(Re-Release): Jessie Diggins on Nutrition for Joy, Resilience & Olympic Gold
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
“Healthy, happy, and balanced athletes are the ones that make it across the finish line again and again throughout a long career and leave a legacy” - Jessie Diggins
Jessie Diggins is currently competing in her fourth and final Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. I interviewed her back in January 2021, just one week after her historic Tour de Ski win on some of the same Italian mountains she's skiing on now.
Since our recording, Jessie has become the most accomplished cross-country skier from the US, with 4 Olympic medals (so far...she won Bronze today!), 3 World Cup overall titles, 7 World Championship medals, and countless other accolades.
Even though it's no longer Covid times (thank goodness), this powerful conversation about fueling for joy, resilience, and longevity in sport remains just as relevant and important today.
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Jessie Diggins: Olympic Gold Medalist & Cross-Country Skiing Trailblazer
In Episode 37 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m honored to be joined by cross-country skier and Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins. She is not only dominating her sport, but also using her platform to promote healthy fueling, body positivity, and the importance of enjoying food without restriction.
Jessie first made history at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where she and her teammate Kikkan Randall won the first-ever American gold medal in cross-country skiing after an unforgettable, nail-biting sprint to the finish.
More recently, Jessie won the Tour de Ski, a grueling 10-day, 8-stage event in Switzerland and Italy that's part of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season. Her win was groundbreaking, as she is the first American to ever claim this prestigious title.
Eating Disorder Recovery and Advocacy
Beyond her athletic achievements, Jessie is a passionate advocate for eating disorder awareness and recovery. She struggled with bulimia as a teenager, and credits her treatment through the Emily Program with saving her life and enabling her to reach her full potential as an athlete.
She shares her journey of resilience and self-discovery in her inspiring book, Brave Enough.
“Skinny Doesn’t Win Races”: Fueling for Performance Over Appearance
One thing that Jessie called out in our discussion is how too many endurance athletes get hung up on body size before a race. She reminds us that "Skinny doesn't win races. Fast wins races. It's who gets from point A to point B."
Instead of focusing on getting as lean as possible right before an event, she recommends asking yourself, "What do I need to have the energy to succeed here?...It's about showing up to the start line energized, positive, focused on what you can do" and being your healthiest, most confident self.
Fueling for Joy & a Lasting Legacy in Sport
I got to meet Jessie a few years ago on the start line of a trail half marathon we were both running in Marin. She was just as energetic and kind in person as I expected her to be!
Jessie is a powerful example of how fueling well, prioritizing health, and finding joy in life (and through food!) all support athletic success and long-term well-being. When paired with her relentless drive and deep commitment to her sport, it’s no surprise she continues to redefine what’s possible for U.S. cross-country skiing.
🎧 Tune in now for this inspiring conversation!
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Want Support Fueling for Performance and Longevity?
If Jessie’s message resonated with you, I'm here to help. Many endurance athletes struggle to balance performance goals with health, body trust, and enjoying food, especially in sports that emphasize leanness or “doing more.”
I work with endurance athletes who want to fuel in a way that supports strong training, race-day performance, and long-term well-being, without rigid rules, burnout, or fear around food.
Here’s what one client had to say about working together:
"Working with Claire has been a wonderful, enlightening experience. She has given me practical advice on how to eat to support my energy needs as an ultrarunner. More importantly, she has given me a much deeper understanding of the hang-ups in my relationship with body image and food, how these influence my physical and mental health, and how to overcome them and build a relationship with food based on overall joy and wellbeing. I could not recommend Claire with greater warmth or enthusiasm." - Veronica L
Here are a few ways to work with me:
Join my low-cost, low-commitment Fuel for Life Crew membership for just $39/month (cancel anytime)
Browse my nutrition masterclasses (all are also included in the membership)
Download my free fueling resources
Fill out a new client inquiry form for comprehensive 1:1 coaching (limited spots available)
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Leave a 5-star rating and write a review wherever you get your podcasts
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Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.
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