s2/e42 Unpacking Mindset Around Performance Nutrition with Natalie Robertello, MS, RD (@befueledsportsnutrition)

Performance vs. Restriction

The conflict between performance-driven nutrition and restrictive eating habits often stems from societal norms and personal fears. Natalie Robertello explains that undereating can deprive the body of essential resources, affecting digestion and overall function. She highlights the importance of addressing disordered eating habits early to prevent more significant issues 1. Elisabeth Scott shares her personal journey, emphasizing the shift from prioritizing body size to focusing on performance, which helped change her relationship with food 2.

A lot of people are very willing to work on that. Right? They totally are. They're able to prioritize and put it aside because you have to have those conversations of, like, okay, what really is the goal here?

--- Natalie Robertello

This mindset shift is crucial for athletes to overcome fears of weight gain and embrace a performance-oriented approach.

   

Unpacking Diet Culture

Diet culture significantly influences how athletes approach nutrition, often promoting restrictive eating and a focus on maintaining a smaller body size. Natalie Robertello describes diet culture as a mindset shaped by media and societal pressures, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits and misconceptions about food 3. Elisabeth Scott

Once we realize that we've basically, especially for women, been told for most of our lives that we should try to eat as little as possible, that's a really scary place for a lot of people to be in once they see that and be like, oh, my God, what do I actually believe about food?

--- Elisabeth Scott

Understanding and addressing these ingrained beliefs is essential for developing a healthier relationship with food and improving performance.

   

Learning and Growth

Self-awareness and personal growth are key components of understanding one's nutritional and physical needs. Elisabeth Scott emphasizes that the journey of running and nutrition is about learning and making informed decisions rather than following rigid plans 4. Natalie Robertello agrees, noting the transformative impact of these "light bulb moments" when clients realize the positive changes in their lives and performance 4.

It's incredible because, you know that they've really adopted that and how positively it changes their life and their nutrition and their exercise.

--- Natalie Robertello

This process of discovery can open doors to exploring other areas of health, leading to a more holistic approach to well-being.