Apolo Ohno and Julia Mancuso Share Their Healthy Eating Tips

As the 2026 Winter Olympics take place in Milan and Cortina, two of America’s most celebrated Winter Olympians, Apolo Ohno and Julia Mancuso, reflect on the dedication required to achieve Olympic success, along with their essential dietary habits that supported their journeys.

Together, they boast a remarkable total of 12 Olympic medals. While the glittering trophies and competition outfits belong to the past, their emphasis on nutrition continues to shape their daily lives.

Long before meal-prep services became popular, Mancuso, an alpine skier who participated in the Olympics from 2002 to 2014, adopted extraordinary measures to maintain her energy levels.

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She travelled across Europe on the World Cup circuit in a motor home, including a tour bus once owned by Dolly Parton, just to steer clear of unhealthy hotel food.

When hotel accommodations weren’t available, she brought along a toaster oven to ensure access to nutritious meals.

Julia Mancuso, competing above in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 2017, said nutrition is just as important now as it was when she was competing.
(Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images)

“I didn’t feel good at the end of a season if I wasn’t in control of my diet,” Mancuso shared with Fox News Digital.

Now, as a mother of three residing between Fiji and Hawaii, she finds those habits even more critical.

“If I skip a meal or don’t get the right macros, it truly affects my mindset,” the 41-year-old added.

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Meanwhile, 43-year-old Ohno, who competed in three Winter Olympics from 2002 to 2010, acknowledged that nutrition became more paramount as his speed skating career progressed.

“In the beginning, I could afford to be a bit more lenient, given my youth,” he noted. “As I moved further into my career, nutrition emerged as a fundamental priority. In my final Olympic Games, it was absolutely essential. It was groundbreaking.”

Apolo Ohno, shown skating in the 2002 Winter Olympics, said nutrition became the “foundation” of his performance over the course of his career.
(Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

In a precision sport like speed skating, proper fueling is about more than just energy—it’s about body composition, recovery, and mental clarity.

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“When both your body and brain are well-fueled, entering a flow state becomes far easier,” Ohno explained. “Your decision-making improves, as does your sleep quality, resulting in enhanced mood, emotion, and energy levels.”

“When your body and your brain are fueled appropriately, it’s incredible how easy it is to get into a flow.”

Although neither Ohno nor Mancuso are in training for Olympic gold, their lives remain filled with business responsibilities, travel, and family commitments.

Ohno, now a bestselling author, advises corporations and invests in performance-driven ventures, while Mancuso manages family life alongside speaking engagements and her work in the outdoor industry.

Ohno stated that prioritizing protein helps him stay on track today.
(Factor)

Their hectic schedules still require the same practical approach to meals that they once relied on during competitions.

To help maintain their nutrition, they have collaborated with the meal service Factor to launch a limited-time “Gold Collection,” starting Feb. 12, featuring meals inspired by their training diets.

Mancuso’s selections focus on endurance, highlighting dishes rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables to sustain energy levels.

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Ohno’s menu choices center around strength and recovery, featuring high-protein options alongside whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats.

“I focus on incorporating protein in my diet currently,” he said. “That seems to be the easiest method for me to remain disciplined.”

Mancuso emphasized her commitment to cooking healthy meals on the go.
(Factor)

Both athletes assert that one common misconception about elite athletes is that their diets must be extreme or flawless.

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“It doesn’t need to be perfect,” Mancuso remarked. “What truly matters is consistency.”

Ohno echoed this sentiment, particularly for those inspired by Olympic athletes to reevaluate their own diets.

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“The simplest way to achieve your goals is to keep things uncomplicated,” he advised. “Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many changes simultaneously. Focus solely on your nutrition. Everything else will follow.”

Retired Olympians Ohno, left, and Mancuso, right, emphasize that disciplined nutrition remains integral to their daily routines.
(Adam Pretty/Getty Images; Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)