Ever wondered how a WNBA star fuels her body to dominate on the court? Cameron Brink, the towering forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, is not just crushing it on the basketball court—she’s also crushing her fitness goals with a laser-focused approach to nutrition and strength training. But here’s where it gets interesting: Brink’s journey to becoming a muscle-building powerhouse wasn’t always this intentional. In fact, her transformation began after a career-altering ACL injury in 2024, which forced her to rethink everything from her gym routine to her daily meals. Now, she’s sharing her secrets, and they’re simpler—yet more strategic—than you might think.
In an exclusive chat with Business Insider, Brink revealed that her mission to get stronger isn’t just about lifting heavier weights; it’s about fueling her body with the right nutrients, especially protein. Standing at an impressive 6’5” (yes, she’s taller than her listed height!), Brink’s nutritional needs are far from average. ‘I’m doing things most people don’t do,’ she explained, emphasizing the importance of tracking her protein intake and macros to support her intense training regimen. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Brink swears by her high-protein, fiber-rich breakfasts like overnight oats or chia pudding, she also admits to indulging in fast food like Dave’s Hot Chicken or In-N-Out Burger on the weekends. ‘I’m not going to beat myself up over missing a few grams of protein,’ she said. This flexible mindset is key to her success, as it eliminates stress and guilt around food. But does this approach work for everyone? Or is it only sustainable for elite athletes like Brink? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A typical day in Brink’s life starts the night before, with meal prep for her nutrient-packed breakfast. She mixes protein powder, berries, and honey into her oats or chia pudding, creating a balanced blend of quick and slow-digesting carbs for sustained energy. Coffee comes later, after her first meal, to avoid energy crashes. Her supplement stack includes iron, vitamin D, and creatine—a favorite among athletes for muscle recovery. Lunch is a chef-prepared affair at the Sparks’ facility, often featuring salmon, Japanese sweet potatoes, and asparagus, followed by a well-deserved nap.
Snacks like bananas, dates with almond butter, and almonds keep her fueled throughout the day. And when it’s game time? Brink reaches for a classic: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. ‘The protein from the peanut butter and the carbs from the jelly are my go-to for energy,’ she shared. On off nights, she and her fiancé, former Stanford rower Ben Felter, team up in the kitchen, with Felter handling the protein while Brink preps sides like pasta salad or baked potatoes.
Brink’s approach to nutrition is refreshingly practical. She’s not about restrictive diets or obsessive tracking; instead, she focuses on consistency and flexibility. ‘It’s about building on what I did today, not stressing over what I didn’t do,’ she said. This mindset has not only transformed her physique but also her relationship with food.
So, here’s the big question: Could Brink’s low-stress, high-protein approach work for you? And more importantly, is flexibility the secret ingredient we’ve all been missing in our fitness journeys? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear how you balance nutrition and indulgence in your own life.
