#46: What does body-positive parenting look like for athletes?
with Laura Moretti Reece, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN
In this episode we discuss…
laura’s work as a dietitian specializing in both sports performance and eating disorders
research on the physiological and psychological benefits of participating in sports for young people
the positive impact of sports on body image and body confidence
struggles with food and body image that young athletes might be more susceptible to
why athletes are at a higher risk for developing a disordered relationship with food or eating disorder
“aesthetic sports” like figure skating, gymnastics, and dance; sports with weight requirements like wrestling and lightweight rowing
the impact of early sports specialization
the chicken or the egg question about disordered eating and sports participation
what parents should know about energy availability, caloric deficit, and growth charts
challenges for intuitive eating and how it intersects with the unique nutrition needs of young people participating in intense athletics
relative energy deficiency in sport (REDS), its consequences, and signs parents can look for
misconceptions about sports nutrition and the impact of social media
laura’s perspective on protein powders, supplements, the keto diet, the paleo diet, gluten free diets, and the role of carbs for athletes
why a young female athlete missing or skipping her period is cause for concern
why sports should be FUN!
laura’s answer to the million dollar question
We talk with sports performance nutritionist (and our former coworker!) Laura Moretti Reece about how to help kids and teens navigate the intense world of sports while maintaining a healthy relationship to their bodies and food. Laura busts nutrition myths and shares what all parents should know about athletic participation, disordered eating, and body image.
Laura J Moretti Reece, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN is the Dietitian for the Division of Sports Medicine and the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the owner of her Boston based private practice, Laura Moretti Nutrition LLC. She completed a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition as well as her didactic program in clinical dietetics at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education. Laura possesses a specialty in sports performance based nutrition as well as treating low energy availability, 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. She is a consultant for the Boston Ballet, US Rowing, US Figure Skating and an instructor at the Institute for Rowing Leadership. Laura is also a competitive triathlete and three Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher.
Connect with Laura on her website, Twitter, and Instagram.
Resources mentioned: