In this episode of Mind Your Fitness, we are joined by Aaron Flores, a registered dietitian and host of the podcast Men Unscripted, for a compelling conversation on the intersections of eating disorders, diet culture, and the male experience. Aaron shares his journey as a dietitian healing his own relationship with food/body and how unlearning traditional nutrition training helped him adopt a weight-inclusive, intuitive eating approach to support other men. He joins us to unpack how modern masculinity, performance culture, and diet trends intersect in harmful ways. From teen boys chasing gym gains to tech bros obsessed with fasting and supplements, this episode challenges how we define "health" for men. The conversation also dives into under-discussed topics like low testosterone from restrictive eating, how male libido can signal nutritional imbalance, and the gaps in identifying and supporting those men struggling with body image and/or disordered eating concerns. A must-listen for clinicians, parents, and anyone supporting men on their wellness journey.

Aaron Flores is Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), Certified Body Trust® Provider, and one of the few men very active in the space of intuitive eating. Aaron is a true trailblazer with his podcast Men Unscripted, where he holds conversations that give insight into the struggles that men experience when it comes to their body, food, and fitness. He has been featured in the New York Times, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and on the 10% Happier Podcast.

 

In this episode of Mind Your Fitness, we're joined by Peter Tierney, a health and performance coach and researcher, who shares insights from his experiences working in sports science. We cover the rise and benefits of wearable technology and the difference between rest vs. recovery days. Peter also introduces his SHIT Recovery Framework, designed to aid athletes and individuals in determining the best recovery strategies based on their physical state. The essential role of carbohydrates and caffeine in performance and recovery, the importance of sleep, and the need for both rest and recovery days in training is also discussed. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis remains on personalized, context-based approaches to fitness, ensuring long-term health and performance.

Dr. Peter Tierney holds a PhD in Sports Science and a Professional Diploma in Data Analytics. Peter has worked at Leinster Rugby and the Football Association, as well as a Senior Research Scientist at Lululemon. He has been involved in several studies and publications that explore various aspects of sports science. As a researcher, consultant, and coach, he's worked with many professional sports organizations, elite athletes, and active individuals to help optimize recovery from exercise. You can find him on Instagram @drpetertierney.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Fitness

00:52 Meet Peter Tierney: Health and Performance Coach

04:50 The Role of Wearable Technology in Fitness

17:35 Understanding the SHIT Recovery Framework

25:32 Rest vs. Recovery: What's the Difference?

33:10 Nutrition's Impact on Rest and Recovery

40:00 Final Thoughts and What Fitness Means

In this episode, we're joined by Jen Huber, a Canadian registered dietitian and naturopathic doctor specializing in peri and post-menopausal nutrition from a Health at Every Size framework. Jen shares her 25 years of experience and insights into intuitive eating, body changes, and the importance of 'gentle nutrition' during menopause. She discusses key supplements and the benefits of strength training, emphasizing joy in movement over rigid exercise rules. The conversation explores ways to cope with body image dissatisfaction, utilizing principles like body acceptance and body neutrality.

Jenn Salib Huber, RD, ND, is a naturopathic doctor and registered dietitian who passionately uses her personal experience, alongside training to support women through the lifespan improve their relationships with food and their body. Jenn is an advoate of intuitive eating and applies it in her work which focuses on peri- and post-menopausal nutrition support. You can find Jen @Menopause.nutritionist on Instagram. 

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Fitness 00:52 Special Guest: Jen Huber on Menopause Nutrition 02:23 Understanding Perimenopause and Intuitive Eating 06:50 Nutrition Concerns and Recommendations 15:07 Supplements and Their Role 20:06 Movement and Exercise in Midlife 25:44 Body Image and Acceptance 33:46 Intuitive Eating and Health Concerns 39:20 Final Thoughts and What Fitness Means

In this episode, Laura Moretti Reece, lead sports dietitian for the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital, discusses her journey as a sports dietitian specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating among athletes. Laura highlights the foundational significance of personalized and evidence-based nutritional recommendations for athletes. We also explore the impact of diet culture, menstrual phase, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) on nutrition for female athletes. Trends like intermittent fasting, fasted workouts, and sports supplements are also discussed.

Laura Moretti Reece completed her Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition at New York University. As a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Laura specializes in sports performance-based nutrition as well as treating REDs, disordered eating and eating disorders in athletes. Laura has an extensive amount of experience in consulting and collaborating with Olympic and professional athletes, local colleges and universities, as well as professional sport and dance facilities. Laura currently serves as the Lead Dietitian for the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital, as well as serving as the consulting dietitian for the Boston Ballet Company. She also runs a Boston Based virtual group nutrition practice, Laura Moretti Nutrition LLC. Laura served as the Co-Chair for the International Academy of Eating Disorders Sport and Exercise Special Interest Group, and was also the Co-Chair of the 2019 Female Athlete Conference.

00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings

00:13 Specializing in Eating Disorders

00:52 Joining the Female Athlete Program

01:07 Building a Team and Current Role

02:15 Advice for Aspiring Dietitians

03:54 Discussing REDS: Recent Research and Opinions

07:26 The Importance of Nutrition in Athletes

13:06 Menstrual Health and Nutrition

17:44 Intermittent Fasting and Female Athletes

19:00 Listening to Your Body: Intuitive Eating for Athletes

19:41 The Problem with Dietary Restrictions

21:20 Coaching Female Athletes: Unique Challenges

25:37 Supplements for Female Athletes: What to Consider

32:25 The True Meaning of Fitness: A Personal Perspective

36:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

 

In this episode, we welcome Lauren Thomas, a sports dietitian who has worked in various fields including tactical nutrition, private practice, and is currently the US Performance Nutritionist for Maurten. Lauren covers the importance of anti-diet, performance-focused nutrition, especially within the military. Key topics include tactical nutrition, the importance of carbohydrates and antioxidants for cognitive and physical performance, the benefit of wearables on tracking athletic performance, and the efficacy of certain sports products in varied athletic contexts. We also chat about misleading marketing and scare tactics around avoiding sugar in sports nutrition. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion aiming to reshape your understanding of  brain fuel and sports nutrition for mental clarity and focus.

Lauren Thomas MS RD CSSD LD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics based in Washington, DC. Lauren has over a decade worth of experience in the world of sports nutrition, providing comprehensive nutrition therapy and individualized dietary planning to enhance athlete performance. Lauren currently is the US Performance Nutritionist for Maurten, where she educates and consults with athletes and teams to fine tune training and racing fueling strategies. Prior to joining Maurten, Lauren worked as a Tactical Performance Dietitian within the US Special Operations community as part of a greater integrated Human Performance team. Lauren received her Master of Science degree in Nutrition Education from Teachers College Columbia University, an undergraduate degree in psychology and education from Bucknell University, and is currently working towards her IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition.

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Fitness Podcast

00:52 Guest Introduction: Lauren Thomas

01:05 Lauren's Journey and Professional Background

03:10 Tactical Nutrition in the Military

08:16 Nutrition for Cognitive Performance

14:50 Working with Morton: Sports Nutrition Insights

20:16 Debunking Sugar Myths in Sports Nutrition

24:59 The Role of Wearables in Nutrition and Performance

27:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

 

In this episode, fellow sports and eating disorder dietitian, Leslie Schilling, shares insights into the damaging effects of diet culture, especially when within safe spaces like schools, churches, athletic teams, and healthcare settings. We cover a range of topics from the harmful impacts of chronic dieting, the intersection of sports nutrition and eating disorders, and how messages from diet culture influence athletes and general health practices. 

Leslie is a seasoned dietitian who specializes in disordered eating, sports nutrition, family nutrition, and weight concerns. She has worked with recreational, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes and performers, including the 2014-2015 NBA Memphis Grizzlies and performers of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, NV.

Leslie has been accepted into The National Speakers Association (NSA) and has been invited to provide nutrition programs and presentations to teams and professionals across the nation. She reviews and writes for national media outlets like US News & World Report, professional and consumer publications. She is also the creator and co-author of the book Born To Eat and the owner of Schilling Nutrition, LLC, a private consulting practice in Las Vegas, NV. Leslie’s latest book Feed Yourself is available everywhere books are sold. 

00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Fitness Podcast 00:50 Meet Leslie Schilling: A Journey from Gymnastics to Dietetics 02:16 Leslie's Professional Path and Private Practice 03:48 Nutritional Challenges in Performance Arts 06:07 The Intersection of Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorders 09:14 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions 13:58 Leslie's Book: Feed Yourself and Diet Culture 22:07 Diet Culture Myths and Their Impact 25:18 The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Performance 25:58 Grief and Realizations in Nutritional Therapy 28:47 The Connection Between Dieting and Eating Disorders 30:47 The Dangers of Diet Culture 33:09 Navigating Misinformation in Nutrition 36:43 Advocating for Healthy Nutrition in Athletics 43:34 Personal Reflections on Fitness and Wellness 46:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we dive deep into a health at every size approach to diabetes, pre-diabetes, and blood sugar management for active people and athletes. We're joined by Danielle Bublitz, owner of @FoodFreedomDiabetes, who helps us bust common myths and take a balanced approach to diabetes management. Our discussion covers Danielle's personal experiences with Type 1 Diabetes and the benefits of managing diabetes through a health at every size perspective. Key topics include misconceptions about prediabetes, the benefits of carbohydrates, the complexities of blood sugar management, and the importance of personalized healthcare. Emphasis is placed on intuitive eating, destigmatizing certain foods, and the significance of joyful movement in sustainable health behaviors.

Danielle Bublitz, MS, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She specializes in working with people with diabetes and binge eating in a Health At Every Size(R)-aligned lens. Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from California State University at Chico and received her Master’s degree from California State University at Northridge while completing the dietetic internship program. Danielle is passionate about guiding her clients with diabetes towards feeling more at peace with their food decisions and blood sugar management, as well as making peace with their bodies.

In this episode we're chatting with Dr. Nicky Keay, a medial doctor and sport endocrinologist, all about the role hormones play in health and performance. Dr. Keay shares her journey from aspiring professional dancer to a passionate hormone specialist, emphasizing the importance of "harnessing your hormones" to reach your goals. She covers topics like the role of hormones in health, misconceptions about carbohydrates, and the importance of balancing your behaviors. Dr. Keay also dispels myths surrounding insulin, oral contraceptives, testosterone injections, and eating for phases of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, she highlights the importance of recovery and sleep for athletes (and all active individuals)!

Dr. Nicky Keay is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Medicine at University College London and previously Research Fellow in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University. She conducts clinical research in sports/dance endocrinology, resulting a range of research publications and awards. She is a member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the British Menopause Society. She is also a speaker on Dance Endocrinology for National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science and International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. Her book “Hormones, Health and Human Potential: A guide to understanding your hormones to optimise your health and performance” informs how hormones play in important part in both our health and fitness. 

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickykeay/ www.nickykeayfitness.com https://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/keay/

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:12 Dr. Nikki Keys' Journey to Medicine 01:59 Understanding Hormones 02:29 Harnessing Hormones for Health and Performance 05:18 Writing the Book: Hormones, Health, and Human Potential 07:49 Debunking Hormone Myths 09:20 Practical Tips for Athletes 12:15 The Importance of Recovery and Sleep 16:40 Common Misconceptions About Hormones 35:54 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

 

In this episode, we welcome Mac St. Onge, a former athlete turned Athlete Development Specialist. Mac delves into her journey from a Division I ice hockey player to an advocate for athletes navigating life beyond sport via her platform, The Sideline Perspective. Highlights include a detailed breakdown of the 'RISE' framework for athletes dealing with injuries, the importance of celebrating small wins, and practical advice for athletes redefining their identity and their relationship with exercise and food post-retirement.   Passionate about supporting athletes, Mac currently working for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committe (USOPC) as their Manager of Athlete Outreach and Engagment. She is also the founder of The Sideline Perspective, a community based platform where athletes and former athletes can come together to find connection, share stories, and move forward with purpose. In her work across various sports organizations, Mac hopes to make an impact on the culture of athletics in the United States.    00:00 Introduction to Mind Your Fitness Podcast 00:48 Meet Our Guest: Mack St. Auge 01:11 Mac's Journey and Career 03:40 The Sideline Perspective: Mission and Services 08:22 Challenges Athletes Face Post-Career 17:25 Supporting Injured Athletes: The RISE Framework 25:06 Advice for Retiring Athletes 31:26 Mindset Shifts and Embracing New Challenges 35:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Jeni Shannon serves as the Director of the Carolina Athletics Mental Health and Performance Psychology Program (AMP). She is a Counseling and Sport Psychologist within the UNC Department of Sports Medicine, providing performance enhancement and psychological services to UNC student-athletes. She is a licensed psychologist, a Certified Consultant with AASP and a member of the USOC Sport Psychology Registry. She also serves on the advisory board for the Collegiate Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association.

In this episode, Shira Evans is joined by guest Dr. Jeni Shannon. Together, they discusses athlete mental health, the impact of societal norms on body image, the importance of proper nutrition, and the misconceptions around 'invincible' athletes. They talk about common mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and disordered eating, while highlighting the protective factors in sports culture like community and purpose. The episode aims to redefine fitness by fostering a healthy relationship with food and body, advocating for early mental health intervention, and providing practical resources for athletes and professionals.

 

Recommended Mental Health Resources: 

Question, Persuade, Refer: https://qprinstitute.com/

Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

NCAA Sports Science Institute: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/sport-science-institute

Clinical Counseling Sports Psychology Association: https://ccsportpsy.org/

Morgan's Message: https://www.morgansmessage.org/

The Hidden Opponent: https://www.thehiddenopponent.org/

Athletes Connected: https://athletesconnected.umich.edu/