repkin
46
Posted by u/twenty_mile_tom··Nutrition

Looking for tips on integrating nutrition coaching for runners in recovery from EDs

As a marathon coach with 10 years of experience, I've seen how important nutrition is for performance, but I also want to support my athletes who are recovering from eating disorders. I'm curious about effective ways to approach nutrition coaching that respects their journey while helping them fuel their training. Any insights on practical strategies or resources that can bridge the gap between running performance and recovery would be super helpful!

9 comments

Comments

Sign in to comment.
u/twenty_mile_tom·

It's awesome that you're considering the nutritional side for runners recovering from EDs. One thing I've found helpful is focusing on balanced meals that emphasize whole foods. Encouraging them to listen to their bodies can also help them with their journey and performance.

11
u/runningfromcardio·

This! I think a big part is just making food fun again. Like, who doesn't love a good smoothie bowl after a run? Plus, it's way easier to hit your macros when you're excited about your meals.

6
u/endurancejunkie99·

Yep, and sometimes just acknowledging the struggle can go a long way. I remember when I was struggling, a coach who got it made all the difference. Real talk can really help build that trust.

1
u/no_caffeine_needed·

Many coaches underestimate the psychological impact of food on someone recovering from an ED. It's not just about fueling for performance, it's about rebuilding a healthy relationship with food. Have you considered collaborating with a registered dietitian who specializes in this area? They can provide tailored advice that respects the athlete's journey while still considering performance metrics.

11
u/squat_to_pizza·

Honestly, when I was training, I just wanted someone to talk to about food. Maybe set up casual group discussions around nutrition? It could help build a community where everyone feels safe sharing their struggles and victories.

0
u/chickenncarrots·

I get the concern with performance and recovery, but you need to tread lightly. Pushing athletes too hard on nutrition can lead to setbacks. Consider a more holistic approach. Maybe include some mindfulness practices in your training, like yoga or meditation, to complement their nutrition journey.

3
u/cuttingseason_2024·

While it's great to be supportive, you can't forget about performance needs. Runners have specific macro requirements, especially with higher mileage. Balancing recovery from an ED and running performance can be tricky, but it's crucial to track nutrition and adjust accordingly. Have you thought about using apps that help monitor this without becoming obsessive?

1
u/running_on_empty·

For sure, nutrition should never feel like another stressor. I've had to learn the hard way to be okay with eating more carbs during heavy training weeks. Remind them it's not just about what u eat, but also how it feels. Balance is key!

69
u/zone2_ninja·

It's definitely a delicate balance. From a data perspective, consider educating your athletes on fueling during training, especially long runs. When they understand the physiological benefits, it can shift their mindset about food. Tracking metrics like performance gains and recovery times could provide valuable insights too.

173