Hanna Faulhaber

Hannah first discovered her love for her sport by watching the X Games growing up. Seeing elite athletes push the limits of what was possible made an immediate impression.

“The athletes were doing such incredible things,” she says. “Watching them battle it out in extreme sports made me want to be part of it.”

But while competition and success are exciting, what truly keeps her motivated is something simpler.

“Having fun,” she explains. “Success is great, but the best part is going out there, having fun, and putting on a show of my athleticism.”

That sense of joy and freedom continues to drive her every time she steps onto the course.

Fueling the Body for the Sport You Love

Looking back at her teenage years, Hannah believes one message is especially important for young athletes:

Fuel your body so you have the energy to do the things you love.

Proper nutrition and strength training go hand in hand. If she could go back and give her younger self advice, it would be to take the gym seriously earlier.

“I wish someone had told me how important it was to strengthen my muscles so they could handle the strain of my sport.”

Strength and nutrition together help athletes stay strong, recover faster, and continue improving.

Starting the Day Strong

Because most of Hannah’s training sessions happen in the morning, breakfast is her most important meal of the day.

Her go-to breakfast often includes eggs. Recently she has been enjoying breakfast sandwiches with:

  • Two fried eggs

  • Sausage

  • Tomato

  • Avocado

  • A bagel

This combination gives her a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel the start of training.

On longer training days, she makes sure to bring extra snacks with her on the mountain.

Adjusting for Competition

The biggest challenge with fueling often comes down to timing.

When competitions happen at night, it can be difficult to adjust meal timing throughout the day.

Hannah listens to her body and eats when she’s hungry, making sure to have a meal about an hour before skiing.

“It’s something I’m still learning,” she says. “But I understand how important it is to fuel my body.”

Staying Fueled on the Mountain

During long training days, quick snacks help keep energy levels steady.

Some of her favorites include:

  • Fruit snacks

  • Applesauce

  • Protein bars

  • A classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich

These simple options are easy to bring on the hill and provide quick fuel when needed.

Recovery That Feels Like a Treat

After training, Hannah enjoys meals that help her recover while still feeling satisfying.

One of her favorite post-training options is a yogurt bowl with granola.

“It almost feels like dessert,” she says. “It’s like a reward while still refueling my body.”

Nutrition and Confidence

For Hannah, good nutrition affects far more than physical energy.

“Food fuels your body and brain,” she explains.

When athletes eat well, they often experience:

  • more stable energy

  • clearer focus

  • a calmer mindset

All of which contribute to confidence in competition.

When meals are skipped or nutrition is inconsistent, energy drops and it becomes harder to perform at your best.

Supporting Recovery and Longevity

Nutrition has also played an important role in Hannah’s recovery from injuries.

By eating healthier and incorporating supplements approved by her team, she has been able to better support joint health and overall recovery.

Fueling properly helps athletes stay strong not just for one competition, but for an entire season.

Hannah’s Favorite Snack

One of her favorite quick snacks is a yogurt bowl with granola topped with stewed apples and cinnamon.

Another simple favorite: avocado toast with cottage cheese.

Both options provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats — perfect for fueling training or recovery.

Fuel Takeaways for Young Athletes

  • Eat enough to support your training

  • Breakfast is key for morning workouts

  • Simple snacks can keep energy steady

  • Nutrition supports focus and confidence

  • Recovery food helps athletes stay strong