’t just wing it. Start with the Triathlon Nutrition Checklist and get clear on what you need to work on today. Links & Resources 🎙 Listen to the Episode that proves Results (EP 227) 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing: Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

What do a rookie, a masters athlete and a seasoned racer all have in common?  They nailed their nutrition strategy - and the results speak for themselves. In this episode, Taryn sits down with three very different athletes from the Triathlon Nutrition Academy - Jo, Kelly and Erin - to unpack the surprising impact of getting their fuelling right. Each had their own goals, challenges and training loads, but all saw game-changing results after implementing the same evidence-based framework. If you’ve ever wondered whether nutrition could be your missing link, this episode will show you what’s possible when you get it right. Timestamps & Highlights 00:00 – Intro: The effort gap between training and fuelling01:35 – Meet Jo, Kelly & Erin: Different athletes, same frustration06:00 – Why nutrition felt confusing (and what they used to get wrong)14:00 – The turning point: How each athlete transformed their approach22:00 – The race-day difference: Confidence, control and results37:00 – Real-world results: Massive time gains, body comp shifts & more51:00 – Advice for triathletes: When (and why) to start focusing on nutrition58:00 – Final takeaways: What they'd tell their pre-TNA selves Key Takeaways Why fasted training, bonking and confusing advice were holding them back How a repeatable fuelling strategy boosted their performance and recovery The underrated power of recovery nutrition (yep, everyone was doing it wrong) The value of education: apps are fine, but understanding is power Massive PBs, sustained weight loss, strength gains and podium finishes Links & Resources 🎧 Want to feel confident in your nutrition like Jo, Kelly and Erin?Join the next Triathlon Nutrition Academy intake at dietitianapproved.com/academy 🎙 Listen to the Episode that proves Results (EP 226) 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing: Download the FREE audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day 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.

How a Full-Time ER Doctor Shaved 65 Minutes Off His Ironman PB 🎧 “You don’t have to sacrifice your health or performance when life gets busy - if you get your nutrition right.” In this episode, I’m joined by TNA alum and emergency room physician, Edward Walsh, who proves that even the busiest triathletes can thrive when they fuel smart. Despite working irregular hours in one of the most demanding medical fields, Edward has dropped 12kg, avoided injury, and slashed 65 minutes off his Ironman time, finishing Ironman Maryland in 11:28. He backed it up with a 5-hour 70.3 at Wilmington just weeks later. We dive into: How Edward manages long course triathlon training around 12-hour night shifts The game-changing fuelling strategies that helped him stop bonking, drop body fat and set PBs His biggest mistakes before joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy - and what he does differently now Why recovery nutrition was the turning point for performance and body composition The nerdy fuelling tactics he now teaches his own patients Whether you're juggling a chaotic schedule or struggling to match your effort with results, this episode is for you. ⏱ Timestamps:0:00 – Meet Ed: Emergency doc, triathlete, time juggler6:30 – From walk-run 5K to Ironman finisher10:00 – Pre-TNA nutrition mistakes (bonking, weight gain, low energy)13:40 – The mindset shift: from dieting to fuelling16:30 – Race results unlocked by fuelling properly20:30 – Practical fuelling hacks: from recovery meals to bottles on the bike26:00 – How he fits TNA around a crazy schedule32:00 – The culture shift: preaching nutrition in the ER36:30 – Ed’s advice for other busy triathletes Links & Resources Triathlon Nutrition Checklist 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Are you outsourcing your nutrition to an app or ChatGPT and hoping it just works? Here’s why that could be a massive mistake... In this episode, I unpack the shiny trap of using AI tools and nutrition apps to guide your fuelling strategy. Sure, they’re convenient, look polished and promise quick wins – but are they really working for you? Triathletes aren’t 80% people – and near enough with nutrition just doesn’t cut it when you’re training for three sports. If you’ve ever second guessed whether your plan is right or felt unsure when your energy’s low or recovery is off – this episode is for you. Learn how to stop blindly following what an app tells you to eat and start building true confidence in your nutrition. In this episode, I cover: ⏱ 00:00 – Why this episode might make you uncomfortable (and that’s a good thing!)⏱ 01:20 – Where AI and apps get you halfway – and where they fall short⏱ 02:50 – The human factor AI can’t replicate: sleep, stress, life⏱ 04:00 – What real confidence in your nutrition actually looks like⏱ 09:20 – A real athlete case study: when a flashy AI plan under-fuelled a seasoned triathlete⏱ 13:40 – The danger of normalising under-fuelling and feeling flat⏱ 17:30 – Why education, not automation, is the real game-changer⏱ 19:45 – How to use AI as a tool – not a crutch⏱ 22:00 – The real reason the Triathlon Nutrition Academy exists Want to stop second guessing your nutrition? Register your interest for the next Triathlon Nutrition Academy intake and finally get 100% confident in how to fuel properly for three sports: dietitianapproved.com/academy Links & Resources 🎙 Listen to the N=1 Episode (EP 222) 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing: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 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.

What happens when you throw yourself head-first into triathlon, sign up for an Ironman with zero experience and try to DIY your nutrition along the way? Meet Daniel Walker – ex-MMA fighter, all-in endurance newbie and now a proud Triathlon Nutrition Academy grad. In this episode, Dan shares his wild ride from couch to Ironman Cairns in just five months, why under-fuelling nearly derailed everything, and how getting expert help changed not just his racing, but his entire approach to nutrition. In this episode, we cover: Why training hard isn't enough – Dan’s story From cricket to MMA to triathlon: a sport switch with serious consequences The midlife moment that sparked an Ironman entry Misconceptions around fuelling for endurance The trap of carb-phobia and why it backfired How recovery nutrition flipped everything on its head Gut bombs, gels and race day fails: lessons from Ironman Cairns Fat loss vs performance: what Dan really learned The value of weekly Power Hour check-ins What data tells us about doing an Ironman too soon Dan’s advice for all-in athletes chasing big goals What’s next: Kona dreams and 70.3 focus If you're a Type A, data-loving, all-in kind of triathlete who's sick of guessing with your nutrition, this one's for you. Links & Resources Triathlon Nutrition Checklist 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Still copying someone else’s nutrition plan and hoping it works for you? It’s time to stop guessing. In this episode, I break down the concept of N=1 — why your nutrition plan should be as individual as your training schedule, sweat rate, gut tolerance and race goals. If you’ve ever grabbed advice from the pros, copied your training buddy’s fuelling strategy or winged it on race day, this episode will help you understand why personalisation is the key to unlocking your next PB. You'll learn: Why N=1 is the only way to approach your nutrition as a triathlete The four areas that must be customised for success: hydration, fuelling, race plan and daily nutrition Real-life athlete stories that show the power of a tailored strategy How generic advice can backfire — and what to do instead Why having the knowledge to adapt your plan is a competitive advantage   Links & Resources Triathlon Nutrition Checklist 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your race goals collide with toddlers, ER visits, and zero sleep? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Joseph – a busy triathlete, full-time professional and dad of three – who managed to pull off a massive 45-minute PB at his 70.3, despite life being a total circus. From missed sessions to emergency room visits mid-race, Brian shares what it really takes to train smart and fuel well in the real world. We dive into: Meet Brian – Full-time life, full-time triathlete His pre-TNA nutrition journey: veganism, guesswork and Googling Making the TNA program work around chaos Key learnings: why recovery and protein made the biggest difference How meal planning tools created daily structure 45-minute PB – what actually changed? Race nutrition vs heat – what went wrong in Chattanooga Juggling racing with a trip to the ER Recovery done right – what helped the most Gaining control through better nutrition planning Advice for triathletes with young families When everything went pear shaped pre-race sim What TNA gave him that made life feel less overwhelming Whether you're chasing Kona, trying to hold it all together or just want to fuel better through the madness, Brian’s story is a real, relatable listen. Links & Resources Triathlon Nutrition Checklist 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

 Feeling festive but don’t want to blow your training gains? In this episode of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy podcast, I’m diving into how alcohol really affects your performance as an endurance athlete—and what you can do about it. Whether you're mid-race season in Australia or base building in a snowy Northern Hemisphere winter, alcohol could be undermining your training, recovery and body comp more than you think. I’m not here to take away your Christmas cheer. But I am here to help you understand the science, so you can enjoy the silly season without YOLO-ing your way to burnout. What you’ll learn: What alcohol actually does in your body How alcohol affects training, recovery and sleep Why hydration takes a massive hit The impact on muscle repair, glycogen and immune function What the research says about performance and endurance Seven practical strategies to navigate the festive season How to balance enjoying yourself without sabotaging progress Links & Resources Triathlon Nutrition Checklist 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

What on earth does it take to complete 100 Ironmans in 100 days? James Lawrence – aka the Iron Cowboy – joins the podcast to share the physical, mental and nutritional toll of his epic Conquer 100 challenge. Spoiler: it involved over 12,000 calories a day, a few Costco muffins, and being fed through a massage table hole. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, James drops some absolute gold on building resilience, fuelling with real food and why consistency beats perfection every time. We talk about; Meet James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence Why 100 Ironmans? (and how it started with a 4-mile fun run) The perfect Ironman day and the role of nutrition Real food fuelling: burritos, pizza, steak on the run Caloric needs, gut training and sugar overload What went wrong when fuelling slipped Mindset, purpose and managing pain through adversity Blue collar habits, unsexy consistency and building a strong foundation James’s current nutrition approach and fuelling tips Meet the support team and key recovery strategies Advice for age groupers struggling with motivation or consistency What’s next for James (hint: it’s not 200 Ironmans) Links & Resources James Lawrence new book, 'Iron Hope'. Triathlon Nutrition Checklist 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Managing type 1 diabetes as a triathlete isn’t just tough – it’s a constant balancing act. But with the right tools, strategy and support, you can absolutely perform at your best. In this episode, I chat with Dr Sam Scott – exercise physiologist, diabetes researcher and former Head of Research for Team Novo Nordisk – about the science and strategy behind training and racing with T1D. Sam breaks down the complexities of glucose management, carbohydrate fuelling and how cutting-edge tech is empowering athletes to thrive. What we talk about about Why this topic matters for endurance athletes Sam’s background in exercise physiology and elite sport The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes Why exercise is so complex for T1D Common myths about fuelling with diabetes Smart carb strategies and CGM tech Performance fueling: what’s possible? The future of AI-driven support with Enhanced The power of possibility: sport as a gateway Links & Resources Dr Sam Scott’s book: The Science of Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes Learn more about Enhanced 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Could your comeback story start with your plate? In this inspiring episode, we hear from TNA athlete Brian McLean, who proves that nutrition isn't just for race day. Nine months after tearing his ACL in a backyard basketball game, Brian is back training for 70.3 races, stronger and more dialled-in than ever. His secret? Strategic nutrition from day one of rehab. Brian shares how: His identity took a hit after injury and how he handled it He applied TNA principles to support faster healing Eating smarter helped him avoid weight gain and muscle loss He shifted from a Western diet to a plant-first approach Nutrition gave him the confidence to train, race and feel better than before This episode is packed with real talk, practical takeaways and a powerful reminder: nutrition matters, even when you’re not training. Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Think you’re nailing hydration because you’ve got a pastel-coloured electrolyte drink in hand? Think again. In this episode, I bust through the marketing fluff and break down exactly when, why and how triathletes should use electrolytes. Forget what TikTok says, here’s the science-backed truth from an endurance sports dietitian. 🔍 Here’s what we cover: Why electrolyte hype has gone wild When you actually need electrolytes The big player in sweat losses: sodium How your sweat rate and sodium loss are unique Real athlete story: The Human Sprinkler What is hyponatremia and why it’s dangerous Food vs electrolyte drinks: when water is enough How to choose the right product for you What to avoid: fairy dust and false promises The real strategy behind smart hydration Whether you’re a salty sweater, a light sipper, or somewhere in between — this episode will help you stop guessing and start fuelling your hydration properly. Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Is gut health just another nutrition fad, or a legit performance game-changer for triathletes? In this episode, Taryn breaks down the gut microbiome in a way that makes sense for endurance athletes. Discover what it is, what it does, and how to support it without expensive supplements or trendy fermented food obsessions. Key Takeaways: Your microbiome impacts energy, recovery and immunity Diversity in your diet equals diversity in your gut Restrictive diets can trash your microbiome Proper fuelling protects your gut lining It’s not about probiotics, it’s about overall nutrition habits.  Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Think nutrition is only for podium chasers? Think again. In this inspiring chat, we meet Dr Sarah Barr, a proud back-of-the-packer, cancer survivor and one determined triathlete chasing big endurance goals including a full Ironman for her 62nd birthday. As a long-time calorie counter and clean eater, Sarah thought she had nutrition sorted... until she realised she had no idea how to fuel as a triathlete. We dive into:• Why nutrition is just as critical for slower athletes• Common fuelling myths that leave back-of-packers bonking• How Sarah overcame restrictive mindsets to fuel with purpose• What she’s doing differently to chase her next big goal This episode is a must-listen for any triathlete who’s ever thought they’re “too slow” to need a proper fuelling plan.   Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Are your hormones hijacking your training? If you've ever felt off during certain weeks of your cycle and wondered if your nutrition needs to change, you're not alone. This week, we're tackling one of the most common questions from female triathletes: should you be fuelling differently during your period? With new research emerging, it's time to bust some myths and cut through the confusion. You'll learn: What the science actually says about performance across the menstrual cycle Why your luteal and follicular phases might affect more than just your mood Practical tips to help you tweak your nutrition when (and if) you need to This episode will help you feel more confident and in control of your body, your training and your nutrition, no matter where you are in your cycle.   Links & Resources McNulty, K. L., Elliott-Sale, K. J., Dolan, E., Swinton, P. A., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Thomas, K., & Hicks, K. M. (2020). The effects of menstrual cycle phase on exercise performance in eumenorrheic women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 50(10), 1813–1827. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01319-3 Schlie, J., Krassowski, V., & Schmidt, A. (2025). Effects of menstrual cycle phases on athletic performance and related physiological outcomes: A systematic review of studies using high methodological standards. Journal of Applied Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00223.2025 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Is your wearable helping or hindering your performance? In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Shona Halson – globally respected expert in sleep, recovery and athletic performance – to unpack what the science actually says about popular wearables like Whoop bands and Oura rings. With more age group triathletes collecting 24/7 data, it’s easy to get lost in numbers and miss what truly matters. Shona shares her evidence-based insights to help you cut through the hype and use wearables wisely to improve sleep, training and recovery. In this episode, we cover: How wearables like Whoop and Oura stack up for accuracy What sleep metrics you can actually trust (and which are fluff) Understanding HRV and recovery scores – are they useful? Napping 101: what duration is ideal for triathletes? The sneaky impact of caffeine and alcohol on sleep Morning vs overnight data: what’s better for training decisions? Sleep across the menstrual cycle – what the latest research shows Top 3 tips to get the most from your wearable (without losing your mind) Which device is best: Whoop, Oura or something else? Whether you're already wearing one or considering jumping on board, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stop obsessing over your data and start using it for smarter recovery and race-day performance. Links & Resources Connect with Prof Shona Halson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonahalson/ 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

What happens when you train like a pro but still bonk on race day? In this episode, I’m joined by Triathlon Nutrition Academy athlete Brent Saltmarsh — a retired Army veteran turned endurance addict — who shares his eye-opening journey from cramping and gut blowouts to PBs and cramp-free racing. We unpack the rookie nutrition mistakes that nearly ruined his Ironman and the exact changes he’s made to transform his performance in just a few months inside TNA. You’ll hear about: How Brent went from survival mode to racing with confidence His biggest pre-TNA nutrition blunders (including a disastrous caffeine gel moment) Why cramping and gut issues were signs of a deeper fuelling problem The exact changes he’s made to hit PBs in his 40s His long-term triathlon goals (hint: 90-year-old Ironman anyone?) Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Still cramping or bonking despite all your shiny gear? In this episode, I reveal five of the biggest distractions that age-group triathletes obsess over. From carbon shoes and sperm helmets to the latest supplements, and explain why they aren't the biggest drivers of better performance. You’ll learn what actually does move the needle, so you can stop wasting money on things that aren't serving you and start focusing on the things that do. If you're ready to train harder and race smarter, this episode is a must-listen. Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Are you training hard but still falling short on race day? In this episode, we're coming to you live from Mooloolaba after an epic weekend at Sunny Coast 70.3. TNA athletes Kelly Estes and Kathleen Gilton join Taryn to share the three race-day nutrition strategies that helped them perform at their best, even while racing internationally. Whether you're chasing a PB or just trying to survive the distance, you'll get practical, evidence-based insights you can apply right away. In this episode, you'll learn: Celebrating TNA performances at Sunny Coast 70.3 Kelly: From over 7 hours to 5:29 at 65 years young Dialling in carb availability: what 400g+ carbs/day can do Kathleen: From gut bombs to perfectly fuelled race day A 17-year break, a sprint start and now a 70.3 weapon Planning and practising race day nutrition while travelling Recovery nutrition: the secret to training consistency The results: world champs qualifiers and PBs in paradise Links & Resources 👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Are you falling for BS nutrition advice without even knowing it?In this episode, Taryn exposes the worst triathlon nutrition advice doing the rounds right now—from electrolyte stickers to dodgy online race calculators and outdated carb loading hacks. If you’ve ever wondered whether that expensive supplement or online tool is actually worth it, this is the episode for you. With major triathlon events like Sunny Coast 70.3 happening, there's no better time to sort fact from fiction. Topics CoveredWhy triathlon nutrition advice can be so dangerousTransdermal electrolyte patches: do they actually work?The truth about concentrated ocean water and why it's a waste of moneyOnline race calculators: outdated calorie maths that could ruin your raceWhat a real, personalised race nutrition strategy actually looks likeOld school carb loading advice vs what actually worksAthlete story: How Brent fixed his gut issues and started hitting PBsWhy getting your fuelling right is the key to triathlon success Links & Resources👉 Grab the free Triathlon Nutrition Checklist to find out exactly what you're missing:https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Are your creatine gummies actually doing anything? In this week’s episode, we reveal the results of independent lab testing on nine popular creatine gummy brands—and it's not pretty. Some delivered the goods, but others? Utterly useless. With creatine booming across social media and mainstream marketing, it’s easy to fall for fancy packaging. But as triathletes, we need performance—not candy. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why creatine gummies are having a moment Quick refresher: What is creatine and why use it? Who actually benefits from creatine (spoiler: not everyone) The shocking results of James Smith’s independent testing Which 5 brands failed and why The 4 that passed and delivered close to label claims How to spot a fake: 3 simple red flags The Aussie company leading the way with transparent batch testing Is there still a place for creatine gummies in sport? Links & Resources: James Smith Creatine Studies Listen to Episode 188 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

What It Takes to Fuel Your First Ironman with Steve Duquette Thinking about doing your first full Ironman? Don’t leave your performance to chance. In this episode, I’m joined by long-time TNA athlete Steve Duquette, who recently completed his first Ironman at Ironman Canada—and felt strong from start to finish. We dig into the practical nutrition strategies that gave him the confidence to go all in, and how he avoided common race-day disasters like cramps, GI issues and bonking. Whether you’re considering going long or already knee-deep in training, this episode will help you understand what it actually takes to fuel the training, execute a bulletproof race day strategy and enjoy the journey. In this episode we cover: Steve’s journey from cramping cyclist to confident Ironman finisher How nutrition gave him the confidence to step up to the full distance Key differences in fuelling 70.3 vs Ironman training What went wrong in training—and how he fixed it before race day The full race day strategy: carb loading, electrolytes, hydration and more Sweat testing, spreadsheets and how data built confidence Steve’s advice for anyone still winging it What he’d change next time and his goals for 2027 Links & Resources: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Struggling to recover despite solid training and nutrition? You might be missing the most powerful recovery tool of all — sleep. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona and a world-leading expert in sleep science. We break down exactly why sleep matters so much for endurance athletes, what’s really going on when you miss sleep, and how to get better quality shut-eye — even when you’re training hard, managing work and juggling life. We cover: Why sleep is essential for adaptation and recovery — not just rest The truth about how much sleep triathletes actually need What to do if your sleep is disrupted or inconsistent Why wearables are helpful — but not the whole story Practical strategies to improve sleep tonight Links & Resources: Dive into Dr Grandners Research: Google Scholar Citations Connect with Dr Michael Grandner:WebsiteInstagram LinkedIn  🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Feeling flat, foggy or just can’t be bothered to train? Burnout doesn’t always come in hot with a meltdown and a for-sale bike post. Sometimes it’s the slow creep of fatigue, motivation dips and sugar cravings that chip away at your performance and love of the sport. In this episode, Taryn unpacks the 3 key questions every triathlete should ask themselves to figure out if they’re on the burnout train — and what to do if the answer is yes. What you’ll learn: Why this topic hits close to home for so many triathletes Question 1: Are you feeling flat all the time? The sneaky signs of under-fuelling you might be ignoring Question 2: What’s really happening after your sessions? Recovery nutrition mistakes that cost you more than you think Question 3: Hungry all the time or not at all? Here’s why that matters Real talk on what burnout looks like and how to fix it   LINKS: Link to paper 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Did you know the humble bottle of extra virgin olive oil in your pantry could be doing more than just making your salad taste good? In this episode, I’m unpacking a game-changing compound found in high quality EVOO – oleocanthal – which behaves just like ibuprofen. We’re talking natural anti-inflammatory power that can help reduce exercise-associated inflammation, support recovery and keep your immune system firing – without wrecking your gut or kidneys like NSAIDs can. You’ll learn: What oleocanthal is and why it’s like nature’s ibuprofen How to spot a good quality EVOO (not all are created equal) Why this simple pantry staple could be a secret weapon in your recovery strategy   LINKS: Link to paper 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Think you're eating right for triathlon but still underperforming? In this milestone 200th episode, the mic flips as four inspiring Triathlon Nutrition Academy athletes interview Taryn about the game-changing strategies that turned their training, racing and health around. From ditching the guesswork to losing 20kg, improving diabetes, and smashing PBs, this episode is packed with real stories of what's possible when your nutrition is dialled. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the philosophies behind the TNA program, why age-groupers should stop copying the pros, and what actually works when you're juggling training with work, family and life. If you're serious about improving performance, staying injury-free and fuelling smarter, not harder, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Are plant-based proteins really good enough for triathletes chasing strength gains and performance? Or do animal proteins still reign supreme? In this episode, I dive into a brand-new systematic review comparing plant and animal proteins on muscle mass, strength and performance outcomes – and break down exactly what it means for you as a triathlete. You’ll get a no-fluff summary of the science, plus practical takeaways whether you're a carnivore, vegetarian or full vegan. Discover which protein sources really matter, how to optimise your intake for recovery and strength, and why you can’t out-supplement a lack of lifting. Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39813010/ LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Still chasing race weight? Skipping food before training to burn more fat? Meticulously tracking every calorie? In this week’s episode, I’m calling out the three biggest nutrition myths that are still messing with triathletes in 2025. If you’ve been feeling flat, frustrated or just not seeing the performance gains you expect—this one's for you. Learn why these outdated beliefs are holding you back and what to do instead, including: Why fuelling beats weight loss for real results When fasted training helps (and when it hurts) Why tracking calories isn’t the silver bullet LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Think you're doing everything right with your training and nutrition, but the results just aren't stacking up? You're not alone. In this episode, Taryn walks you through the four most powerful nutrition upgrades she'd make if you were her athlete. These are the exact strategies she uses inside the Triathlon Nutrition Academy to turn underperforming athletes into high-performing machines. Whether you're feeling flat, struggling to recover or just guessing your way through race day fuelling, this episode will help you identify what to fix and where to start. What you'll learn: Why most triathletes are unknowingly underfuelled The problem with generic race nutrition plans and how to build one that actually works What effective recovery nutrition really looks like How your day-to-day meals could be sabotaging your goals LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Think you're training hard enough to deserve better results? Troy Bauerle sure was. But it wasn’t until he sorted out his nutrition that things really clicked—and the gains speak for themselves. In this episode, Troy returns to share what’s changed since completing the Triathlon Nutrition Academy program. From DIY gel confidence to podium finishes, he’s living proof of how dialling in your nutrition can supercharge your performance, boost recovery and keep you injury-free. If you’ve been flogging yourself in training but feel like you’re still not quite there on race day, this one’s for you. Here’s what we cover: Troy’s recent back-to-back podiums (Geelong 70.3 & Wollongong Olympic) The game-changer: 12 months of consistent, injury-free training Why he now trains AND races with the same gels—and how he makes them The power of proper carb loading and recovery nutrition Confidence to negative split a run and go harder, not bonk How 9 minutes disappeared from his Geelong race time (same course, same bike) Balancing elite-level training with a physically demanding job Looking ahead to Ironman at 50—and even Ultraman? LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Not all sports drinks are created equal – and using the wrong one could wreck your race or your gut. In this episode, I compare two sports drinks from the same brand – Pure Sports Nutrition – and break down the real differences between their Race Fuel Drink Mix and Electrolyte Hydration Mix. While they both look like sports drinks on the surface, they serve completely different purposes once you look under the hood. You’ll learn what to look for in a sports drink, how to interpret the ingredients and nutrition panel, and what actually matters when deciding what belongs in your bottle on race day. Because the label doesn’t tell you the full story – and if you’re just picking products based on marketing or taste alone, you’re probably leaving performance on the table. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the Race Fuel might not actually work at 90g/hour despite the label How to spot a poor glucose-to-fructose ratio and why that matters for gut tolerance What osmolality is (and why it can make or break your gut on race day) How the “hydration” product might be better suited for fuelling — if you tweak it How to be your own nutrition detective and decode product labels like a pro When and how to modify a product to suit your personal needs LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

What does it take to go from consistent age-group triathlete to Ironman podium finisher and Kona qualifier? In this inspiring episode, Samantha Zeps shares how she’s levelled up her performance with smarter fuelling strategies, better recovery habits, and a fresh mindset around nutrition. From a 14-minute PB at Geelong 70.3 to winning her age group at Busselton Ironman, Sam opens up about the real changes that moved the needle — like ditching fasted training, nailing her carb loading, and fuelling properly to perform and parent. If you're dreaming of Kona or chasing your own next PB, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and serious motivation.   LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

You're logging hours in the pool, on the bike, and pounding the pavement. Your training plan is dialled in, your gear is sorted, yet something's still not clicking. If your nutrition is off, you might be flushing months of hard work down the drain without even realising it. Today, I want to expose the real – and often hidden – costs of poor nutrition that go far beyond a disappointing race result or mid-run gut disaster. We're talking about wasted time, money, and energy that quietly sabotages your performance, recovery, and progress. These hidden costs accumulate faster than you think, which is why getting your nutrition sorted is the smartest performance investments you can make as a triathlete. I see so many triathletes fall into the trap of trying to figure out their nutrition on their own. Unfortunately, without proper planning and strategy, nutrition becomes an expensive mistake rather than a performance investment. But, when nutrition is optimised, everything improves. Training feels better, recovery accelerates and you stop wasting money on products and supplements that aren’t doing you any good anyway.  This is why the Triathlon Nutrition Academy exists and the doors are opening soon – to prevent you from wasting years trying to piece together fragmented information. This isn't just nutrition education; it's an investment in faster racing, improved training returns, and long-term health. And if you think nutrition education is expensive, calculate the true cost of getting it wrong.  LINKS: 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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 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.

Completing an Ironman isn’t for suckers. It's something that many triathletes dream about and today, I want to share the story of one of my Triathlon Nutrition Academy athletes, Christina, whose journey to the finish line of her first Ironman is truly inspirational.  Christina isn't a professional athlete – she's a full-time interior designer and dedicated mother who held onto her Ironman dream since her post-college days in Tucson, Arizona. Fast forward 18 years, after juggling work, family, and fitness, Christina finally decided to take the plunge into this mammoth challenge and recently completed the Texas Ironman. While preparing for race day, Christina navigated the same challenges most of us face – demanding work schedules, family commitments and the constant juggle to fit training into an already packed life. What set her apart wasn't superhuman abilities, but rather strategic planning, a personal and professional support network and an unwavering commitment to her goal. Her approach to balancing training with normal life came down to three key elements: seeking professional support through joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy and hiring a training coach, meticulous scheduling and clear communication with her support network. Early morning sessions became her training window, allowing her to complete workouts before family responsibilities took priority. This wasn't about finding more hours in the day – it was about maximising the hours she had. The Nutrition Game-Changer  Before joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy, like many endurance athletes, Christina assumed that training hard was enough. The reality check came quickly when she realised her post-workout exhaustion and desperate need for naps weren't normal recovery patterns. The breakthrough came through strategic carbohydrate and protein timing. By learning how to fuel properly before runs and optimising her recovery nutrition, Christina transformed her training quality and eliminated those energy crashes that had been derailing her afternoons.  Navigating Race Day Challenges Ironman Texas was a hot and humid course, but everything Christina had learned in TNA helped her make it to the finish line with a smile on her face. Her nutrition strategy included proper carbohydrate loading in the days leading up to the race and acute sodium loading on race morning – protocols she'd practised extensively during training. When inevitable race-day issues arose – sunburn, cramping, and the mental challenges of such a long day – Christina's troubleshooting skills kicked in. Her focus on maintaining nutrition intake and electrolyte balance helped her navigate these obstacles rather than being derailed by them. Smashing Ironman Goals Crossing the finish line in just over 14 hours, Christina proved that with proper preparation and strategic nutrition, ambitious goals are achievable even when you have a busy lifestyle. Her success wasn't built on natural talent or unlimited training time – it was constructed through consistent execution of proven strategies. Most importantly, never underestimate the impact of proper nutrition on both training quality and race-day performance. The difference between struggling through sessions and executing them effectively often comes down to fuelling strategies that support your body's demands. 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.