Female Athlete Nutrition

Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes

As a Sports Dietitian for NCAA, professional, and recreational athletes alike, I know how powerful nutrition can be. I also know how quickly a female athlete can fall into the trap of under fueling which severely limits their health. That’s why I’m sharing my knowledge of female-specific nutrition, training, body image, and mindset to help you fuel your body to perform at your highest level. Whether you are looking for a competitive edge with your nutrition training and mindset, or looking to overcome harmful nutrition habits and body acceptance, you’ve come to the right place!

  1. 252: Electrolyte Products & Sports Nutrition Innovation with Jess Cerra

    6D AGO

    252: Electrolyte Products & Sports Nutrition Innovation with Jess Cerra

    In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes discusses the complexities of nutrition, especially for female athletes, and the high expectations placed on them. Special guest Jess Cerra, Vice President of Product and Community Development at Elite Active Nutrition, shares her journey from an elite athlete to an entrepreneur in the sports nutrition industry. They dive deep into the importance of electrolytes, how sweat testing can help optimize hydration and balance, and the innovative products offered by Salt Stick. They also touch on Jess's personal athletic achievements and provide practical advice on managing nutrition and hydration for optimal performance. Episode Highlights: 01:22 The Impact of Menstrual Health on Female Athletes 03:01 Meet Our Guest: Jess Cerra 04:58 Jess Cerra's Athletic Journey and Education 09:43 Challenges and Triumphs in Professional Cycling 11:57 The Role of Mentorship in Sports 14:38 Transitioning to a Career in Sports Nutrition 16:03 Introduction to Elite Active Nutrition 21:35 The Importance of Electrolytes for Athletes 30:22 Recognizing Signs of Heat Stroke and Dehydration 31:03 Importance of Electrolytes in Recovery 31:43 Understanding Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) 32:23 Resources for Managing REDS 34:12 Practical Tips for Sweat Testing 36:06 Electrolyte Needs for Endurance Athletes 38:25 Debunking Myths About Electrolytes 39:09 Choosing the Right Electrolyte Products 41:52 Sweat Testing Methods and Tools 48:33 Electrolyte Needs for Different Athletes 56:40 Final Thoughts and Resources Cerra's athletic journey began with triathlons, where she quickly excelled, becoming the XTERRA amateur national champion in 2011 and ranking sixth in the professional women's division by 2011. Transitioning to professional road cycling in 2015, she competed for UCI Continental teams including Twenty16 (now Twenty24) and Hagens Berman–Supermint. Her notable achievements include winning the sprint classification and Stage 4 at the 2018 Redlands Bicycle Classic. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Cerra is the founder of JoJé Bar, a gluten-free, real-food energy bar designed for endurance athletes, which became part of the Alete Active Nutrition portfolio in 2021. She also co-founded The Last Best Ride, a gravel cycling event in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana, which allocates its proceeds to scholarships for women pursuing post-secondary education. Use code FAN20 for 20% off at saltstick.com Resources and Links: Follow Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscerra/?hl=en Follow SaltStick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltstick/?hl=en For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @‌femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
  2. 251: Supplements Standards and Food Safety with NSF's Sarah Kroll and John Travis

    FEB 6

    251: Supplements Standards and Food Safety with NSF's Sarah Kroll and John Travis

    In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes interviews Sarah Kroll, Vice President of Food and Nutrition at NSF, and John Travis, Principal Technical Manager at NSF. They discuss the complexities of nutrition and the importance of food safety and supplement standards. Kroll and Travis emphasize the role of NSF in protecting and improving human health through rigorous testing and certification processes, particularly in the areas of supplements, food products, and cosmetics. They also touch on the evolving landscape of consumer demand for clean and safe products, and NSF's role in ensuring quality and safety in a variety of industries. This episode provides valuable insights into how consumers can make informed choices about the products they use. Episode Highlights: 01:22 The Impact of Period Pain on Women's Lives 03:01 Meet the Experts: Sarah Kroll and John Travis 06:25 NSF for Sport: Ensuring Supplement Safety 09:21 The Importance of Certification and Standards 28:17 Addressing RED-S in Female Athletes 33:32 The Evolving Landscape of Supplements 34:29 NSF's Expanding Role Beyond Supplements 39:32 Food Safety and Consumer Awareness 43:03 Supply Chain Stressors and Adulteration Risks 45:36 The Rise of Sugar Substitutes 50:27 Lead in Protein Powders: Understanding the Risks 54:39 The Importance of Certification and Safe Consumption 57:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts John Travis has more than 25 years of experience in analyzing dietary supplements, utilizing techniques such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. His expertise in the analysis of dietary supplements for ingredients prohibited by antidoping organizations was instrumental in developing screening methods for NSF’s Certified for Sport program. These procedures help analyze and detect potentially harmful substances, contaminants and emerging drugs in dietary supplements. He joined NSF in 1995. Sarah Krol is Vice President, Food and Nutrition at NSF is responsible for NSF’s global Food and Nutrition division, which includes primary food production/agriculture and fisheries, food manufacturing and distribution, product claims certifications such as Organics/Non-GMO (including NSF’s subsidiary Quality Assurance International), and nutrition and wellness (including supplements and cosmetics). Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @‌femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 1m
  3. 250: Podcast Pause: Must Listen Episodes of 2025

    JAN 8

    250: Podcast Pause: Must Listen Episodes of 2025

    Host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast takes a brief hiatus and uses this time to highlight notable episodes from the past year. While outlining the podcast's mission to simplify nutrition for female athletes and combat harmful body image expectations, Lindsey recommends standout episodes, such as discussions on sustainable farming, eating disorders, menstrual cycle health, and supplement transparency. The episode also promotes awareness of RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and offers resources for listeners facing nutrition challenges. Lindsey emphasizes the importance of subscribing and revisiting past episodes during the break. Episode Highlights: 01:22 WaveBye: Revolutionizing Menstrual Health 03:00 Special Announcement: Podcast Break and Highlights 03:45 Top Episodes of the Year 09:43 Addressing RED-S in Female Athletes 12:15 Favorite Episodes and Special Mentions 19:55 Thank You and Future Plans 21:01 Final Words and Resources Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @ femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min
  4. 249: Refuel & Recharge: Nutrition while Taking a Break

    12/18/2025

    249: Refuel & Recharge: Nutrition while Taking a Break

    In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes discusses the importance of nutrition during a break from sports. Highlighting common fears and misconceptions around weight gain and muscle loss, Lindsey explains why metabolism and body composition do not drastically change during short breaks. She emphasizes the need for proper refueling and maintaining adequate nutrition to ensure athletes are energized and ready to resume training. Additionally, Lindsey shares her personal updates, including an upcoming move to Boston for better medical care for her son. She announces a brief hiatus from the podcast, set to return in February with fresh content. Episode Highlights: 01:22 Wave By: Revolutionizing Menstrual Health 03:06 Taking a Break: Nutrition Adjustments 05:04 Personal Update: Moving Across the Country 09:16 The Importance of Rest and Recovery 14:31 Debunking Myths About Breaks and Nutrition 22:35 Understanding the Prevalence of RED-S in Female Athletes 22:54 Resources and Support for RED-S Recovery 24:43 The Importance of Muscle and Metabolism 27:08 Caloric Needs During Breaks 31:39 Maintaining Nutrition During Breaks 37:15 Intuitive Eating and Extended Breaks 40:40 Upcoming Plans and Final Thoughts Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @ femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  5. 248: The Science of Sugar for Athlete Performance & Health: Clarifying Natural vs Artificial vs Added

    12/11/2025

    248: The Science of Sugar for Athlete Performance & Health: Clarifying Natural vs Artificial vs Added

    In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian and lifelong athlete, delves into the complex world of sugar. Lindsey discusses the different types of sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, and others) and explains the importance of carbohydrates for athletes. She differentiates between natural sugars, added sugars, and artificial sweeteners, emphasizing their roles and impacts on athletic performance. The podcast also highlights the general dietary guidelines for sugar intake and how they apply differently to athletes. Lindsey shares practical examples, fun facts, and even personal anecdotes to help listeners understand and normalize sugar consumption, especially in the context of sports nutrition. This episode aims to empower female athletes to make informed choices about their nutrition to perform at their highest level. Episode Highlights: 01:22 The Reality of Period Pain 03:00 Welcome to New and Returning Listeners 03:29 Diving into Sugar: Basics and Misconceptions 05:11 Fun Facts About Sugar 10:10 Understanding Different Types of Sugar 22:29 Natural vs. Added Sugars 27:30 Understanding Sugar in Fermented Foods 28:05 Addressing Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) 30:37 Exploring Sugar Substitutes and Artificial Sweeteners 33:51 The Impact of Sugar Alcohols on Health 40:35 Guidelines for Sugar Intake in Athletes 42:53 The Role of Simple Sugars in Athletic Performance 53:53 Concluding Thoughts on Sugar and Nutrition Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @ femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
  6. 247: Basketball to Books: Angela Lewis on Leadership, Confidence, and Giving Back

    12/04/2025

    247: Basketball to Books: Angela Lewis on Leadership, Confidence, and Giving Back

    In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes speaks with Angela R. Lewis, a former professional basketball player, author, and leadership strategist. They discuss the confusion surrounding nutrition and body image expectations for female athletes. Angela shares her journey from feeling uncomfortable with her height at a young age to building confidence through basketball. She introduces her 6V framework for personal growth and development, applicable to athletes and beyond. Angela also talks about her new children's book, 'A Ball and A Chance,' and the importance of creating supportive communities. The episode emphasizes transitioning life skills from sports to other areas and the importance of staying in community for personal growth. Episode Highlights: 01:22 The Impact of Menstrual Health on Performance 03:00 Meet Angela R. Lewis: Athlete and Author 04:48 The Athlete Identity and Transition 06:45 Building Confidence in Sports and Life 08:19 Angela's Journey: From Tall Girl to Confident Athlete 17:57 The 6V Framework: From Valley to Victory 23:14 Building Confidence in Nutrition 23:40 Understanding Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) 24:40 Join the REDS Recovery Membership 26:10 Cultural Influences on Nutrition 27:30 Creating Healthy Rituals 31:32 Navigating Fast Food Culture 34:36 Transitioning from Athlete to Everyday Life 36:21 The Importance of Community and Team 41:58 A Ball and a Chance: Inspiring Young Readers 45:20 Workshops and Coaching for Personal Growth 46:50 Conclusion and Resources Angela R. Lewis is a former professional basketball player, author, and leadership strategist who helps athletes build confidence, communication, and life skills beyond the game. A two-time graduate of Saint Louis University and recipient of the Robin Roberts Sports Communication Award, Angela has worked across sports, education, and media, training hundreds of athletes and leaders to find their voice and purpose. She is the author of The Game Changing Assist and Post Moves, and her upcoming children’s book A Ball and A Chance inspires young readers to embrace confidence, culture, and connection through sports. Drawing from her experiences living and coaching internationally, Angela offers a global perspective on leadership, wellness, and resilience. Connect with Angela: Website: angelarlewis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Instagram: @theangelarlewis Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @ femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min
  7. 246: Supplement Transparency and Trust: Previnex Redefines Industry Standards

    11/27/2025

    246: Supplement Transparency and Trust: Previnex Redefines Industry Standards

    In this episode, Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian and host of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, interviews David Block, CEO of Previnex. The episode delves into the struggles and confusions surrounding nutrition, particularly for female athletes who face societal pressures on body image. Lindsey introduces David, detailing his impressive career transition from a hedge fund manager to leading Previnex, a company dedicated to producing high-quality nutritional supplements. David discusses his inspiration and mission to create best-in-class supplements, addressing the flaws in the supplement industry from quality control to transparency. They explore Previnex’s rigorous testing standards, the impressive effectiveness of their Joint Health Plus product, and the impact of their groundbreaking Get Health, Give Health program, which donates vitamins to malnourished children for every customer order. The conversation emphasizes creating genuine health benefits, maintaining high standards, and the broader mission of improving lives globally. Episode Highlights: 01:22 Meet Today's Guest: David Block, CEO of Previnex 03:19 David Block's Journey: From Wall Street to Wellness 06:24 Challenges and Insights in the Supplement Industry 11:37 The Importance of Quality and Transparency in Supplements 23:33 Personal Stories and Testimonials 31:32 The Power of NEM for Joint Health 33:04 Exploring Menstrual Cycle Health Supplements 34:16 Immune Health and Beta Glucans 41:33 The Importance of Muscle Health 47:15 Get Health Give Health Program 54:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts As the CEO of Previnex, David has the great privilege of leading a company that is dedicated to creating health and advancing human flourishing in the lives of everyone the company serves. Previnex makes best-in-class nutritional supplement products that promote longevity, performance, and everyday health, and donates vitamins to malnourished children with every customer order through the company’s Get Health, Give Health Program. Since July 2017, Previnex has donated over 2.4 million vitamins to malnourished children in 19 countries. Prior to Previnex, David was a hedge fund manager and Wall Street research analyst in the Health & Wellness Industry, where he was named one of the top research analysts and stock pickers in the country by The Wall Street Journal and Forbes. David has appeared in numerous financial publications for his expertise in the Health & Wellness Industry, including The Wall Street Journal, Investors Business Daily, Business Week, Forbes, and Barron's. David attended UCLA, where he was a scholarship athlete, and received a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law, where he was a Fellow and Founding Student Board Member of the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law. David also serves as a Board Member & Trustee of Guideposts, Inc. Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @ femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  8. 245: Immune Boosting Nutrition for Cold & Flu Season

    11/20/2025

    245: Immune Boosting Nutrition for Cold & Flu Season

    In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes delves into how to boost the immune system during the winter months to prevent common colds and flu. She addresses common misconceptions about nutrition, the importance of adequate calorie intake, and highlights essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc that can help reduce the severity and duration of illnesses. Lindsey also discusses practical food-based approaches and supplements to incorporate as part of daily routines for improved immune support. Additionally, she touches on the role of honey, garlic, and echinacea, sharing practical tips on how athletes can integrate these into their diets. This episode serves as an educational resource for female athletes striving to maintain optimal health and performance during the colder seasons. Episode Highlights: 01:22 Understanding Period Pain and WaveBye Solutions 04:07 Nutrition Tips for Boosting Immunity 07:01 The Importance of Proper Fueling for Athletes 11:46 Preventing Illness Through Nutrition and Hygiene 14:01 Supplementation and Immune Support 20:38 Addressing RED-S and Support Options 23:11 Vitamin C Dosage Recommendations 25:22 Delicious Vitamin C Smoothie Ideas 26:17 Daily Vitamin C Intake Tips 28:56 The Importance of Vitamin D 33:14 Zinc for Immune Support 37:35 Incorporating Honey and Garlic 43:13 Exploring Echinacea and Other Herbs 46:15 Final Thoughts and Healthy Habits Resources and Links: For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code riseup for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @ femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
4.8
out of 5
81 Ratings

About

As a Sports Dietitian for NCAA, professional, and recreational athletes alike, I know how powerful nutrition can be. I also know how quickly a female athlete can fall into the trap of under fueling which severely limits their health. That’s why I’m sharing my knowledge of female-specific nutrition, training, body image, and mindset to help you fuel your body to perform at your highest level. Whether you are looking for a competitive edge with your nutrition training and mindset, or looking to overcome harmful nutrition habits and body acceptance, you’ve come to the right place!

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