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Showing posts from December 10, 2023

Should a coach tell an athlete to lose weight?

  Coaches are influential role models for athletes and can impact how athletes perceive and feel in and about their bodies. Unfortunately, as was recently courageously shared by  @skyemoench , it's not uncommon for coaches to focus on appearance over body functionality. Body weight is a sensitive and personal issue yet far too many coaches share a belief that a lower body weight will improve performance. If you are a coach, you have a responsibility to take care of your athlete - physically, emotionally and mentally. Every athlete has his/her own optimal body composition where the body functions the best and this body is achieved through consistent training, nutritious eating and proper fueling and hydration. Acknowledge an athlete’s strengths beyond a look, for an athlete is a human - not an object. Making remarks about body composition and performance (even if well-intentioned) can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating thoughts and behaviors. Having a diverse representatio...

Mindful eating do's and don'ts

If you experience great emotional stress around the holiday season, you are not alone. Here are some reasons why the holidays can be so stressful when it come to food: Fear of weight gain. Too many food items available. Guilt around indulging. Feeling weak or out of control. Stress and anxiety. Uncomfortable being seen eating food. Pressure or comments when eating. Worry of offending others. Struggling with "normal" food portions. Remarks about body weight/size. Inability to recognize fullness. Eating on another person's schedule. Having tools to manage triggers and unhealthy thoughts can help you maintain a healthy relationship with food and the body so you can fully enjoy the holidays. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy relationship with food and your body: