In a modern society that thrives on comfort, choosing to run and push the boundaries on performance is inherently uncomfortable. It's going beyond what's normal and as athletes, our nutrition should reflect that...

Unfortunately this is often not the case and nutrition is an afterthought, second to training. But they are not actually separate things, they go hand in hand in finding hormonal homeostasis - balance - which is reflected back to us in our ability to maintain or improve our performance.

Today's episode takes a closer look at the effect that fuelling has on hormones and as a result our training. Our guest, Annie Bothma, a certified Master Sports Nutritionist, Running Coach and Professional Athlete helps unpack:

• Hormones, what they are and why they matter.
• Cortisol, stress and recovery.
• Sex hormones and issues with energy availability; REDS, LEA.
• The impact of fasting and calorie restriction.
• How good nutrition and adequate fuelling can support hormonal health.
• The difference between training for weight loss and training for performance and why it's vital to differentiate between the two.
• And more...

This is the kind of episode that you can return to time and time again and learn something new every time.

As Annie mentions, if you suspect that a loved one or training buddy is suffering the consequences of poor nutrition or any of the concepts discussed in this episode, please encourage them to seek professional help! We cannot do this sport without taking care of our health.

If you'd like to reach out to Annie, find her at: https://www.anniesathletes.org/ and to learn more about her journey as an athlete and professional, we encourage you to follow her blog too - https://www.anniebothma.com/

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