Dallin Pepper Shares His Nutrition Strategy for CrossFit Games Training
# What Nutrition Strategy Fuels Dallin Pepper During CrossFit Games Training?
Dallin Pepper, a top CrossFit athlete, revealed his dietary approach for the 2026 CrossFit Games season in a recent YouTube video. He discussed his daily meals, which are crucial for supporting his intense training sessions and aiding recovery.
Pepper's daily calorie intake usually hovers around 4,300 calories, though he noted that especially demanding training days might push this up closer to 5,000 calories.
## Breakfast Focused on Carbs
His day starts with a challenging run, incorporating 10 x 1-kilometer intervals. To prepare for this session, Pepper opts for a carbohydrate-rich breakfast including oats, blueberries, maple syrup, and fruit snacks.
“For something like this before a long run that progresses to something pretty hard, I just want something that’s easy on the stomach and pretty much just straight carbs,” said Pepper. After completing the run, he quickly replenishes his energy with orange juice before moving into another workout later in the day.
## Sustaining Energy for Multiple Sessions
With both endurance and gym workouts on his schedule, Pepper emphasizes consistent eating throughout the day. His meals generally consist of eggs, turkey, bagels, protein shakes, fruit, and protein bars. He prefers to snack frequently between sessions, allowing him to maintain high calorie intake without feeling overly full.
After one workout, he grabbed a protein bar containing 22 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates. “After a session, I’m ready for real food,” he commented. “This is easy, it goes down easy.”
This approach aligns with what many elite CrossFit athletes do: they need a steady stream of carbohydrates to fuel high-volume training while also consuming enough protein to support muscle recovery.
## The Importance of Hydration
Alongside his meals, hydration plays a vital role in Pepper’s regimen. After a tough run, gym work, and time in the sauna, he uses electrolyte supplements and salt capsules to stay hydrated.
“I just can’t drink enough to keep up,” said Pepper. “Supplementing a little bit extra salt in the capsules gives more electrolytes.”
## Eating Based on Needs
One key takeaway from the video was Pepper's openness about adjusting his eating based on how he feels. Even after consuming significant calories during the day, he found himself still hungry in the evening.
“On days like this, you’ve got to eat till you’re full,” he advised. “You can’t go to bed hungry or tomorrow you’re going to feel like garbage.”
For Pepper, nutrition is about ensuring his body is ready for training rather than strictly hitting a specific calorie goal. He believes the risks of under-fueling during CrossFit Games preparation outweigh the issues of slightly overeating.
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**About the Author**
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer focused on fitness, sports, and active living. He specializes in coverage of HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, highlighting performance, mindset, and athlete development. Outside of writing, he enjoys boxing, cycling, outdoor activities with his kids, and playing the guitar.
