Tara Davis-Woodhall Swears By This High-Protein Dinner

Eating Well with a Championship Mindset

As the newly-minted Olympic long jump champion, Tara Davis-Woodhall has gained an impressive reputation for her strength, agility, and energy. But what fuels this champion’s performance? As it turns out, diet plays a significant role. In an exclusive interview, Davis-Woodhall reveals her favorite foods, dietary habits, and go-to snacks that keep her powering through even the most challenging competitions.

Sustaining Energy with Steel and Sweet Potatoes

Davis-Woodhall credits her and her husband Hunter Woodhall, a Paralympian, for sticking to a regimented diet that prioritizes protein-rich foods like steak and sweet potatoes. According to Davis-Woodhall, “Nutrition is a big part of my success right now. We stick to steak, sweet potatoes and whatever greens we have on deck.” This balanced diet provides the necessary energy boost for their high-intensity training sessions.

A Pre-Competition Pasta Fix

Interestingly, Davis-Woodhall’s go-to pre-competition meal features pasta, which may raise eyebrows among health enthusiasts. However, she clarifies that it’s not any ordinary pasta: “My favorite meal is pasta. It doesn’t really matter what type of pasta, it just gives me some carbohydrates and I need all the energy I can get, and that starts from the night before.”

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Energy Drinks Fuel Her Success

Davis-Woodhall’s partnership with Celsius, a high-performance energy drink brand, has been crucial in her training and recovery. She explains, “We were drinking Celsius before the partnership even happened. It came organically, and I’m a big believer in healthy energy drinks. I feel like Celsius fits our vibe and fits our energy—no pun intended. I really respect their way of supporting their athletes and supporting their ambassadors.”

Snacking Smarter

When it comes to in-between meals, Davis-Woodhall relies on Sour Strips and beef sticks. She confesses, “Usually I have some Sour Strips in my track bag. And I’m obsessed with beef sticks, so I have these beef sticks that I get from our local butcher back in Fayetteville. I literally brought 20 of them to Paris with me so I wouldn’t run out.”

A Routine for Success

Davis-Woodhall’s morning routine is intentionally structured to ensure optimal energy levels. She begins by sipping coffee, indulging in a light breakfast, and then doing a shake-out four hours prior to competition to get her body warmed up. On competition days, she prefers a simple, streamlined morning routine that includes coffee and a light breakfast.

Coffee, My Way

Davis-Woodhall takes her coffee seriously, boasting a unique taste for flavored lattes. Whether it’s a vanilla latte from Starbucks or a customized honey, vanilla, and lavender iced latte from a boutique coffee shop, she’s a sucker for a good cuppa.

Overcoming Procrastination and Other Challenges

Despite her championship form, Davis-Woodhall confesses to struggling with procrastination. When asked what she’d win a gold medal in if not long jump, she dryly responds, “I would probably win a gold medal in procrastination. I am not the best, ‘you need to do this on time’ person. I will wait an hour before to do it or the day of.”

A Connoisseur of Least Favorite Foods

Davis-Woodhall’s taste buds are refined, but she has some notable dislikes. She specifically mentions squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, describing them as “fancier vegetables” that just don’t agree with her. However, she reveals a surprising fondness for caprese salads, explaining, “I don’t like them on my sandwich or my burgers or anything else. It has to be red and hard, not that soft and mushy tomato. I can’t get behind that one at all.”

Eating Well: It’s All About the Ingredient

Living with IBS, Davis-Woodhall has a deep understanding of the impact of certain ingredients on her body. She advocates for a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, stating, “Eating well means no seed oils, no processed foods. Those cause a lot of inflammation for me.”

Conclusion

Tara Davis-Woodhall’s commitment to a balanced diet and personalized nutrition has been instrumental in her success as an athlete. By prioritizing steel, sweet potatoes, and high-protein foods, she fuels her body for top performance. Whether it’s a pre-competition pasta fix or a high-powered energy drink, Davis-Woodhall’s go-to snacks and meals keep her performing at her best.

FAQs

Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Steak and sweet potatoes.

Q: Do you have a pre-competition meal routine?
A: Yes, I usually opt for pasta the day before a competition.

Q: What’s your go-to energy drink?
A: Celsius.

Q: Can you share your morning routine?
A: I have a light breakfast, drink coffee, and do a shake-out four hours prior to competition.

Q: What’s your take on coffee?
A: I love coffee, especially if it’s flavored!

Q: What’s the least favorite food you’ve mentioned so far?
A: Squash, zucchini, and tomatoes.

Q: What does “eating well” mean to you?
A: Eating well means avoiding seed oils, processed foods, and other inflammation-causing ingredients.