In this podcast episode, we unpack the issue of disordered eating in runners with Lydia and Sophie from Stronger Stride.
We dive deep into how nutrition affects performance, health, and well-being for athletes. We discuss this in the context of runners who may be facing pressures around weight and body image. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of food, fitness, and mental health for runners.
Key Topics
Here’s a look at the key topics we covered:
Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders
The difference between disordered eating in runners and a clinical eating disorder, as well as red flags to look out for if you or someone you know might be struggling.
The Impact of Under-Fuelling
Understanding how not fuelling properly can affect performance, bone health, and overall well-being, particularly for runners who rely on stamina and strength.
Power-to-Weight Ratio
How the focus on weight for performance can lead to unhealthy patterns and when to seek support.
Balancing Intuitive Eating and Performance Nutrition
How to eat intuitively while also planning meals to meet specific training and performance goals.
Incorporating Processed Gels
Why processed gels can be helpful for runners, even if they’re working to maintain a mostly whole-food diet.
Fibre and Gut Comfort
Tips to ensure you feel comfortable and fuelled without digestive issues on race day.
Long Run Fuelling
Keeping energy stable and planning food intake for endurance runs.
Diet Culture and Body Image in Sports
Addressing the pressures runners face from diet culture and societal expectations, and how to foster a healthier mindset around food and body.
Understanding Cravings and Hunger Cues
Recognising hunger signals to fuel effectively and enjoy the benefits of food for performance.
Using Food as a Reward
Breaking away from the mindset of “earning” food by exercising and enjoying the process of fuelling your body.
Disordered eating in runners can be difficult to recognise but has a big impact on both physical and mental health. This conversation sheds light on these issues to help runners understand how to meet their unique fuelling needs for long-term success and happiness.
If this episode has raised anything you’d like support for, please reach out to:
- Lifeline
- Kids Helpline
- Emergency Assistance: 000
- Butterfly Foundation
