Overnight oats can be a convenient way to start the day with protein and healthy carbs.
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The combo is full of carbohydrates for energy, including quick-digesting carbs for a short-term boost, along with slower-digesting complex carbs so Brink can stay full and focused on training. Her breakfast also packs in plenty of protein for muscle growth and fiber for gut health.
Next up is coffee — Brink saves it for after the first meal of the day, to help provide more stable energy and prevent a crash later.
“I’ve shifted to having my caffeine after I have my breakfast, which I feel like has made a huge difference,” she said.
Brink also has a daily supplement regimen that includes iron, vitamin D, and muscle-building creatine.
Then comes a chef-prepared lunch at the Sparks’ training facility, where Brink often opts for two pieces of salmon with a side of Japanese sweet potatoes and asparagus. Lunch is followed by a nap.
Throughout the day, Brink said she relies on snacks like bananas, dates with almond butter, or almonds.
Before a game, her go-to fuel source is classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
“I love peanut butter and jelly. That’s what really fuels me through the game is just having some of the protein from the peanut butter, but a lot of carbs,” she said.
On nights when she’s not playing, Brink makes dinner with her fiancé, former Stanford rower Ben Felter, who handles the protein while she preps the sides like pasta salad or baked potatoes.
No restriction required
Brink also treats herself, especially on the weekends, with food from Dave’s Hot Chicken or In-N-Out Burger.
She said it’s important to keep a flexible approach to eating so she doesn’t feel guilty or obsess over what’s on her plate.
“I’m not going to beat myself up like, ‘Oh, I should have had 30 more grams of protein or something.’ It’s just something I can build on for the next day,” Brink said.
