Fueling Teen Athletes & Building Healthy Food Relationships with Abby Lewis, MS, RDN, CSSD

Summary In this episode of the Eat to Win podcast, Samuel Bullard speaks with Abby Lewis, a sports dietitian, about the critical role of nutrition in young athletes' performance and well-being. They discuss common misconceptions about athlete diets, the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition, and how family dynamics influence young athletes' eating behaviors. Abby shares insights on addressing issues like RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and the significance of creating a supportive food environment at home. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and understanding among parents and athletes to foster healthy relationships with food and optimize performance. Takeaways - Athletes can enjoy a variety of foods, not just clean eating. - High energy needs require a balanced diet, including processed foods. - Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child's eating habits. - Role modeling healthy eating behaviors is essential for children. - It's important to educate parents about their child's nutritional needs. - RED-S affects both male and female athletes and has serious implications. - Restrictive mindsets can hinder athletic performance and health. - Creating a positive food environment can prevent eating disorders. - Parents should focus on providing food, while children decide how much to eat. - The goal is to prevent future nutrition-related issues in young athletes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sports Nutrition and Athlete Support 03:14 Abby's Journey to Becoming a Sports Dietitian 06:06 Misconceptions in Athlete Nutrition 09:13 Diverse Sports and Unique Nutritional Needs 12:12 Navigating Parent and Athlete Dynamics 15:10 Understanding RED-S and Its Implications 20:32 Understanding RED-S in Young Athletes 26:56 Addressing Restrictive Mindsets in Nutrition 31:10 Creating a Positive Food Environment for Young Athletes 36:44 Rapid Fire Insights on Nutrition and Performance

Fueling Teen Athletes & Building Healthy Food Relationships with Abby Lewis, MS, RDN, CSSD

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