Episode 162: Worried Your Gymnast Is Underfueled? Start with a Gymnast Fueling Audit

f you’re worried your gymnast might be underfueled or showing signs of REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), this episode is a must-listen.  In today’s episode, I’ll explain why a true gymnast fueling audit doesn’t start with macros or calorie counts. It starts with tracking growth over time PLUS nutritional intake. 

When parents come to me worried their gymnast might be underfueled or showing signs of REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), the first thing we do in our initial session is a gymnast fueling audit.  And guess what? That session starts with growth history. AKA growth charts. 

Why? Because your gymnast’s weight and height trends over time are some of the most objective, science-backed indicators we have to assess if they’re getting enough fuel to support growth, training, and recovery. And here’s the hard truth—REDs doesn’t always show up in how a gymnast looks. It shows up in how their body is growing (or not growing).

In this episode, I’m walking you through:

• Why the growth chart is the #1 tool I use to assess underfueling 
• What normal growth should look like for a gymnast and why it’s completely individualized 
• How we’re helping parents know once and for all: is your gymnast underfueled??

Links & Resources 

• Join the Fueling Audit Waitlist 
• Episode 146: Update to our Team Talks Series (what we are and aren’t doing moving forward)
• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com