![Episode 185 Is it too late to start working on nutrition during competition season [REPLAY]](https://christinaandersonrdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-185-Is-it-too-late-to-start-working-on-nutrition-during-competition-season-REPLAY-scaled.png)
Episode 185: Is it too late to start working on nutrition during competition season? [REPLAY]
Is it “too late” to start working on your gymnast’s nutrition this competition season?
Short answer: “NO”
SO MUCH can happen in just a few weeks of proper, adequate fueling to support your gymnast’s health, recovery, and performance.
Some things can improve really quickly
✅ Heavy legs/muscles (often from inadequate carb intake/poor recovery)
✅ Fatigue/lethargy
✅ Headaches/stomachaches
✅ Poor mood/emotion regulation
✅ Energy, power, endurance during long workouts
Other things take more time
❌ bone injury healing (stress reaction/fracture/break)
❌ poor growth/development
❌ GI issues (bloating, constipation)
❌ primary or secondary amenorrhea (no period)
❌ intense burnout/overtraining related fatigue (nervous system)
❌ body composition changes
Time is marching on whether you like it or not, and underfueling is sneaky and often not seen by the naked eye
Will this add to your “mental load” this spring?
Yes and no.
Links & Resources
- The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts
- Episode 77: Gymnast Nervous Stomach and Competition Nutrition
- Episode 124: [Fueled Gymnast Fall] How to keep your gymnast from imploding this competition season
- Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com
on the blog