The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast
Welcome to The Gymnast Nutritionist® podcast, a free resource for gymnast, parents, and coaches to learn to fuel the gymnast optimal performance and longevity int he sport. Christina Anderson MS, RDN, CSP, CSSD is a board certified pediatric/adolescent registered dietitian nutritionist, former gymnast, and current nationally rated gymnastics judge. She helps gymnasts and their parents take a proactive approach to fueling, without the stress or overwhelm. This podcast is all #realtalk where she tackles tough subjects about nutrition, body image, and more in the sport of gymnastics.
The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast
Episode 188: Gymnast Mental Blocks and Nutrition
As competition season approaches, many parents are suddenly seeing more fear, anxiety, and mental blocks in the gym. What’s surprising is how often these struggles show up right as families start asking about fueling. This episode explores the connection between gymnast mental blocks and nutrition, and why emotional challenges often intensify when the body is under stress.
First, this is common. The pressure of upcoming meets can absolutely trigger mental blocks, and many gymnasts benefit from working with a licensed therapist or sport psychologist. Mental support matters.
But nutrition is often a missing piece. When a gymnast isn’t eating enough to support training, growth, and stress, the body shifts into survival mode. This activates the fight-or-flight response, making the brain more reactive and less flexible.
Underfueling often shows up as increased anxiety, panic before skills, emotional outbursts, or sudden fear that feels “out of nowhere.” When food restriction or disordered eating patterns are involved, nervous system stress increases even more, often intensifying mental blocks and emotional volatility.
When gymnasts are supported with consistent fueling, adequate electrolytes, balanced minerals, and stress-aware nutrition, improvements in mood, focus, sleep, and emotional regulation often follow.
Mental health in kids and teens isn’t just psychological. It’s also physiological. Minerals play a key role in nervous system regulation, stress response, and brain chemistry. Mental health symptoms are rarely caused by one deficiency. They’re usually the result of imbalance.
🎧 Listen now and learn more about:
- The connection between gymnast mental blocks and nutrition
- Underfueling and the fight-or-flight response
- The minerals that affect brain chemistry
Links & Resources
- The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts
- Episode 22: Fueling the Gymnast to Beat Competition Nerves
- What foods should gymnasts eat on competition day?
- Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com
