56 | Nutrition and sport psychology with Emily Saul
Jun 20, 2023
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Sports psychologist and licensed mental health counselor, Emily Saul, discusses the connection between nutrition and psychology, performance vs. desired 'race weight,' the psychology of underfueling and changing habits, how to track data and nutrition effectively, and the value of training and separating race day.
Understanding the connection between nutrition and psychology can lead to enhanced athletic performance and a sense of purpose in movement practice.
Practicing mindfulness can enhance emotional regulation and physical well-being, leading to better control over emotions and a greater sense of purpose in movement practice.
Focusing on nourishing the body for optimal performance rather than seeking validation through external appearance is key to success in sports and performance.
Deep dives
The value of sports psychology in relation to sports nutrition
Emily Saul, a sports psychology coach, discusses the importance of sports psychology in relation to sports nutrition. She explains how the two are closely intertwined and how understanding one's relationship with movement and nutrition can lead to enhanced athletic performance and a sense of meaning and purpose in one's movement practice.
The mind-body connection and the role of mindfulness in sports psychology
Emily Saul highlights the connection between the mind and body and how they influence each other in sports psychology. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in influencing the lower parts of the brain and enhancing emotional regulation and physical well-being. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can become less reactive, have better control over their emotions, and experience a greater sense of control and purpose in their movement practice.
Overcoming body image issues in sports and performance
Emily Saul addresses the common issue of body image in sports and performance. She challenges the belief that achieving a certain body type leads to better performance and emphasizes the need to focus on nourishing the body for optimal performance rather than seeking validation through external appearance. Saul encourages athletes to redefine success and find meaning in their movement practice regardless of external measures such as race photos or body weight.
Understanding the underlying needs behind underfueling and recurring injuries
Emily Saul discusses the underlying needs that can lead to underfueling and recurring injuries in athletes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the cycle of underfueling, addressing emotions and beliefs, and identifying unmet needs that may be driving these patterns. By addressing the root causes, athletes can break free from the cycle and develop a healthier relationship with fueling and movement.
The role of tracking data in sports nutrition and the importance of context
Emily Saul emphasizes the importance of using tracking data, such as timing and food choices, to gain a better understanding of one's body and energy needs. However, she cautions against becoming too focused on detailed metrics and rigid tracking, as it can shift the focus to the task of tracking itself rather than the overall goal of optimizing nutrition for performance. Saul encourages individuals to prioritize understanding their body's cues and achieving a balance rather than fixating on specific numbers or outcomes.
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