Curious about what to eat—and when—to fuel your workouts for maximum results?
We teamed up with Victoria Little, lead instructor at JETSET Pilates, to bring you expert tips on workout nutrition that actually work.
Whether you're an early bird at the studio, a late-night gym enthusiast, or a weekend warrior squeezing in sessions where you can, these insights will help you feel great and train smarter.
How do you recommend busy clients fuel their bodies before a Pilates session to maximize energy without feeling weighed down?
It really depends on when I am working out, but I try to always have something to eat before class to fuel my body properly. Even when the class is at 6am, I'll get up at 4am and have something before I leave. I try to manage my glucose spikes by having a savoury breakfast and incorporate protein to that, so a couple of boiled eggs and veg sticks keeps me going without making me feel weighed down.
What’s one nutrition tip you give clients who want to recover faster after a challenging Pilates class?
Protein is really important to recover after a challenging class to help build muscle and women should try and get their protein within 45 minutes of the class so something easy like a protein drink or bar is a good way of doing this.
For people juggling hectic schedules, how do you suggest they maintain consistency with both their workouts and healthy eating habits?
Preparation is key. Working full time and having three kids means I have to schedule in my workouts like an appointment or I'd never have any time!! I also try to prep in advance my late breakfast of overnight oats with protein that I can take to the studio every day for a few days in a row. I'm not a big meal prepper so having a few meals ready from Dineamic is great for when I don't know what to cook!
What role does meal prep play in your own routine, and how do you keep it simple yet effective?
I'm not fan of cooking so I don't tend to meal prep all at once, but I do try to make a list of healthy meals on the weekend for at least 4 or 5 days in advance so that when I'm busy in the week I know I have my meal and the ingredients waiting for me when I get home. There's nothing worse than wondering what to eat and going food shopping every day!!
How do you advise clients to balance indulgence and discipline in their diets while still seeing progress from Pilates?
Coming from a professional dance background I have seen my fair share of eating disorders, so I think it's really important to find balance for the body and the mind. I have chocolate every day because I love it - but it's 2 squares of dark chocolate, not the whole slab! If you want to make a change to your diet it needs to be achievable and maintainable otherwise you'll just yo-yo. The beauty of JETSET Pilates is because it's an elevated workout you'll definitely see results. We want people to leave feeling like they've done a great, strength-based Pilates workout, not like they must go to the gym for a second workout once they're done at Pilates.
What’s a common misconception about nutrition that you see among Pilates enthusiasts, and how do you address it?
To be honest most of our clients are really in the know about what they should be eating and when they listen to podcasts and have the most relevant information that they also keep me informed! They really know their stuff (that's why they workout at JETSET!!)
How do you help clients stay motivated to eat well when they’re too tired to cook after a workout?
Making sure that they're not leaving it too long to refuel after a class! Because our classes are strength based, waiting to eat and starving yourself until you become ravenous means your body is going to search for the most calorie dense foods it can find and those are usually the foods we shouldn't be eating! If you are too tired to cook a great healthy meal that is pre-prepared like Dineamic is the perfect alternative!
What’s your go-to quick meal or snack idea for someone who’s just finished a JETSET session and needs something fast?
I love a protein bar and usually carry one around with me in my bag. Right now, I love the Fodbods chocolate and peanut bar!
Thank you to Victoria and JETSET.
JETSET Pilates is the international luxury fitness phenomenon known for its unique blend of traditional and modern Pilates. The unique 50-minute workout on custom reformers blends strength training, cardio, conditioning, and Pilates-inspired movements with minimal transitions for an intense full-body experience.
