What To Expect
Food
I work with each athlete to meet them at their current nutritional comfort level to change their nutrition in a sustainable way.
Empathy and Expectations
By open discussion around successes and struggles, I will help you feel confident in all of your nutrition decisions.
Homework
I work with each athlete to define clear goals and work together to get there.
Let's Go Into More Detail
Food
When working with me, I'm likely to suggest lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, oils, nuts, seeds, legumes, and even ice cream! I realize that each individual comes from a different nutrition background with different nutritional preferences.
Research has shown a great correlation between carbohydrate timing, nutrient density and exercise performance. I will use this research to help build the optimal plan for your sport. While it is recommended to eat a mostly whole foods diet and cook most meals from scratch, I'm able to help you find that healthy balance between convenience and performance needs.
Empathy and Expectations
I want all of my athletes to meet all of their goals. Therefore, I speak directly to what needs to change in order to meet those goals. I listen effectively, and look at daily food choices as "data" that we can use for problem-solving and improving performance. Most importantly, I want and need total honesty and openness from my athletes to be an effective ally in their performance goals.
Homework
Like the athletes I work with, I have high expectations and thrive on a challenge! I prescribe "homework" after each visit, and expect you to follow through by the next appointment time. Nutrition changes don't happen overnight, and each athlete must put in similar time and effort in the kitchen that they would put into the gym. By following my program, you can be the best athlete you've ever been!
Meet Jen
Jen Sommer-Dirks is passionate about helping athletes improve their performance and health by maximizing their nutrition. As an athlete herself and a nutrition professional, she has a full understanding of an athlete’s unique nutrition needs.
Originally founded by Amanda Turner, Jen has been a part of Active Fueling Nutrition Coaching since 2019 and owner since 2021.
Jen first became interested in sports nutrition during her undergraduate studies at Colorado State University. During that time she participated in a bike tour of the French Alps and the 2004 Tour de France. Pushing herself up those super steep climbs, and then watching the pro cyclists do it twice as fast, got her thinking about how critical nutrition is to athletic performance. This inspired her to pursue a Masters in Exercise Science, which she received from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and then to obtain her certification in sports nutrition. She also started competing in local cycling races, as well road and trail running races. Since then she has participated in several races and organized rides and runs, but mostly prefers to ride and run for enjoyment. Jen excels at uphill events and altitude and has run several trail 50ks and marathons. In the winter she continues her uphill exploits on skis!
Learn More About The Specific Packages We Offer:
We are the premier provider of all sport-nutrition services, especially for endurance athletes.
These packages are specifically designed to help heal your relationship with food, so you can enjoy your sport AND food.
The focus of this package is improving your daily nutrition to reach your goals!
I was referred by to Jennifer by a co-worker of mine and I am so glad that I reached out to her. I am a 49 year old female who works out 6 days per week at medium to high intensity. I was focused on eating low carb and when I met with Jennifer she was very helpful in Helping me see that I probably was not eating enough. I incorporated carbs back into my diet which helped my energy and performance level tremendously. She also helped me see that the size I was 14 years ago did not have to be the size I am today as long as I am healthy and my body is performing well for me. The time with her was well spent and I would recommend her to anyone.Kim, Strength Athlete
Active Fueling was critical to me changing my habits and getting the most out of my running as I was still fairly new to running and trying to qualify for Boston. A year since I used their services, I'm still applying principals that I learned while working with Jen Sommer-Dirks to my nutrition routine to maintain peak fitness while I continue to enjoy a high level of running.Joe, Runner
Jennifer was incredibly supportive and helpful working through my nutrition challenges. I've always found fueling to be the hardest part of ultra running and feel much more confident now! I was recommended Active Fueling and am hopeful others choose to work with AF as well!A, Ultrarunner
I learned so much from Jen about how to fuel for optimal running performance. Before working with Jen, my stomach would feel queasy on long runs and the timing of my meals was never right. Jen helped me create an eating plan and suggestions that worked perfectly for me, from meals and snacks to pre-run fuel and post-run recovery. What especially helped was Jen’s guidance on what to eat during runs and how to ensure I got enough salt. Thanks to Jen’s nutrition help, I ran my second marathon feeling strong, healthy, and fueled...and hit a 38-minute PR. Yahoo! I’ll continue utilizing what I learned from Jen for many, many years to come.Bea, Runner
Jennifer at Active Fueling did a incredible, individual specific nutrition plan that took into account my activities to achieve my health goal. She started with getting to know me, my lifestyle/exercise habits, and my goals. She then tailored my nutritional program using the Exchange System, for easy, medium, and hard activity days. She also educated me on the Exchange system as well as fueling my body during training and competition days. She made up a meal plan that I could start with as I was learning the exchange system. For someone who doesn't like to be in the kitchen, this was HUGE. After 4 months, I felt stronger, faster, and healthier, and had the knowledge and confidence to continue on my own. Thanks Jennifer!!!Mike, Mountain Biker