05/08/2026
I’ve had a handful of conversations with clients and friends lately surrounding under fuelling and how it impacts performance outcomes (specifically for women) in training. So what is under fuelling? What does it mean? What can it look like? How can it feel?
Under-fuelling in relation to exercise, is when the body doesn’t have enough energy to support performance and maintain other essential bodily functions (like hormone production, bone density, respiratory function and muscular endurance/strength). It means that the body has little energy for recovery, and to maintain overall health and wellbeing which over time can lead to significant long-term health consequences.
It can feel like increased fatigue, weakness, tiredness and pain. It can look like poor effort, lethargy, slow movement and decreased strength.
It can be the result of poor or lack of food consumption, rest, and sleep. Although under-fuelling is often unintentional and can be unknowingly, it is at the same time often an intentional restriction that people place on themselves through dieting and a lack of nutritional intake. This post is a reminder that your body needs fuel, not only to thrive but more importantly to survive. To get the performance results that we desire, we MUST remember that food is not the enemy and instead - it is our most valuable asset. If you don’t know how to utilise food as a primary tool/key to success in training, engage the right exercise and nutrition professionals that can help you achieve your goals.
From one mumma to another, this is a reminder that your child’s crusts and half eaten apple slices are not enough to fuel your desired performance outcomes. Make you a priority.
Flashback the most gorgeous spread by the Queen of Katherine x
