Why utilize a non-diet approach in athletes?
Disordered eating (DE) affects over one-third of male athletes and nearly half of female athletes.
If DE cooccurs with Low Energy Availability (LEA), it can lead to negative health and performance impacts such as impaired bone health, menstrual function, and increased risk of injury and illness (Wells et al. 2020).
Disordered eating can affect any type of athlete in any sport…
The pressures athletes face from a coach are one of the MOST important risk factors for DE and body image concerns.
More alarmingly, a recent study by Baceviciene et al. 2023, found that young athletes experienced more stereotyped body ideals and engaged more frequently in compensatory behaviors compared to adult athletes.
Common myths about promoting a non-diet approach include:
This approach means only eating “junk” or “fun” foods
This approach shames an athlete for wanting to change their body
This approach is anti-health promoting…
Yet, I would argue it is MORE health-promoting because it does not promote restriction…and ultimately, if you are tuning into what your body needs, it will lead to flexible, balanced eating.
It is also completely normal to want to change your body…. This approach is NOT shaming you for wanting to lose weight… we live in a society that creates impossible standards for individuals to live up to.
Instead, the focus shifts to tuning into what your body wants and needs.
It is also important to recognize that health is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and the definition of “health” is different for everyone…
So, what DOES a non-diet approach promote?
Focusing on eating to support exercise and training rather than promoting restriction
Focusing on performance and strength-related goals
Says NO to diet culture and rejects the diet mentality
Starts practicing honoring our body’s needs such as honoring hunger and fullness cues
Promotes a flexible eating pattern that emphasizes food can be both fuel AND fun
Most importantly, it allows the athlete to work on making peace with food, while still meeting performance goals… this seems pretty health-promoting, doesn’t it?
The Non Diet Sports RD believes athletes can utilize a non-diet approach and still meet performance goals. We care about your performance goals, but we care about your health, too.
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The information cited in this post was used from Wells et al., 2020 (PMID: 32661127) and Baceviciene et al., 2023 (PMID: 37375628).
