The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast Christina Anderson

Gymnasts and RED-S are unfortunately linked more often than parents and coaches realize. RED-S, otherwise known as relative energy deficiency in sport, is a syndrome introduced in 2014 by the International Olympic Committee to expand upon the female athlete triad. 
RED-S is a way to describe the physical and psychological effects of inadequate energy intake on athletes both male and female. Many gymnasts have RED-S and it's often what I term "unintentionally underfueling": they (and their parents) are simply are not taught from a young age how much energy they need to fuel 20+ hours a week of training.  
In this episode, you'll learn: 
What are the physical consequences and side effects of RED-SWhat symptoms to be aware of in your own athleteWhat you can do to help your gymnast recover from or prevent RED-SLink & Resources
Blog: Does your gymnast have relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)?Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionistCheck out our online program for parents, The Balanced Gymnast® Method through this free trainingPrivate 1:1 Nutrition Coaching for High Level Gymnasts

Trying to prepare meals that everyone in the family enjoys, that fuel your gymnast properly, and that can be made in a timely fashion, is a challenge that I’m sure you all face. 

Do you pick this recipe because it’s what your daughter’s coaches say she should eat? 

Do you make your other child’s favorite meal, even though it is not enough fuel for your gymnast? 

Do you make something super easy and convenient that does not meet her nutritional needs? 

All of these are questions are SO NORMAL when you are trying to meal plan and fuel a high-level gymnast. 

In this episode, you'll learn: 
Our 10 min meal planning strategy that will save you tons of stress (and wasted food) each week!What you need to think about when building the gymnast's plateWhy including foods that bring satisfaction are an important part of your gymnast's relationship with food + bodyLink & Resources
FREE Guide: The Busy Gym Parent's Guide to Meal PlanningBlog: Simple Meal Planning for the GymnastConnect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionistCheck out our online program for parents, The Balanced Gymnast® Method through this free trainingPrivate 1:1 Nutrition Coaching for High Level Gymnasts

There’s a big difference between what we call Normal Nutrition versus Performance Nutrition for the gymnast. Both are of equal importance for optimal performance, recovery, and longevity in the sport.  
Unfortunately, most high-level gymnasts never learn how to incorporate both, and this is a huge reason gymnasts often face serious injuries or don’t reach their big goals and dreams. 
In this episode, you'll learn: 
What "normal nutrition" is and why gymnast often struggle with thisWhy gymnasts need to have a Performance Nutrition Strategy Why "just eat healthy" doesn't guarantee performance (and is super problematic if you have a selective eater)Link & Resources
Blog: What should a gymnast weigh Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionistCheck out our online program for parents, The Balanced Gymnast® Method through this free trainingPrivate 1:1 Nutrition Coaching for High Level Gymnasts

A gymnast should weigh what their body wants to weigh. That sounds silly, but weight is not a behavior. And, weight is also not an indicator of performance.  Child and adolescent gymnasts are still growing and developing and thus their bodies will change as this is a normal physiological part of life. If a gymnast isn't eating enough to growth and develop, their body won't be getting enough nutrition to repair and recover.

In this episode, you'll learn: 
Why weight is not an indicator of health or performance, and how BMI is not appropriate for gymnastsWhy focusing on weight can be harmful and miss the real issue How to support gymnasts who think they need to be smaller to be successful What we can focus on as parents and coaches to support our gymnasts through puberty and beyondLink & Resources
Blog: What should a gymnast weigh Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionistCheck out our online program for parents, The Balanced Gymnast® Method through this free trainingPrivate 1:1 Nutrition Coaching for High Level Gymnasts