The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast
Welcome to The Gymnast Nutritionist® podcast, a free resource for gymnast, parents, and coaches to learn to fuel the gymnast optimal performance and longevity int he sport. Christina Anderson MS, RDN, CSP, CSSD is a board certified pediatric/adolescent registered dietitian nutritionist, former gymnast, and current nationally rated gymnastics judge. She helps gymnasts and their parents take a proactive approach to fueling, without the stress or overwhelm. This podcast is all #realtalk where she tackles tough subjects about nutrition, body image, and more in the sport of gymnastics.
The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast
Episode 137: Will working on nutrition give your gymnast a “complex”
I hear it from parents all the time. They KNOW their gymnast isn't fueling enough for their training...BUT they worry if they bring up nutrition, they'll either give their gymnast a complex OR it'll just turn into another battle. And they just can't deal with one more thing.
I totally get that it's a sensitive topic. Parents worry that if they bring up nutrition that it will cause problems with either the gymnast's relationship with food in their body...or it will cause relationship issues between the gymnast and the parent.
But, fueling for the work required is not just an abstract concept that can be avoided because it's uncomfortable. It is the foundation of having a healthy and happy gymnast who is reaching their full potential. Just like "you can't spend money you don't have", your gymnast cannot safely and productively train on an empty tank.
If you worry that working on nutrition might give your gymnast a "complex" then today's episode is a MUST listen.
In this episode you'll hear about:
- Why the language we use around food is so important
- Understanding fueling for gymnastics vs. "eating healthfully"
- If there are big emotions around being told to fuel adequately, there's usually something else going on
Links & Resources
- The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts
- Episode 120: What age does your gymnast need nutrition support?
- Episode 113: The 5 Stages of Underfueling- Gymnast Edition
- Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com
