Episode 10: Do Gymnasts Need to “Eat Clean” to be Successful?

Do gymnasts need to “eat clean” for optimal performance and health? In short? No. But stay with me, as there is a LOT of nuance here.

Often, “clean eating” will lead to food issues, can cause underfueling, or overall cause a struggle. There is an important psychological aspect to our eating that often gets ignored with advice like “just eat clean”. And it’s just not sustainable.

Plus only focusing on clean eating gives parents and gymnasts a false sense of security so they don’t even realize it’s actually the problem, until it’s too late. You can eat clean and still overeat, under eat or just not consume the right balance of calories from the food sources you need. And if your gymnast isn’t fueling properly, performance and longevity in the sport can be in danger.

Food is more than just fuel and gymnasts are more than just well oiled machines.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Some of the common mistakes around food
• Why intention and context matter when it comes to food choices
• What “gentle nutrition” is and why it’s so important for gymnasts

Link & Resources

• Blog: Does a gymnast have to “eat clean”?
• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist