Why Peloton instructor Jess King doesn't count her carbs, fat, or protein
Peloton instructor Jess King, a former dancer, is known for her high-energy bike and tread sessions.
As the daughter of a competitive bodybuilder and a lifetime athlete herself, you'd think King would be very particular about how she eats for her intense workouts and high-energy Peloton classes.
But while food is a key part of fueling her performance, King told Insider she doesn't set specific daily goals for her macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, and protein), or strictly structure her eating.
Instead, she listens to her body, and eats depending on how she's feeling that day and what her workouts include.
"I don't really keep track, I'm a feelings person, I'm not a numbers person," she said.
For example, a hard weight lifting session might call for more fat and protein, while a long morning of spin classes could be followed by a combination of protein and carbs.
Here's what King includes in her meals, and why she says her eating strategy might not necessarily work for everyone else.
A typical day for King includes strong coffee, a hearty lunch, and plenty of protein
King teaches between six to 10 Peloton classes a week, and also works out with her own personal trainer.
In total, she typically ends up exercising twice a day, so her meals needs to be healthy and energizing to support that, King said.
She starts each day with a strong cup of coffee, and a glass of celery juice, which she calls her "secret sauce" because it keeps her hydrated and reduces inflammation and indigestion.
For midday lunch, when she has some time in between work, King enjoys big salads, packed with veggies and some kind of protein, often prepped by her fiancée, musician Sophia Urista.
"I have a wonderful, supportive partner who packs me lunches," King said.
For dinner, King likes to come home to a hearty meal, often steak or bison (which has more protein and less fat than beef). Mexican food is a favorite in their house, like the short rib tacos recently shared on her Instagram page. Ideally, King said, dinner includes plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.
King and Urista regularly host a cooking show, Ooo Mami, on Instagram in which the pair invite viewers to follow along as they cook some of their favorite comfort food recipes, including chicken tortilla soup and swordfish with broccoli rabe.
Nutrition is never one size fits all
King sticks to dairy-free and gluten-free options like coconut yogurt (or gluten-free lasagna, in this recipe), but she noted that nutrition is extremely personal.
As a result, she doesn't necessarily think people should follow her example, but find what works for them, or consult an expert such as a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.
"I've been in this relationship with my body for so many years, I know how to nourish myself. I can't say that any of this would work for anyone else," King said.
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