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Episode 168 What can parents actually control to help your gymnast crush it this competition season

Episode 168: What can parents *actually* control to help their gymnast crush it this competition season?

Food Parenting, Growth & Development, Gymnastics Culture, Podcast

September 8, 2025

There’s a lot in gymnastics that frustrates parents—but truthfully, much of it is out of your control. You can’t control the judging. Or the coaching. You can’t control every practice or every skill. So as a parent of a gymnast, what can you actually control? 

Gymnastics is a roller coaster of a ride. There are so many factors outside a parent’s control along the way. But one thing I’ve learned in 6+ years of working with gymnastics parents…most wait too late.

January is our biggest cohort of the year which is great but also frustrating because there are truly a few nutrition situations that improve within days to weeks. A lot of them take weeks + months (or even years) and waiting until the START of competition season might mean its too late for that particular season.

But here’s the good news: there are some powerful things you can control that directly impact your gymnast’s health, performance, and longevity in the sport. If you’re wondering what you actually have control over as a parent in this sport, this episode will help you redirect your energy to the things that matter most.

✨I’m sharing three key areas that will make a huge difference this competition season: 

✅ Making sure your gymnast is eating enough to grow, develop, heal, repair, and recover.
✅ Teaching your gymnast how to fuel her body—understanding food’s role in energy, performance plates, and smart snack choices.
✅ Involving your gymnast in the process of food prep and planning so she’s confident and capable when it comes to fueling herself. The key differences between “healthy” and “adequate” fueling for gymnasts

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