Train Like You (Should) Eat
Preparing meals for hungry climbers in Geyikbayiri, Turkey in 2008
Long before my career coaching rock climbers, I worked as a private chef. My niche was healthy cooking and menu planning for those on restricted diets. I worked with all sorts of clients. From those battling cancer to the rich and famous, I developed and prepared menus that fit the specific wants, needs and tastes of the client.
We all have an emotional relationship with food, but my clients were often borderline obsessed with their diets. Feeding people day in and day out I got a very raw perspective on the ways people related to their eating habits. I saw the ways that many either ignored or obsessed over the details of their diets. I also spent a good deal of time educating myself about nutrition and alternative diets including 18 months of study at Bauman College focused on natural foods cooking and nutrition.
After years of working in food and nutrition I can say with absolute certainty that nutrition and healthy eating does not need to be complicated.
A quality diet incorporates a large variety of high quality real foods enjoyed in moderation.
Yes, there are exceptions for certain people under certain circumstances, but for the vast majority of us a balanced approach is best. And here’s the thing. Balance, moderation, and joy are also hallmarks of a well crafted training plan. They’re also arguably the hallmarks of a happy and fulfilling life, but let’s stick to climbing. That’s what you’re here for.
Far too many climbers allow themselves to be suckered into fads, obsessive habits, and overtraining. Others choose to ignore the details of what they are doing in the gym or at the crag, preferring to “eat whatever’s in front of them”.
When I was a chef, people often asked me “what the best diet was” or how I preferred to eat. Now as a climbing coach, I am often asked for training advice or for some basic guidance on how to structure training for climbing. My answer time and time again is almost exactly the same as my chef days.
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