Fuelling Performance with Purpose: Nutrition Tips from Gabrielle Nikora-Baker.

Megan Meade
Jul 10
2 min read

In the latest edition of Hive Hub, we caught up with Gabrielle Nikora-Baker, founder of GNB Health and Fitness, fresh off a winning performance at Hyrox event in Sydney. A passionate coach, athlete, and nutrition advocate, Gabby brings both personal experience and professional insight into fuelling performance the right way.

From Overtraining to Empowerment

Gabby’s journey into fitness began in her early 20s, chasing aesthetics over health. After a brief stint in bodybuilding—complete with severe calorie restriction—she found herself rebounding physically and mentally. That tough experience sparked her transition into strength, endurance, and performance-based training. Today, she helps clients build sustainable habits around movement and nutrition.

Pre-Race Nutrition That Delivers

Gabby’s go-to pre-race breakfast is a performance powerhouse: white rice, banana, honey, salt, and cinnamon. “It’s heavy on carbs, light on digestion, and fuels me without weighing me down,” she says. The addition of honey and salt is no coincidence—simple sugars and sodium are critical for fast energy and hydration.

This is where Hive Energy Gels come in. With their multi-carb formula (combining glucose and fructose), Hive gels enable more efficient carbohydrate absorption—up to 90g per hour, compared to the traditional 60g. This multi-transport system means longer-lasting energy, fewer gut issues, and better overall endurance performance.

Post-Race & Recovery

After crossing the finish line? “A big, sweet doughnut or cookie,” jokes Gabby. But she notes this is very much a treat, not a recovery strategy! For sustained training, real recovery comes from nutrient-rich whole foods, proper hydration, and rest.

Mindset Matters

Whether it’s tackling a brutal High Rocks session or managing her business, Gabby leans into David Goggins’ “savage” mindset: “It’s just a bit of pain—it’ll be fine.” Her philosophy? Prepare well, fuel smart, and don’t overcomplicate the process.

Want to learn more about Hyrox and Gabby's tips on nutrition? Check out our full video chat: