In this episode of Race Ready, we’re joined by Megan Chacosky, sports dietitian and performance chef at Craftsbury Outdoor Center and longtime collaborator with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. Megan shares her journey from pastry chef to Olympic performance nutrition expert and breaks down practical fueling strategies for endurance athletes. From recovery meals to on-the-go snacks, she explains how elite athletes can use food as a powerful tool to support training, recovery, and long-term performance.
We explore key topics in sports nutrition, including what to eat before and after workouts, how to structure meals during high-volume training camps, and how to adjust fueling plans for masters athletes. Megan explains why carbs are crucial, debunks common recovery myths, and shares budget-friendly tips for athletes shopping and cooking on their own. If you're a coach, skier, or parent supporting a competitive athlete, you'll learn how to build a nutrition plan that meets performance demands without overcomplicating it.
The episode also dives into RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), the role of supplements like caffeine and sodium bicarbonate, and the dangers of under-fueling—especially for developing athletes. With a blend of expert insights and real-world examples from World Cup and Olympic-level competition, Megan delivers high-performance nutrition advice that every endurance athlete should hear. Whether you're preparing for a 50K ski race or just looking to improve your daily energy and recovery, this is a must-listen episode on fueling for success.