On Q Performance Therapy Podcast

71. Fueling Student Athletes: Nutrition, Supplements, and Hydration with Registered Dietitian Cat Hammer, MS, RDN, LDN, CSSD


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In the podcast episode of On Q, you'll dive into sports nutrition and performance with guest Cat Hammer, the Head Sports Dietitian at the University of Pennsylvania. Cat shares valuable insights on structuring meals, the importance of hydration, and the impact of supplements on athletic performance.


Cat's practical tips and balanced approach to nutrition underscore how eating for athletes can be both simple and very complex, making this episode a must-listen for college athletes prioritizing performance and health. From discussing the use of supplements to providing guidance on meal timing and composition, Cat shares her expertise on the essential role of nutrition and hydration in optimizing athletic performance.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • How to optimize your athletic performance with personalized meal structures and sports nutrition insights.

  • The difference between a registered dietician and internet health coaches.

  • The importance of meal timing and composition in the morning, before exercise, and after

  • The crucial role of hydration in enhancing your athletic performance and overall well-being.

  • What you should consider when buying supplements and protein powders.


    Since starting at Penn in 2020, Hammer has overseen the nutritional strategies and approaches for Penn’s intercollegiate teams, meeting individually with student-athletes as well as providing team and small group presentations. She also serves on multiple interdisciplinary committees with other members of Penn’s Sports Performance unit to better serve the Division’s nearly 1,000 student-athletes.
      
    The Philadelphia native is also the owner of Hammer Fuel Sports Nutrition, a virtual sports nutrition counseling and consulting business for middle school, high school, collegiate and professional athletes. She is also a consultant with Ascent Athlete, formerly Maplezone Sports Institute, and began her career as the sports nutrition assistant with the Bradenton Marauders, the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
     
    Hammer earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from West Chester University in 2018, where she was a three-time all-region and two-time all-conference softball player for the Golden Rams. She received a master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science from the University of Tampa in 2019. 


  • Contact Cat:

    Penn Website

    Hammer Fuel Website

    Hammer Fuel Sports Nutrition Instagram


    The key moments in this episode are:
    00:00:04 - Introduction to Performance Therapy Podcast
    00:02:08 - Building Relationships and Growth
    00:05:05 - Planning Nutrition and Workouts
    00:07:46 - A Day in the Life of a Registered Dietician in College Athletics
    00:10:16 - Confidentiality and Collaboration
    00:11:36 - Balancing Clinical and Sports Performance Nutrition
    00:12:44 - Putting Together a Dietary Plan
    00:14:03 - Caloric Intake for Athletes
    00:15:47 - Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
    00:20:56 - Modifying Nutrient Intake Based on Activity
    00:22:37 - Carb Cycling for Athletes
    00:23:40 - Tracking Calories and Macros
    00:25:18 - Meal Timing and Nutrient Intake
    00:27:44 - Pitfalls of Excessive Protein Intake
    00:31:52 - Thoughts on Intermittent Fasting
    00:33:22 - Importance of Eating for Muscle Building
    00:34:49 - Hydration for Athletes
    00:37:28 - Impact of Dehydration on Performance
    00:41:28 - Protein, Supplements, and Third-Party Testing
    00:44:27 - Importance of Researching Supplements
    00:46:09 - Creatine and Nutrition
    00:48:31 - Casein Protein and Energy Drinks
    00:53:51 - Simplifying Nutrition

    ...more
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    On Q Performance Therapy PodcastBy Mike Quintans, PT, DPT, OCS, TPI

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