Wow … not the best start to a blog post, especially one posted by a Jiu-Jitsu gym with an experienced coach! Unfortunately there is some truth to it …
Eat Like You Train: Why Your Diet Matters More Than You Think
At Archimedes Jiu-Jitsu, we put in serious time on the mats—drilling, rolling, learning. But here’s the truth a lot of people don’t want to hear: no amount of training can outwork a garbage diet.
If you’re trying to get better at Jiu-Jitsu, what you eat is just as important as how you train.
Let me just restate that one more time: what you eat is just as important as how you train.
The Hard Reality About Food and Progress
Most of the problems we see in recovery, energy levels, fat loss, and even mental focus? They start with what you put on your plate.
Sugar is the biggest enemy. It’s the root of so many issues in the typical American diet—chronic inflammation, crashes in energy, poor sleep, and stubborn weight gain. And no, it’s not just “desserts.” It’s lurking in your beer, your pizza crust, your pasta, your cereal, your sauces, your “healthy” bars, and those little snacks you convince yourself you’ve earned after training.
If you’re serious about getting better at Jiu-Jitsu, it’s time to cut the crap.
What to Avoid
Let’s keep it simple. If your goal is real, lasting progress, start by avoiding:
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Beer
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Pasta
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Pizza
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White bread
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Candy
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Chips
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Soda
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Sugary sauces and dressings
These things aren’t fuel. They’re anchors.
What to Focus On
Now, the good news: you don’t need a complicated diet plan. You just need consistency and common sense.
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Lean proteins: Chicken, beef, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt
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Fresh fruits and vegetables: Especially greens, berries, avocado, tomatoes, sweet potatoes
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Healthy fats: Olive oil, nuts, seeds
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Water. Period. A gallon a day is a good target. If you’re training hard, aim for more.
That’s it. Eat clean. Train hard. Sleep well. Repeat.
The Results Speak for Themselves
When you clean up your diet, your body responds fast:
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Faster recovery
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More stable energy through the day
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Clearer focus during rolls
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Leaner body composition
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Better cardio and less huffing in scrambles
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Fewer nagging injuries and inflammation
It’s not magic—it’s just what happens when you stop fueling your body like a dumpster.
Bottom Line
You want to get better at Jiu-Jitsu? Start in the kitchen. Every bite is either helping you or hurting you. Choose wisely.
Your progress is up to you.
