Endurance Eats #12: Intersection of Nutrition + Mental Health for Athletes with Therapist Cindi Miller
In this episode of the Endurance Eats podcast, host and registered dietitian, Alex Larson, and therapist, Cindi Miller, discuss the intricate relationship between mental health, nutrition, and athletic performance. They explore the impact of social media on self-perception, the importance of work ethic balanced with self-compassion, and the challenges athletes face regarding body image and disordered eating. Cindi emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to nutrition and mental health, the role of therapy, and the significance of understanding one's relationship with food. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility in dietary habits and the necessity of finding the right support system for mental well-being.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into:
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Success
02:52 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception
05:57 Navigating Setbacks and Shame in Nutrition
09:01 The Balance of Work Ethic and Obsession
11:56 Body Image and Mental Well-Being in Athletes
14:55 Understanding Body Composition Goals
18:00 Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders
20:58 The Role of Therapy in Mental Health
23:50 Finding the Right Therapist
26:59 The Importance of Individuality in Nutrition
30:10 The Relationship Between Food and Mental Health
33:00 Changing the Narrative Around Sugar
36:04 The Role of Coaches in Athlete Mental Health
39:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Therapy
41:56 Conclusion and Future Insights
Guest Cindi Miller
Bio: Cindi is a mental health counselor licensed in North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio. She is a coach at heart and was a collegiate volleyball coach for 7 years, and coached club volleyball for 11 years prior to becoming a therapist. This is where Cindi’s passion for mental health and exploring the roots of perfectionism began. She saw countless athletes struggling with body image, poor relationships to food and exercise, and full blown eating disorders. Cindi then began working in a residential and PHP treatment center to further her education around eating disorders and is a loud and persistent advocate for body acceptance, reducing shame and stigma around body size, and educating on the dangers of eating disorders and their parallels to “being healthy” and diet culture. Cindi also provides basic psychoeducation and coaching around anxiety, depression, burnout, boundaries, and perfectionism to athletic departments, teams, corporations, and individuals.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Me:
Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition
Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com
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