Intro: In this episode of The Winning Edge podcast, hosts Lindsay and Stacy dive deep into the complex topic of body image and its impact on young athletes. Drawing from their experiences as a coach, educator, registered dietitian, and parents of young athletes, they discuss what athletes eat andhow they think can shape both their performance and overall well-being.

Key Themes:

•             Body Image in Sports: The hosts explain that body image is how athletes perceive and feel about their own bodies, which can be complicated by pressures to fit certain ideals in different sports. They emphasize that athletes come in all shapes and sizes, and success is not defined by a single body type.

•             Role Models and Body Positivity: Highlighting the example of Alona Maher, a two-time Olympian and USA Rugby Sevens bronze medalist, they discuss how elite athletes can challenge stereotypes. Despite being labeled "overweight" by BMI standards, Maher’s body is composed mostly of lean muscle, demonstrating the flaws in using appearance or BMI as measures of athletic potential.

•             Personal Stories and Family Influence: Lindsay and Stacy share personal experiences about how well intentioned comments from family members and coaches can have lasting negative effects on self-confidence and eating habits. They stress the importance of parents and adults being mindful of their words, as even casual remarks can shape a young athlete’s self-esteem and relationship with food.

•             Nutrition and Growth: The conversation underscores the importance of providing athletes with healthy food options and allowing them to listen to their own hunger cues, especially during periods of rapid growth. The hosts focusing on fueling the body rather than restricting foods or obsessing overweight.

•             Building Healthy Habits: Lindsay and Stacy encourage modeling positive behaviors around food and body image, helping kids understand how nutrition affects their energy and performance. They note that creating a supportive environment and focusing on health rather than appearance can help athletes develop a positive relationship with their bodies that lasts a lifetime.

Takeaway Message: The episode concludes with a reminder for parents, coaches, and athletes to focus on health, strength, and self-acceptance rather than chasing unrealistic body ideals. By fostering positive conversations and healthy habits, we can help young athletes become the best versions of themselves—both on and off the field.

In this episode of The Winning Edge podcast, hosts Lindsayand Stacy dive deep into the complex topic of body image and its impact onyoung athletes. Drawing from their experiences as a coach, educator, registereddietitian, and parents of young athletes, they discuss what athletes eat andhow they think can shape both their performance and overall well-being.

Key Themes:

Takeaway Message:
The episode concludes with a reminder for parents, coaches, and athletes tofocus on health, strength, and self-acceptance rather than chasing unrealisticbody ideals. By fostering positive conversations and healthy habits, we canhelp young athletes become the best versions of themselves—both on and off thefield.