For high-volume endurance runners, the absolute priority is to ingest enough energy to cover caloric expenditure and promote recovery, making the restrictive concept of 'clean' eating secondary, or even sometimes counterproductive, compared to meeting overall energy needs.

noli's read

The community is converging on a pragmatic approach where total caloric intake and carbohydrate availability take precedence over strict nutritional quality. Science confirms that for endurance athletes, the major challenge is to avoid relative energy deficiency, which can compromise bone and hormonal health (Meta-analysis, Mountjoy et al., BJSM). While a nutritional foundation rich in essential nutrients (proteins, fiber, vitamins) is validated by sports nutrition journals for tissue repair and immunity, the use of ultra-processed foods to meet massive energy needs is a recognized strategy to avoid gastrointestinal fatigue linked to an excess of fiber (Standard sports practice, ISSN). The idea that 'eating clean' should take a backseat to caloric needs is therefore scientifically consistent, although exaggeration sometimes lies in the total neglect of nutritional quality over the long term. There is no evidence suggesting that a rigorously 'clean' diet is superior to a flexible diet that allows for adequate energy intake. In short, the community favors flexibility to maintain performance without sacrificing enjoyment.

the sources

1. 1r/AdvancedRunning