WNBA Star Cameron Brink's High-Protein Breakfast Routine

WNBA star Cameron Brink is on a mission to get jacked. As a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, she has become "kind of a snob" about building muscle, focusing intensely on her nutrition and strength training routine.

Her approach combines disciplined tracking with a flexible mindset, ensuring she stays fueled for the court without the stress of restriction. From her prepped breakfasts to her game-day fuel, Brink's diet is tailored for peak performance and recovery.

Following her return from a 2024 ACL injury, Brink's perspective on training and nutrition shifted dramatically. She now dedicates significant effort to lifting weights and optimizing her protein intake to support muscle growth and recovery.

"I'm stronger than I've ever been, and that's because I've tried to be genuinely intentional about what I'm putting in my body and my routine," Brink stated. This intentionality extends to partnering with the nutrition app MyFitnessPal to monitor her dietary needs.

"Something I never realized is how much protein I actually need."

At a height of 6'4" (though she notes she's actually an inch taller), Brink finds that getting enough fuel requires a dedicated effort. "I'm doing things that the average person doesn't do," she explained, which necessitates tracking her protein and macros to make a "huge difference" in her performance.

Brink's nutrition plan begins the night before a busy day. She prepares her breakfast in advance, choosing between overnight oats or chia pudding mixed with protein powder, berries, and honey.

This combination is designed to provide a balanced energy source. It includes:

• Quick-digesting carbs for an immediate energy boost
• Slower-digesting complex carbs for sustained fullness
• High protein content to support muscle growth
• Plenty of fiber for gut health

After her first meal, Brink delays her coffee to help maintain stable energy levels throughout the day. "I've shifted to having my caffeine after I have my breakfast, which I feel like has made a huge difference," she said. Her daily supplement regimen includes iron, vitamin D, and creatine.

Throughout the day, Brink relies on snacks like bananas, dates with almond butter, or almonds to maintain her energy. Lunch is often a chef-prepared meal at the Sparks' training facility, where she typically opts for two pieces of salmon with Japanese sweet potatoes and asparagus.

When it comes to game-day nutrition, Brink has a classic go-to: 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 explained.

On nights when she isn't playing, she cooks dinner with her fiancé, former Stanford rower Ben Felter. They divide the tasks, with Felter handling the protein while Brink prepares sides like pasta salad or baked potatoes.

Despite her rigorous routine, Brink emphasizes the importance of a flexible approach to eating. She avoids the guilt and obsession that can come with strict dieting, allowing herself treats especially on weekends.

She enjoys food from establishments like Dave's Hot Chicken or In-N-Out Burger. This mindset helps her maintain a healthy relationship with food and prevents burnout. "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.

Cameron Brink's nutritional strategy is a blend of science and self-compassion. By tracking her macros and prioritizing protein, she supports her body's demands as a professional athlete.

However, her inclusion of comfort foods and a flexible mindset ensures that her diet is sustainable long-term. This balanced approach allows her to stay at the top of her game without sacrificing her mental well-being.