Fuel vs Pleasure: Why we eat

As you know, we train with purpose at Onyx Tribe CrossFit. But what about how we eat?

In our latest Quickcast episode, we explored a powerful question:

Are you eating to fuel your body, or just to satisfy a craving?

Let’s break it down and bring that conversation to life here on the blog.

P.s. if you want to watch our latest Quickcast, click here

🔥 Eating for Fuel: What your body actually needs

When we talk about eating for fuel, we’re talking about giving your body the nutrients it needs to perform, recover, and thrive. This is especially important for athletes and active individuals like us at Onyx Tribe CrossFit.

Your body runs on macronutrients:

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and recovery

Carbohydrates: Your body’s preferred energy source, especially during high-intensity workouts

Fats: Crucial for hormone health, brain function and long-term energy

If you’re training consistently, your body needs quality fuel. That means real, whole foods—lean meats, vegetables, complex and fibrous carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Not just calories, but nutrients that support your performance and recovery.

🍩 Eating for Pleasure: The emotional side of food

Let’s be honest, food isn’t just fuel. It’s also joy, comfort, celebration, and culture. And that’s okay! Eating for pleasure is part of being human.

But when pleasure eating becomes the default, it can start to work against your goals. That’s where intentionality comes in.

Before you eat, try asking yourself:

“Do I need to eat this?”

“Does this serve my identity and my purpose?”

If your identity is “I’m an athlete,” or “I’m someone who takes care of my body,” then your choices should reflect that. Not perfectly, but intentionally.

⚖️ Finding the Balance: Fuel first, pleasure second

Here’s a simple framework we have suggested: the 80/20 rule.

80% of your intake should be nutrient-dense, performance-focused food.

20% can be the fun stuff—guilt-free.

And when you do eat for pleasure, own it. Enjoy it. But make it a conscious choice, not a mindless habit.

🧠 Quick Science Hit

Your body only needs a certain amount of energy to function and perform, and it's likely less than you think. Overshooting your calorie needs, even with “clean” food can still lead to fat gain.

Under-eating? That can wreck your recovery and performance, too.

Monitoring or tracking your intake, understanding your macros, and aligning your nutrition with your training goals can make a huge difference. Not sure where to start? Talk to one of the coaches about a goal review session. We’re here to help.

🎯 Final Thought

As you know, at Onyx Tribe CrossFit, we don’t just train hard. We live with intention. That includes how we eat.

So next time you’re about to grab a snack or plan a meal, pause and ask:

“Do I need this?”

“Does this serve who I’m becoming?”

Fuel your body like the machine it is. And when you eat for pleasure, do it with purpose.

🎧 Listen to the full QuickCast episode here

📩 Have questions or want help with your nutrition? Reach out or drop us a message.