Episode 104: Nutrient Density, Real Food and Gymnastics

Nutrient Density, Real Food and Gymnastics—”do you even care about healthy eating!?”

I had an IG post go viral last year where I compared intraworkout fueling options. And my comments BLEW UP with some really crazy comments about goldfish of all things.

I feel like I’m constantly have to say how we of course care about healthy eating and nutrient density in the context of gymnastics. But that there are certain priorities when it comes to fueling a gymnast.  

I am NOT a fan of “clean eating” as we often see this create massive issues around fueling, restriction, then binging, etc and that defeats the whole purpose of trying to get a gymnast or athlete to eat healthier.  But what most people don’t know is I’m actually trained in functional nutrition with a focus on GI health. So of all sports dietitians, I especially care about what your gymnast eats.  

BUT, I also have to respect biology and science and know that the healthiest, cleanest, most nutrient dense diet that doesn’t provide sufficient nutrition won’t save your gymnast.  Before I throw out anymore of these terms like “clean eating”, nutrient density, etc… Let’s define. 

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• Defining nutrient density, clean eating, and healthy eating
• What foundation needs to be in place before utilizing the advanced nutrition strategies
• Best practices for fueling and supporting a healthy relationship with food

Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 62: When trying to get your gymnast to eat “healthy” backfires
• Episode 10: Do Gymnasts Need to “Eat Clean” to be Successful?
• There are BIG differences between “fueling” versus “snacking” IG post
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com