What athletes need to know about balancing nutrition and performance
Apr 3, 2019
Finding that Sweet Spot
Once an athlete, always an athlete. This is why I love this blend of sports performance and sports nutrition. Helping clients define and keep that perfect sweet spot. It is so much more than just what you eat.
It is:
- what you eat
- why you eat
- when you need to eat
- what you want your food to do for you
Every athlete is unique in the right combination of what works for them.
This complexity is why I chose to specialize in helping athletes. Exploring the balance of fueling that works within their desired performance outcomes. Most importantly still allowing for life to happen.
Athletes have:
- birthday parties
- date nights
- families
- friends
- holiday get togethers
- desire for pleasure and yes from food too
I have had clients repeatedly say they eat any foods outside of what is defined as “healthy”. They have to worry about everything they eat and how it will impact their performance. What they don’t realize is by giving those thoughts energy they are pulling that energy away from what it deserves- You! All those things mentioned above lead to a:balanced, happy, healthy, fulfilled athlete.
Olympians share their favorite foods
This was one of my favorite articles during the Winter Olympics as elite athletes share their favorite foods. Enjoying them and standing on top of the podium- can’t beat that combination. Anywhere from donuts, ramen, meat, Grandma’s cookies and even Five Guys burgers. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/food-facts-team-usa-winter-olympians
Stories of Food Peace in Sports
For those of you that like to hear straight from the athlete’s mouth here are some podcast interviews where athletes share how they manage life & sport.
Tina Muir on how she broke the norm in professional running by speaking out against amenorrhea (loss of menses). Finding peace with her body and food and ultimately a baby. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/when-your-body-needs-a-break-tina-muir/id1287698279?i=1000394089103&mt=2
Here is a great one where we interview the Food Peace guru Julie Duffy Dillion- https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/food-peace-for-the-female-athlete/id1287698279?i=1000393462147&mt=2
Avoiding RED-S while having it all
This is what lead me to write my book “Finding your Sweet Sport in Sport” avoiding RED-S by optimizing energy. I firmly believe that the athlete can have it all- a nourished body, nourished soul ready to take on any physical challenge thrown at them. Leaving that energy behind to go out and take on life as well!
In the next blog we will define what is RED-S is. Are you struggling with RED-S and how to avoid it.
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AUTHOR • ATHLETE • NUTRITION THERAPIST
ReBecca McConville, MS, RD, CSSD CEDRD
"The life-long athlete in me wants to make sure that all athletes stay at the top of their game for as long as they choose to be in their sport. This book will keep athletes on track before your season starts, in the grind of the season, at the end of your season—and be ready to go for the next one."
When to eat is a big issue for me. Being so busy, I know that I am eating later than I should be! I strongly believe in the statement we are what we eat.