At Gracie Barra in Western Washington, nutrition counseling isn’t just a service—it’s a foundational approach to athletic performance, fitness goals, and overall wellness. Offered by owner Greg Jones, a respected personal trainer and champion bodybuilder, the nutrition counseling program is designed to equip athletes with tailored nutritional strategies to complement their training and optimize health. Understanding the connection between nutrition and sports performance, Greg brings both his experience and passion to help members enhance their skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and other athletic disciplines through effective, science-based nutritional guidance.
Why Nutrition Matters for Athletes
Nutrition is the fuel that powers athletes through rigorous training, competitions, and recovery. In sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai, the importance of a carefully planned diet can’t be understated. Both sports require agility, strength, endurance, and mental clarity—qualities that are influenced significantly by what an athlete consumes.
Professional Body Builder & Owner, Coach Greg Jones
Poor nutrition can lead to fatigue, slower recovery, and even injuries, while a well-structured nutrition plan enables athletes to build strength, boost energy, and recover faster after training. Greg Jones’s nutrition counseling service is designed to ensure that every Gracie Barra athlete receives the dietary support they need to excel.
The Role of Nutrition in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are physically demanding sports that require stamina, resilience, and a high level of cardiovascular health. In BJJ, athletes rely on explosive movements, grip strength, and endurance, often in prolonged and intense sessions. Muay Thai demands cardiovascular endurance, strength, and agility, with repetitive kicks, punches, and movements that require energy and rapid recovery. Greg’s nutrition counseling addresses these unique needs, focusing on ways to keep athletes energized, promote muscle growth, and support endurance. By consuming the right balance of macronutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—athletes can train harder, longer, and with reduced risk of fatigue or injury.
Personalized Nutrition Plans
Greg’s approach to nutrition counseling is personalized to each individual, recognizing that no two athletes have identical needs. During an initial consultation, he assesses an athlete’s training regimen, physical condition, goals, and lifestyle. Whether an athlete wants to cut weight for a competition, build muscle, or simply boost endurance, Greg tailors the plan to match these specific objectives. For example, those in BJJ who aim to increase strength while staying within a weight class may need a different nutritional approach than Muay Thai athletes looking to maximize endurance and agility.
Each plan includes specific guidance on daily calorie intake, macronutrient distribution, meal timing, and hydration—important components of peak performance. Athletes also learn the importance of nutrient-dense foods and how to structure meals to maintain energy throughout the day. Greg emphasizes not just what to eat, but also when to eat, helping athletes understand how timing can impact their performance and recovery.
The Importance of Protein in Muscle Repair and Growth
Protein is an essential macronutrient for all athletes, but its importance is heightened in physically intense sports like BJJ and Muay Thai, where muscles are constantly under strain. Protein helps repair and rebuild muscle tissues that are broken down during training. Through his nutrition counseling, Greg educates athletes on the importance of including sufficient high-quality protein in their diets to support recovery and build muscle mass, ensuring they can maintain and even enhance their strength over time.
Whether an athlete prefers lean meats, fish, eggs, or plant-based protein sources, Greg’s nutrition plans are flexible to accommodate dietary preferences while making sure they meet their protein needs. Additionally, Greg advises on protein timing, such as post-training consumption, when the body is most receptive to nutrient absorption, thus optimizing muscle repair.
Carbohydrates for Energy and Endurance
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, and for athletes, they’re crucial. In sports that demand quick bursts of movement or sustained endurance, a carbohydrate-rich diet helps athletes maintain energy throughout intense workouts. Greg’s counseling focuses on selecting the right types of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and balancing them with other nutrients for sustained energy. He also advises athletes on when to consume carbohydrates, such as loading up before training sessions or competitions, to maximize glycogen stores, the body’s short-term energy reservoir.
Fats for Long-Lasting Energy and Hormonal Health
Although often misunderstood, fats play an essential role in an athlete’s diet, providing long-lasting energy and supporting overall health. Greg incorporates healthy fats into his nutrition plans, ensuring athletes get a balanced intake of omega-3s, omega-6s, and other beneficial fatty acids from sources like nuts, seeds, fish, and olive oil. These fats not only help provide energy but also support hormonal health, which is essential for recovery and overall well-being.
Hydration and Recovery
In addition to food, Greg emphasizes the critical role of hydration. Staying hydrated helps athletes perform at their best, maintain focus, and avoid muscle cramps and fatigue. Greg provides hydration guidelines tailored to each individual, especially important for athletes who train in high-intensity sessions that cause significant fluid loss. Additionally, he highlights the importance of electrolytes, particularly after intense training sessions, to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.
Supplements: Filling Nutritional Gaps
While Greg’s philosophy is centered around whole foods, he understands that some athletes may need supplements to meet their nutritional goals, especially if they have dietary restrictions. Based on individual assessments, Greg may recommend specific supplements, such as protein powders, multivitamins, or amino acids, to support overall nutrition. He provides guidance on how to safely incorporate supplements as a complement to their diets, always prioritizing safety and efficacy.
Building a Sustainable Lifestyle
A unique aspect of Greg’s counseling is his focus on sustainability. Instead of encouraging restrictive diets, he teaches athletes how to make balanced, practical food choices that they can sustain long-term. He educates athletes on reading nutrition labels, meal prepping, and choosing healthier options even when dining out. By empowering athletes with knowledge, Greg ensures they can make informed choices that support their athletic performance and long-term health.
Success Stories and Community Support
Greg has helped countless athletes in Western Washington reach new heights in their training and personal fitness journeys through nutrition counseling. The Gracie Barra community serves as an additional support system where athletes can share progress, celebrate milestones, and encourage one another. Greg’s passion for nutrition and fitness has built a community that values health, resilience, and personal growth, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can succeed.
Taking the First Step
For anyone serious about enhancing their athletic performance, or simply leading a healthier lifestyle, Gracie Barra’s nutrition counseling program is an invaluable resource. Greg Jones brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a genuine passion for helping athletes of all levels reach their potential. By embracing a nutrition plan tailored to their individual needs, athletes can experience noticeable improvements in strength, endurance, and overall wellness. Whether you’re looking to compete at a higher level or simply optimize your training, Gracie Barra’s nutrition counseling will set you on the path to success.