5 Ways to Fuel Like a Professional Athlete: Olympic Hopeful Ashtin Mahler Shares Her Tips
- Fueling success: How Ashtin prioritizes a diet of animal-based whole foods and daily Bulletproof coffee.
- The power of consistency: See her rigorous training and recovery practices—from ice baths, to red light therapy, to acupuncture.
- Favorite Bulletproof products: Coffee, MCT Oil and Collagen Peptides just to name a few.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just curious about a pro’s secrets to success, read on to get the scoop from Olympic hopeful Ashtin Mahler. See how she stays strong, eats clean and what her favorite Bulletproof products are.
Meet Ashtin Mahler
Mahler is a true track and field star chasing her dreams to be an Olympic athlete. She was raised by track athletes. She fell in love with the sport and was inspired to follow in her parent’s footsteps. After graduating from the University of Texas, she made waves as a professional heptathlete. She won championships and recently finished 9th place at the 2024 Olympic Trials. (P.S. A heptathlon is a competition with seven events like hurdles, jumps, javelin, and a run.)
She is passionate about pushing herself to her limits and staying in shape. That’s why she takes a holistic approach to her health and wellness. She incorporates whole foods, self-care and proper recovery, among other things into her daily routine to feel her best.
Read on as we dive into her daily routine—from her morning Bulletproof coffee ritual to healthy habits that keep her running at top speed.
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All Our Questions, Answered
Q: How long have you been a professional athlete? What inspired you to pursue a career in your sport?
A: Since graduating from the University of Texas in 2019 (competed for Tracksmith). My parents were successful track athletes in college. My dad was a National Champion in the 4×400, and my mom was the school record holder in the Heptathlon. I always had a love for track and field growing up thanks to them.
Q: What fuels you to perform your best? (Literally or figuratively)
A: My goal is to be one of the best Heptathletes in the country…but my husband would say caffeine and red meat.
Q: What have been some major accomplishments in your career?
A: Winning a National Championship in the heptathlon at my school, in front of hundreds of fans and family. It was pretty special! Also, placing 5th at the 2021 Olympic Trials, 11th at the 2022 World Championships and recently 9th at the 2024 Olympic Trials in Oregon after tearing my calf in 2022.
Q: What advice would you give a young athlete just starting out in their career now?
A:
- Never put limits on your potential.
- Dream big and work hard.
- Take recovery and nutrition seriously.
- Be proud of your work and stop comparing. Everyone’s journey is different.
- Don’t forget to smile, laugh and enjoy yourself as often as you can.
- Enjoy the journey and appreciate your supporters—they make the journey truly special.
Q: Describe a typical day of training when you were preparing for a big track and field event.
A: In the morning I usually have 2-3 hours of track practice focusing on different heptathlon events (hurdles, high jump, javelin, etc.). Weightlifting 3-4 days a week, grab a bite to eat and then 1.5 hours of recovery treatment.
Q: What does recovery look like for you?
A: The older I get, the more I do for recovery. My routine includes ice baths, acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage. I make time for red light therapy, vitamins like magnesium and a lot of electrolytes every day.
Q: What are some habits that helped you achieve success as an athlete?
A: Consistency is KEY!!! If you’re on the track, field or in the weight room—then you’re getting better. Health is important for consistency and consistency is key to success.
Q: How does nutrition help you feel your best? Why?
A: Fueling my body properly is truly what has kept my athletic career successful. When I feel my best, I compete at my best. I found that food can either optimize workouts and improve recovery OR cause inflammation that hinders recovery and your next training session. I always opt for a whole-food, animal-based diet because it’s low in inflammatory foods and provides the proper building blocks for growth and recovery.
Q: Take us through your morning routine.
A: I usually wake up at 7am and walk my two dogs at a nearby park for some fresh air, then make breakfast, and take my vitamins. I enjoy a cup of Bulletproof coffee with MCT Oil and Mocha or Vanilla Creamer. In the summer, I like cold brew made with Bulletproof’s Original Coffee Beans, and top it with a blend of condensed coconut milk and Bulletproof Collagen to add some protein. Then I prep my body by rolling out on a foam roller, red light therapy and doing my physical therapy exercises.
Q: What are your favorite Bulletproof products and why?
A: I genuinely love all of the Bulletproof products, but the ones I use *almost* every day are the Original Coffee Beans, MCT Oil, Creamers, Ghee, and Apple Cider Vinegar Max Gummies. Drinking my morning cup of delicious coffee packed with clean energy is one of my favorite parts of the day. At night, I love taking the ACV gummies before a high-carb meal to support metabolism.
Q: How do you balance your training and personal life?
A: I try to always make time for other people, like my dogs, friends, family and athletes I coach. It helps to ease my mind from my training and competition stressors during track season. In my off-season, I head to the kitchen to cook meals or bake healthy treats to satisfy my sweet tooth.
What’s the takeaway?
The key to feeling your best starts with fueling your body right, staying consistent, prioritizing recovery and finding balance between your passion and personal life. Not sure where to start? Commit to taking small steps; like jumpstarting your morning with Bulletproof Coffee or adding an ice bath after a good workout. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to reap the rewards of these habits.
Ready to up your game? Check out Ashtin’s favorite products, plus so many more at Bulletproof.com.
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