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The Gymnast Nutritionist® PodcastAuthor: Christina Anderson MS, RDN, CSSD, CSP Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 139: Acute vs Chronic Underfueling in Gymnasts [Competition Season Edition REPLAY]
Episode 139
Monday, 9 March, 2026
This biggest mistake we’re seeing high level gymnasts make right now is…Only eating WHEN and IF they “feel hungry enough”… “my gymnast eats well” is 100% subjectiveThis can lead to "acute" underfueling. And a lot of gymnasts are already chronically underfueled, so this is a double whammy to acutely underfuel on competition day as well.Here's what we're seeing from gymnasts right now:🤸♀️If the comp is early afternoon, they try to sleep in as late as possible and have 1 meal before getting dressed and out the door. That ain’t gonna cut it. I had this convo with one of my newest elite qualifiers this weekend. 👉🏻The comp was at 3PM. She had breakfast about 9:30/10 (a little later than I prefer, but I was a SUPER solid breakfast so I’ll take it). 👉🏻They were worried about trying to fit in lunch, getting dressed (didn’t want to eat a lot in a tight Leo), and also going to support her friends who were competing before her. 👉🏻We worked out a plan to fit in a solid pre-comp lunch and a little pre-comp snack as she was walking in.And guess what!? She qualified! Fueling = ✨Magic✨Want to learn more? We just published a brand-new FREE masterclass for parents of optional/elite competitive gymnasts! This is a must listen for all my gymnast parents (and coaches!) out there who are all wondering...Is my gymnast underfueled?Click here to learn more in this new 45 min free trainingLinks & Resources The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts Episode 04: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and GymnasticsConnect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com
