In this episode of Project Unlaced, Mia discusses the critical issues surrounding REDs and eating disorders in sports with dietitian Abby Olcott. They explore the red flags often missed by healthcare professionals, the myths perpetuated by diet culture, and the consequences of under-fueling in athletes. Abby emphasizes the importance of understanding energy needs, the role of processed foods, and strategies for preventing under-fueling. They also discuss the significance of fats in an athlete's diet, navigating injuries, and the impact of coaches and team culture on nutrition. The conversation concludes with advice for young athletes on maintaining a healthy relationship with food and debunking common myths about nutrition.

Takeaways

• Red flags in athletes often go unnoticed by doctors.
• Diet culture promotes harmful myths about weight and health.
• Under-fueling can lead to serious long-term health consequences.
• Athletes need to understand their energy needs for optimal performance.
• Processed foods can be beneficial for busy athletes.
• Consistency in fueling is crucial for athletes.
• Fats are essential for hormone health and energy.
• Injuries require adequate nutrition for recovery.
• Coaches play a significant role in shaping team culture around food.
• Carbs are vital for athletic performance and should not be demonized.

You can find more of Abby's work on Instagram @energysportsdietitian