Anne Sauer on Fencing, Nutrition, and Trusting Her Gut

How does a fencer in the German national team start the day? She tells us in an interview about her daily routine.

3 MIN READ — 04/02/2025
"I trust my gut a lot because, in fencing, I have to make split-second decisions. My initial gut feeling is usually the right one, so I stick with my first intuition almost always."

And she's right to do so: her intuition has now taken fencer Anne Sauer all the way to Paris with the German national team. In our interview, the 12-time German champion shares insights into her daily routines, her nutrition, and how AG1 helps her make the right decisions.

AG1: Tell us about your morning routine. What do you drink and eat within the first two hours after waking up?

Anne Sauer: I start my mornings by turning on my espresso machine. While it heats up, I grab my AG1 shaker and AG1 from the fridge. In summer, I often enjoy my AG1 on the balcony, taking deep breaths and soaking in the fresh air to kickstart my day. My typical breakfast is porridge with various toppings like blueberries, chia seeds, flaxseeds, raisins, and some chocolate chips. This sets a perfect foundation for my first training sessions.

How has your experience with AG1 been in the morning?

For me, it's a great routine to start the day and wake up properly. With AG1, I can be sure my body gets essential nutrients it needs for intense training sessions.

When do you usually train, and how important is meal timing around your training?

I usually train around 10 AM and have my next chance to eat around 1 PM or later. It's crucial to have a good breakfast in the morning and replenish carbohydrates and proteins as quickly as possible after training. AG1 is perfect for starting the day with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

How important is gut feeling to you in training, decision-making, and life in general? Are there situations where you rely on your intuition?

I trust my gut a lot because, in fencing, I have to make split-second decisions. My initial gut feeling is usually the right one, so I stick with my first intuition almost always.

How can one train their gut feeling or intuition?

I train it through fencing, daily in practice. When an opponent attacks, I need to decide incredibly quickly, and my gut feeling helps me. The more you listen to your gut and check what it tells you, the better you can make decisions in the future.

Which foods are essential after training?

Carbohydrates are crucial after training. I burn up to 4000 calories a day due to intense training sessions, and I need to replenish those calories quickly.

Do you have a "guilty pleasure" (something generally considered "unhealthy" that you treat yourself to)? If so, what is it?

Yes, my guilty pleasure is pizza.

What is your favourite recipe? What can't you get enough of right now?

Currently, it's a shrimp rice bowl with fresh vegetables and feta cheese.

Sounds fantastic! Thank you, Anne, and good luck in Paris!

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º Food Supplement. In combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

ª Survey on the awareness of multi-nutrient powders with 211 consumers aged 18 to 49 in Germany, 09/24.

↡ Survey of 527 AG1 customers after 12+ days of use, 2024. The survey was conducted on a previous version of AG1’s continually evolving formulation. The survey results can be transferred to the current version of the formula due to no or scientifically negligible changes in supporting nutrients. Vitamins C, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folate help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Pantothenic acid supports mental performance. Calcium supports normal digestive enzyme function, while biotin maintains normal mucous membranes, such as the gut lining.

⧘ Compared to individual supplements typically sold in retail, such as:
Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, bacterial cultures, zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, coenzyme Q10, greens powders (from sea algae like spirulina, barley leaf, wheatgrass, dandelion, spinach powder, etc.), mushroom supplements (reishi, shiitake)

‡ Survey of 144 verified customers from 12 European countries who have been taking AG1 for an average of 9 days.

Immune System

1: With vitamins A, C, B6 and B12 as well as folate, zinc, copper and selenium, AG1 contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C contributes to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise.

Energy; Metabolism

2: Vitamins C, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and magnesium contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. With vitamins C, B6, B12, as well as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus, copper and manganese, AG1 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance. Biotin, zinc and chromium contribute to normal macronutrient metabolism.

Cell Protection

3: With vitamins E and C as well as riboflavin, zinc, copper and selenium, AG1 contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes. Folate, Vitamin B6 and B12 contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism.

Mental Performance; Psychological Function; Nervous System

4: With pantothenic acid, AG1 contributes to normal mental performance. Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function. With vitamins C, B6, B12, B1, B3 and B7 AG1 contributes to normal psychological function and to normal functioning of the nervous system. Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.

Skin, Hair & Nails

5: With vitamins A, as well as riboflavin, niacin, biotin and zinc, AG1 contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Vitamin B7, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal nails.

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Digestion

7: Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Biotin AG1 contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes (e.g. intestinal mucosa).

Muscles

8: With calcium and magnesium, AG1 contributes to normal muscle function.