Episode 57: How do I get my gymnast to eat enough?

On today's podcast, I'm tackling a tough topic I hear from parents almost daily. The topic of, "how do I get my gymnast to eat more/enough for their high-level training"?!

Once parents become aware of how rampant under-fueling is in gymnastics and the devastating consequences that result from it, most then realize their gymnasts just aren't eating enough.   

But unfortunately knowing that under-fueling is the number one career killer of upper level gymnasts doesn't just simply fix the issue. And if anything, it can cause a ton of frustration and friction between parent and gymnast. The parent knows how important it is, and may even have a good understanding of sports nutrition, but they just end up fighting with their gymnast who says they're not hungry. 

In my years of experience working with high level gymnasts, there are three main issues parents struggle with getting their gymnast to eat enough to support the amount of training they're putting in. 

Listen in to find out what they are and what you can do to overcome these hurdles in your gymnast reaching their full potential. 

In this episode you'll hear about: 

• Why so many gymnast struggle with lack of appetite and eating enough
• How guilt and intuitive eating can sometimes clash and what to do to overcome
• When food and body concerns come into play...and it happens a lot younger than you think.

 Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast®  Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 18: Help! My gymnast eats too much sugar
• Team Talk Series inquiries for coaches and gymnastics club owners
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or support@christinaandersonrdn.com