We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but what does that actually mean when your goals are different from someone else’s?
Whether you’re trying to hit a new PR in the gym or lean out just in time for summer, the way you fuel your body matters. And while “eating clean” might sound like the answer, what you eat should be based on what you want to achieve.
Let’s break it down.
What Does “Eat to Perform” Mean?
When you’re eating to perform, the goal is simple: fuel your body to crush your workouts, build strength, and recover better.
You’re not obsessing over visible abs or cutting carbs. Instead, you’re focusing on:
- Eating enough to support your training
- Prioritizing carbs and protein for energy and muscle repair
- Timing meals around workouts for performance gains
- Hydrating like it’s your job
This style of eating is great for:
- Athletes training multiple times a week
- Anyone chasing strength or endurance goals
- People who care more about lifting heavy than how shredded they look
Eating to perform often means eating more than you think you need. It’s about consistency, not restriction.
What Does “Eat for Aesthetics” Mean?
This approach is focused on how you look—leaner waistlines, muscle definition, tighter glutes.
Here, nutrition becomes a little more detailed:
- Tracking macros (especially protein and carbs)
- Adjusting calorie intake to create a deficit
- Being mindful of micronutrients to support energy, skin, sleep, and recovery
- Meal prepping and avoiding extra snacking or social eating
Eating for aesthetics is perfect for:
- People with specific physique goals (think: beach season or photo shoots)
- Those who want to lean out while preserving muscle
- Anyone who enjoys tracking and seeing visual results over time
This path requires a bit more discipline. You’re likely saying “no” to more things. And that’s okay if it aligns with your goals.
Foundational Nutrition Comes First
No matter your goal—performance or aesthetics—you can’t skip the foundation:
- Eat 3-4 balanced meals per day
- Include lean proteins, veggies, complex carbs, and healthy fats
- Minimize processed food and sugary drinks
- Stay hydrated (yes, again)
- Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep
Without these habits, neither performance nor aesthetics will be sustainable. Before you count a single macro, get these basics down.
Which Should You Focus On?
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose forever. You can focus on performance for a few months, then shift to aesthetics. Or vice versa.
It’s not about either/or—it’s about timing and intention.
Ask yourself:
- Am I training for a specific event or competition?
- Do I want to feel stronger and more energized?
- Or do I want to lean out and feel more confident in my clothes?
Once you know your current goal, you can align your food choices accordingly.
How to Take Action
You don’t need to go it alone. Whether you want to lift heavier or lean out, the most powerful move you can make is working with someone who knows how to guide you.
That’s exactly why we’re kicking off our 28 Day Nutrition Challenge with Coach Angela Salveo on April 27th.
It’s your Pre-Summer Reset—and it’s designed to help you: ✅ Build consistent nutrition habits
✅ Learn what style of eating suits your goals
✅ Get support and accountability every step of the way
📲 Sign up here: Click to Join the Challenge
Let’s fuel your body with purpose—and feel good doing it.
