ANIMAL-BASED NUTRITION & STRENGTH TRAINING: Fueling Performance
- Jenna Offerdahl
- May 7
- 3 min read
When it comes to building strength, optimizing recovery, and fueling peak performance, nutrition is just as important as training. At CrossFit Uncommon, we emphasize an animal-based approach to nutrition—not because it’s a requirement, but because we’ve found it to be the most effective way of life for optimum training, recovery, and overall health.
Whether you follow an animal-based diet or not, you’re always welcome in our community. But if you're looking for a way to maximize your results, here’s why prioritizing animal-based proteins can help you train harder, recover faster, and feel your best.

Why Animal-Based Proteins Matter for Strength & Recovery
Strength training breaks down muscle fibers, and protein is the key macronutrient that helps rebuild them—stronger and more resilient than before. While all proteins provide amino acids, animal-based sources offer the most bioavailable forms, meaning your body absorbs and utilizes them efficiently.
Complete Amino Acid Profile
Animal-based proteins—like beef, eggs, chicken, fish, and dairy—contain all nine essential amino acids in the perfect ratios to support muscle repair, growth, and recovery. Unlike plant-based proteins, which often lack one or more essential amino acids, animal proteins give your body everything it needs to rebuild efficiently.
High Leucine Content for Muscle Growth
Leucine is the key amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis—the process that repairs and builds stronger muscle tissue after training. Animal proteins are naturally high in leucine, making them ideal for supporting muscle growth, strength, and endurance.
Better Nutrient Absorption
Animal-based foods don’t just provide protein; they’re packed with essential micronutrients like heme iron, B12, zinc, and omega-3s—all critical for energy production, immune function, and joint health. These nutrients are more bioavailable in animal products, meaning your body absorbs and utilizes them more effectively than plant-based sources.
Fueling Performance with Animal-Based Nutrition
To train hard and recover well, your body needs the right fuel. Here’s how an animal-based approach supports strength training, CrossFit, and overall athletic performance:
Pre-Workout Fuel: Eating protein and healthy fats from animal sources—like eggs, beef, or salmon—helps sustain energy levels and supports muscle function.
Post-Workout Recovery: Animal-based protein sources help reduce muscle soreness, repair tissues, and replenish nutrients lost during training.
Sustained Strength & Endurance: Unlike high-carb diets that cause energy crashes, an animal-based approach helps maintain steady energy levels, keeping you strong and focused throughout your workouts.
CrossFit Uncommon’s Approach to Nutrition
At CrossFit Uncommon, we teach an animal-based way of life because we’ve seen firsthand how it supports optimal performance, recovery, and long-term health. That said, we’re not here to force a one-size-fits-all approach—our community is built on respect, inclusivity, and a shared love for training.
You don’t have to eat an animal-based diet to be part of our amazing community—but if you’re looking to build strength, recover faster, and feel your best, we encourage you to explore its benefits.
Train Hard. Eat Well. Recover Strong.
If you’re ready to take your training and nutrition to the next level, join us at CrossFit Uncommon. Whether you’re curious about an animal-based approach or just want expert coaching and an incredible community, we’re here to support you on your journey.
Book a free intro session today and let us help you with finding the right nutrition and training that will change your health and your life HERE