In this solo episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietician, provides foundational principles for sports nutrition tailored specifically for female athletes. She addresses common dietary concerns and emphasizes the importance of fueling the body effectively for optimal performance.
Lindsey covers eight key topics: eating every 2-4 hours, pre and post-workout fueling, starting the day with a strong breakfast, proper hydration, balanced meals with all macronutrients, integrating both whole and processed foods, ensuring adequate caloric intake, and considering individualized nutrition needs for specific medical conditions. This episode aims to demystify nutrition for athletes, offering practical advice and debunking common myths.
Episode Highlights:
01:22 – Podcast Fundamentals and Listener Engagement
03:19 – Current Business Updates and Offerings
05:19 – Recommended Supplements for Female Athletes
11:33 – Principle #1: Eat every 2–4 hours – Maintain energy, focus, blood sugar, recovery, and hormone health
17:24 – Principle #2: Fuel before and after training – Carbs pre-workout; protein + carbs post-workout for recovery
20:36 – Principle #3: Start your day strong – Don’t skip breakfast; fuel early for energy and focus
22:47 – Principle #4: Don’t overlook hydration – Consistent hydration supports performance, focus, and digestion
26:30 – Principle #5: Include all food groups – Carbs, protein, fats, fruits, veggies, and dairy; avoid restrictive diets
29:36 – Principle #6: Whole foods first, with room for processed foods – Prioritize nutrient-dense meals but allow convenience options
33:05 – Principle #7: Eat enough – Avoid underfueling; athletes need adequate calories and macros
36:52 – Principle #8: Individualize for unique needs – Tailor nutrition to medical conditions or sport-specific demands
39:41 – Conclusion and Resources
Resources Mentioned:
Reds Recovery Membership – Weekly group calls and chat support for athletes recovering from RED-S: lindseycortes.com/reds
WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: wavebye.co
Episode #229 with Dr. Margo Harrison – https://www.lindseycortes.com/podcast/episode/22d22223/229-wavebye-to-period-pain-nutrition-and-supplements-for-menstrual-cycle-health-with-margo-harrison-md
Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code riseup for 15% off: previnex.com
Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast
Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group