Episode 90: Should your gymnast eat CANDY during a competition!?

Gymnasts and candy don’t usually go together, right? Usually we hear about gymnasts avoiding candy at all costs, especially competitions, to prevent blood sugar crashes. Or parents feel like their kid is already addicted to sugar so why would they ever offer candy to their gymnast?

This is a hot topic and I’m diving in as to why there might be situations where I recommend your gymnast eat candy during a competition. 

Disclaimer: there’s always the nuance and the context of the personal application. This episode is not intended to imply that EVERY gymnast needs candy at a competition. This is a topic we take a deep dive in our TBG program because it is so specific to the individual. 

Today I’m discussing what the research says about quick carbs and why using candy in the appropriate situations for your gymnast isn’t going to cause a sugar crash when performance matters most. 

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• Why quick carbs are recommend for performance
• Which gymnasts might benefit from candy during competition and which won’t
• Digestion and blood sugar regulation during exercise

  Links & Resources  

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 18: Help! My gymnast eats too much sugar!
• The myths surrounding pre-exercise carbohydrate feeding article
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com