Science for Sport Podcast

269: Food First, Supplements Second: Performance Nutrition with Tom Coughlin

May 26, 2025
Tom Coughlin, a performance nutrition consultant with over a decade of experience, shares invaluable insights from his work with Olympic athletes and professional rugby teams. He emphasizes the importance of whole foods over supplements in sports nutrition. Listeners learn about the truths behind dietary supplements and how behavioral psychology can enhance nutrition strategies. Tom also discusses the science of pre-workout nutrition and caffeine's benefits, along with practical advice for optimizing diet to boost athletic performance and build sustainable habits.
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ANECDOTE

Tom Coughlin's Career Journey

  • Tom Coughlin shared his journey from a psychology student to a top sports nutritionist working with Olympic athletes and rugby teams.
  • He spent years supporting athletes at Glasgow Warriors and Scottish Rugby before starting his own business.
INSIGHT

Nutrition Is Individualized

  • Nutrition should be personalized based on the individual, not just the sport they play.
  • Understanding the athlete as a human being is key before applying nutrition strategies.
ADVICE

Prioritize Nutrition Basics

  • Focus on establishing healthy basics first, like hydration, eating enough calories, and sufficient fruits and vegetables.
  • Optimizing these fundamentals is critical before exploring advanced nutrition strategies for performance.
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