Gemma welcomes client Meredith Andrew to discuss her nutrition journey. Meredith shares her experiences transitioning from inadequate fuelling to a comprehensive nutrition plan, leading to significant performance improvements and better overall health. Their conversation covers the importance of proper fuelling for training, carb loading, and breaking past misconceptions about diet. Meredith's story emphasises the impact of balanced nutrition for both athletic performance and daily life.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/90 

 

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In this episode, I share my experiences as a ride leader during the Swift Community Live event in Mallorca. I dive into the challenges of maintaining proper nutrition and recovery during long rides and discuss how things don't always go as planned. I highlight the complexities of fuelling strategies tailored to different ride intensities and emphasise the critical importance of mid-ride and immediate post-ride recovery. Through a real-time example of extended wait times during a ride, I illustrate how easily nutritional plans can falter. I also provide practical advice on avoiding similar pitfalls and optimising nutrition for both performance and recovery, helping you to fuel smarter and ride stronger.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/89 

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You can find Gemma at

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In this episode, I'm at the Tour Down Under discussing the significant changes in cycling nutrition over the past five to six years. I share insights from my conversations with amateur riders about the shift in the culture of fuelling before, during, and after rides. I'll explain my mission to challenge the 'eating is cheating' mentality and provide tips on effective fuelling strategies. Join my membership for personalised nutritional advice tailored to your training and performance needs.

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/80 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

 

In this conversation, I reflect on my year of joy, sharing key life lessons that I learned particularly in regards to the importance of decision-making, creating space for self-reflection, and healing from past relationships.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/79 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

In this episode of the Fuelled Podcast, Dr. Gemma Sampson dives into the topic of intermittent fasting and its implications for athletes. She explores key considerations such as the importance of goal setting, proper fueling strategies around training sessions, and the potential drawbacks of fasting for performance and body composition. Dr. Sampson shares her experiences and observations, emphasizing personalized, smart nutrition choices for optimal performance and sustainable weight management. Listeners are encouraged to test and adapt strategies that align with their unique needs and circumstances.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/78 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson addresses the trend of 'refined sugar-free' recipes circulating online, questioning their health claims and actual sugar content. She explains how alternatives like maple syrup, dates, and agave still pack significant sugar content, potentially misleading health-conscious consumers. Dr. Sampson provides insights into legal sugar content definitions, alternative sweeteners, and the balance between enjoying real treats and managing sugar intake strategically. She emphasizes the importance of moderation and being mindful of portion sizes, advocating for small, intentional changes to reduce added sugar consumption.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/77 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

In this episode host Dr. Gemma Sampson welcomes cyclist Rebecca Charlton to discuss her experiences cycling through two pregnancies. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of proper fueling, the evolving advice on exercise during pregnancy, and Rebecca's personal challenges and triumphs. They stress the importance of individualised nutrition and exercise plans, listening to one's body, and the mental and physical benefits of staying active. The episode aims to inspire and educate listeners on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle through different life stages. Show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/76 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson Fuelled Framework: www.gemmasampson.com/join

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson speaks with professional triathlete Cody Beals about the complexities of nutrition for endurance athletes. Now in his 11th pro season, Cody shares his journey from under-fueling and dealing with health issues like low testosterone and bone density loss, to finding an optimal nutrition strategy that supports peak performance, health, and body composition. They discuss the myths and challenges around fueling, the differences between various training and daily nutrition needs, and the importance of a balanced approach—eschewing rigid dietary rules in favour of flexibility and adequate fueling. Cody emphasises that nutrition is a moving target, influenced by the athlete's training phase and individual needs, and underscores the value of community and professional guidance in this journey. Show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/75 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson Fuelled Framework: www.gemmasampson.com/join

In this episode, host Dr. Gemma Sampson speaks with Derek Teel, cyclist and founder of Dialed Health, about his passion for cycling, faith, and his journey through a harrowing accident and recovery. Derek shares insights into why Mallorca is a dream destination, his experiences cycling across Europe, and finding a balance between his career and personal life. The discussion delves into the mental and physical challenges post-accident, the importance of faith, and how he turned a traumatic experience into a story of resilience. Additionally, they discuss the relevance of strength training for cyclists, the role of nutrition, and the complexities of dieting and maintaining a healthy weight. This conversation offers valuable reflections on perseverance, faith, and sustainable healthy living. Show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/74 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson Fuelled Framework: www.gemmasampson.com/join

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson delves into the complexities of sports nutrition, emphasising that there are rarely one-size-fits-all solutions. She explains that nutritional choices should be tailored based on individual factors such as personal preferences, training loads, and lifestyle. Dr. Sampson highlights the importance of context, using examples such as celiac disease to illustrate when clear-cut answers exist versus more nuanced scenarios. She encourages individuals to experiment and identify effective strategies that work uniquely for them, while also being mindful of sustainable practices for long-term health and performance. Dr. Sampson advises taking small, incremental steps towards healthier eating habits and emphasises that flexibility and personalization are key in achieving optimal nutrition outcomes. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/73 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson addresses the common misconception surrounding the popular 1200-calorie diet, especially in the context of female athletes and active individuals. She emphasises that most people require more than 1200 calories just to maintain essential bodily functions. Dr. Sampson highlights the negative effects of low-calorie diets, including muscle mass loss and metabolic rate decline. She advocates for personalised, adaptive nutrition strategies to support physical activity and overall health, stressing the importance of consuming the right nutrients in adequate amounts. Through personal anecdotes and studies, she illustrates the benefits of a well-rounded diet that exceeds minimal energy requirements, leading to sustainable long-term health outcomes. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/72 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson hosts former Canadian cyclist Svein Tuft for an insightful conversation. They discuss Svein's journey from professional cycling to setting up gravel touring camps, his upcoming book, and the lessons he's gathered on training, nutrition, and lifestyle balance. Svein shares his approach to coaching, the importance of listening to one's body, and how modern nutritional insights have revolutionised performance. The episode highlights the necessity of a balanced approach, real food nutrition, and the wisdom gained from experiences both on and off the bike. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/71 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, I discuss whether ChatGPT is useful for creating meal plans for cyclists. I share a real-world example of a client who struggled with a ChatGPT-generated meal plan that was drastically different from their usual diet.

I explain why meal plans often fail, how my nutrition framework starts with small, sustainable changes, and how to optimise meal plans for energy, protein, and recovery. I also highlight the benefits and limitations of using ChatGPT for meal plan ideas.

Join me in the Fuelled Framework challenge this April to learn how to balance everyday nutrition, training, and race nutrition effectively.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/88 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson discusses the often-overlooked difficulty of getting started on personal and professional goals. She shares her own experiences with various goals, such as writing a book and improving in cycling and strength training, and highlights how starting and sticking to tasks can lead to enjoyment and achievement. Dr. Sampson emphasises the importance of accountability, body doubling, and social support to help individuals initiate and maintain progress toward their goals. She encourages listeners to take small, actionable steps towards goals, recognizing the long-term benefits and intrinsic motivation that can arise from consistent effort. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/70 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson shares her insights and experiences as a sports dietitian assisting the Luca Cycling Club on a coast-to-coast trip in Italy. She emphasizes the critical importance of proper nutrition in enduring long cycling days, where athletes ride between 100 to 150 kilometers and climb up to 3000 meters daily. Dr. Sampson details her responsibility in preparing daily meals to ensure the cyclists are fully fueled, incorporating carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, customized to individual preferences and dietary restrictions. She highlights the significance of varied and balanced meals to prevent flavour fatigue and maintain athletes' energy and motivation. The episode also discusses the planning of ride food snacks, hydration solutions, and recovery nutrition to facilitate optimal performance and recovery. Dr. Sampson reflects on the positive feedback from cyclists, emphasizing the holistic benefits of nutrition beyond just fueling the body. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/69 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson welcomes back Dr. Nicky Keay to discuss perimenopause, menopause, and overall female health for athletes. Dr. Keay's upcoming book, 'The Myths of Menopause, A Guide to Increasing Your Menopause Wisdom,' addresses common misconceptions about menopause, such as the belief that it marks the end of active life and that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is universally risky. They also explore how to manage menopause symptoms through lifestyle changes including nutrition and strength training. Dr. Keay emphasises the importance of being informed and proactive about menopause to ensure a better quality of life. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/68 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, host Gemma addresses a listener's question about the practice of weighing food portions, especially when dining out. The discussion covers topics such as the benefits of weighing food for understanding portion sizes, nutrient intake, and managing stress around eating. Gemma also highlights the potential downsides, like increased anxiety and disordered eating patterns. She provides practical tips and examples about how weighing your food can offer freedom and clarity for some, while acknowledging it's not suited for everyone. Tune in to learn how to tailor food tracking to your individual needs and goals. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/67 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, host Gemma welcomes pro female cyclist Sarah Gigante to the podcast. Sarah, who rides for AG Insurance Soudal, recently finished 7th overall in the Tour de France Femme. They discuss Sarah's nutrition journey over the past few years, her meticulous fueling strategies during races, and the vital role of team support and proper nutrition in elite cycling performance. Sarah shares insights from her experiences, including the challenges and impacts of maintaining optimal dietary habits before, during, and after races. They also reflect on how women's cycling nutrition has advanced and the importance of continuous learning and adapting in an athlete's career. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/66 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, Gemma hosts Frankie Hall, an elite female cyclist from the UK, currently riding for DUS Hutchinson Brother UK. Frankie shares her transformative journey over the past six months, emphasizing changes in her fueling strategies. She discusses the impact of proper nutrition on her performance, recounting a recent race where improved fueling allowed her to finish strong. Frankie and Gemma explore the importance of timing, nutrient intake, and overcoming restrictive eating habits to enhance both training and quality of life. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/65 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode of 'Ask a Sports Dietitian,' Gemma responds to Clare's question about whether it's effective to eat a larger evening meal before a big event if a big breakfast is challenging. Gemma emphasizes the importance of optimising nutrition at various key time points, including the night before and the morning of the race. She discusses the significance of trial and error to find what works best for each individual and highlights different nutritional strategies, such as liquid fuels and low-fibre cereals, for those with low morning appetite or pre-race nerves.

 

Episode show notes:

www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/64

__________________

You can find Gemma at

www.gemmasampson.com

www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson

www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

 

In this episode, Gemma talks with Carina Hamel, a lifelong athlete, mother, and co-founder of Bivo drink bottles. Carina shares the story behind Bivo and how she and her husband identified a gap in the market for non-plastic hydration solutions for athletes and everyday use. She discusses her journey from a career in footwear product development to starting her own business, the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating products that address real-world issues like minimizing microplastic exposure. The conversation also touches on the personal joys and challenges of parenting, finding balance, and the importance of having fun and staying active with family. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/63 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this podcast episode, host Gemma interviews Dr. Jose Areta about the energy needs of female cyclists, particularly during events like the Tour de France. They discuss a recent study on energy expenditure in female athletes, highlighting surprising findings such as high daily caloric needs and energy deficits similar to male cyclists. The conversation touches on the complexity of measuring energy intake and expenditure, the challenges of conducting accurate research, and the impacts of chronic low energy availability on performance and health. Dr. Areta emphasizes the need for more extensive research on female athletes and calls for support in this area. They also discuss broader factors affecting athlete performance, such as psychological stress and sleep, advocating for a holistic approach to athlete health. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/62 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, host Gemma sits down with pro cyclists Lizzie Holden and Nick Schultz to discuss the concept of 'Pock-it Fuel' and its role in sports nutrition. They explore how their interest in baking and nutrition led to creating homemade training snacks. The cyclists share personal insights on the importance of fueling correctly, overcoming flavour fatigue, and incorporating variety into ride food. They dive deep into the nutritional strategies used in racing versus training, the psychological aspects of food, and the evolving understanding and acceptance of adequate fuel among pro cyclists. The conversation highlights Lizzie's and Nick's practical experiences and tips for anyone looking to optimize their performance through better nutrition. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/61 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, host Dr. Gemma Sampson delves into the complexities of sodium and hydration strategies for cyclists with expert Dr. Alan McCubbin. Covering issues such as sweat testing, sodium intake, and hydration, the discussion addresses why athletes may not be drinking enough and explores multiple factors impacting fluid intake and tolerance.

The conversation also covers the intricacies of sodium needs during different conditions and durations, offering practical advice for tailoring hydration strategies to individual needs.

Additionally, they emphasize the interconnection between water and sodium intake and provide tools such as the Sweat Rate Calculator for better planning. Perfect for cyclists looking to optimize their performance and hydration strategies.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/87 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

In this episode, Gemma sits down with Georgie Howe, a professional cyclist for Liv Jayco Alula. Georgie shares her journey from rowing in Australia to becoming a cyclist, including her struggles with non-selection for the Tokyo Olympics, transitioning into management consulting, and finding her passion for cycling during the COVID-19 lockdown. She discusses the physical and mental challenges she's faced, such as significant weight changes and amenorrhea, and emphasizes the importance of proper fuelling in sports. Georgie also talks about participating in a study on energy expenditure during the Tour de France, revealing the high caloric demands of the race and the impact of nutrition on performance and recovery. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/60 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, Gemma shares her most overlooked and undervalued piece of nutrition advice: increasing the variety and quantity of plants in your diet. She explains how adding more fruits and vegetables can significantly improve gut microbiome diversity, enhance satiety, and aid in weight management. Gemma provides practical tips on incorporating 30 different plants a week and emphasizes that even small changes can lead to substantial health benefits. She also includes a comprehensive list of 90 different plants, fruits, and grains to help listeners diversify their diet. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/59 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

Is there anything about your life that you regret or wish you could change looking back? One of the most impactful books I've read is the top 5 regrets of the dying by Bonnie Ware. Sounds morbid but it is a very inspirational book and thinking about these regrets helps me make decisions and live a life full of intention. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/58 Top 5 Regrets of the Dying: Top Five Regrets of the Dying: https://amzn.to/3M7HKSR __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

What's changed in pro cycling nutrition? I joined Tim Podlogar, Sam Impey and David Dunne at Hexis Elite Cycling Nutrition Conference Q&A panel to discuss fuelling practices, whether we need to fuel at 120g per hour, cyclists using ozempic to lose weight, protein, vegan nutrition and more. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/57 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

How do you learn to like eating healthy? This is a question I received on Instagram and I found it very interesting because the meaning we attach to the word healthy can influence how easy or difficult we perceive it to achieve. In this episode I discuss what healthy may or may not look like for you and steps to help you make changes to live a healthier lifestyle and eat in a healthier way without feeling deprived or overwhelmed. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/56 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

Often people come to me with these idealistic goals and visions of what they want to do achieve or change around their nutrition. Kind of like how at the beginning of the year we can get sucked into the whole new year new me resolutions kind of things. This year I'm going to be different. We make all these changes, but they are so far from our starting point that we set ourselves up for failure and most people give up before January is even finished. We are more than a quarter of the way through 2024, can we all get on board and agree that the whole new years resolution style of thinking just doesn't work? You know what DOES work though? Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/55 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

If you get dropped on a ride - does that demotivate you or does it motivate you? Maybe I'm weird, but for some strange reason when it comes to group rides, being dropped REALLY motivates me to work harder and to ride my bike more regularly. It all started with the Sefton park chain gang 9 years ago. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/54 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

It's time for another edition of Ask a Sports Dietitian where each month I select a question submitted to answer - just like I do each week on my private podcast for Fuelled Team members. Susan asks: Hi Gemma, I am a 57yr old female Cycling endurance athlete. I like to compete for overall and AG in 80-100mi sportive/fondo/ races. I am using a trainer and on the average put in 10-15hrs/week. I am interested to hear your macro recommendations when it comes to older but still competitive athletes. For example, some say that with aging athletes, %fat should be a bit higher than with younger athletes. What about Protein (super important for aging athletes) but how much is needed vs carbohydrates? I have a science background and listen to most all the new recommendations but I have found it all falls apart when you look at the needs for an aging yet still competitive female athlete!! Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/53 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

Have I always had a good relationship with food? This week on the podcast I am doing something a little different. One of my Fuelled team members asked a question about my relationship with food, how that has changed over the years as a dietitian and things I recommend you consider to improve yours. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/52 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

When it comes to sports nutrition for cycling and triathlon, I like to view it in three distinct, but related components. We have Everyday nutrition, Training nutrition and then our event or racing nutrition. They have overlapping but distinct needs and challenges to address, which I teach my 1:1 clients privately in our 1:1 sessions as well as online using my Fuelled Framework. I have a new online workshop where I will be taking you through my Fuelled Framework to teach you how to optimise the way you fuel on and off the bike for better body composition, health and performance. Get your tickets to join live on the 25th April or watch the replay at www.gemmasampson.com/framework Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/51 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

In this episode, I reflect on the crucial role of baby steps and consistent actions in achieving long-term goals. Drawing from my personal experience of learning Spanish while living in Spain, I discuss the importance of daily practice and investing in a tutor. I share how starting with just 10-15 minutes a day has progressively built up to an hour, leading to significant improvements in my language skills. The journey mirrors other life goals such as weight loss and muscle gain, emphasizing the need for patience, persistence, and tracking progress. I challenge you to identify one realistic change you can make that aligns with your long-term aspirations.

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/86 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

Nutrition can either make or break a ride, and it's when you put it to the test and experience this properly for yourself that you really understand that it's not just a fluke Ange Hookham is a cyclist personal trainer who joined my Fuelled team and has been learning my Fuelled Framework over the past few months. After sharing some of her wins on Instagram I invited her on to the podcast to share her experience of learning how to fuel her training, what challenges she faced and how much of a difference fuelling has made to her cycling.

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/50

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

What does it take to fuel a Kona slot when you are an Ironman triathlete? Today I have invited Dan Barry, a triathlete and previous client onto the podcast to share his experience learning how to optimise his everyday, training and race nutrition through 1:1 sports nutrition coaching. He recently won his Age Group, breaking 9 hours at Ironman New Zealand achieving his goal to race at Ironman World Championships in Kona later this year. Listen to hear what changed in his nutrition, how he fuelled his Ironman race, what surprised him about levellling up his nutrition and more. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/49 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

Have you ever thought about what motivates you? What drives you to do the things that you do or don’t want to do? I’ve been speaking with a number of people lately about the topic of motivation and how it influences us, how it shifts how it changes throughout different phases of our life or even different seasons of the year. Whether it’s a goal that we are working towards or a behaviour we want to change, understanding what motivates us can be critical component of progress and success At the start of the year, many people start off with strong intentions and resolutions to transform aspects like health, fitness, but if we don’t get clear on the what it is important, we may be less likely to succeed as the busyness of life takes over. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/48 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

The number one nutrition goal cyclists of all ages and abilities have when they want to work with me as a sports dietitian is to lose weight and improve their power to weight ratio. Many cyclists assume that if you weigh less your power to weight ratio will be higher and you’ll perform better on the bike. While this CAN be the case - it is not always true for every individual depending on their starting place and the strategies they have used to change their body composition. I have known cyclists who lost weight lose considerable watts across the whole spectrum from their 5 second sprint to their 90 min power. And I have also seen cyclists seen their power numbers skyrocket and become when they’ve gained or maintained weight. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/47 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

My blood tests show that I am anaemic. I don’t like eating meat and am not a huge fan of eating eggs. What foods should I eat more of to help increase absorption and help manage fatigue? If you don't like meat or prefer to follow a plant based or vegetarian diet, getting enough iron from plant based sources can be difficult to achieve. Difficult, but not impossible. With some careful planning it is possible for vegetarians to use plant based foods to achieve their iron needs. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/46 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

For female cyclists, and female athlete, there is a lot of debate about whether our menstrual cycles influence our performance... how, when and what to do about it. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that performance may be reduced during the early follicular phase (which starts with the arrival of your period) but the quality of evidence was poor and inconclusive. Some women actually feel and form BETTER when they have their period! This is likely because there is HUGE variation in the way the menstrual cycle affects women. Some get no symptoms at all, while others are bed bound, cramp, bloated or even vomit at certain stages of their cycle. What to do? Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/45 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

If you could snap your fingers and change something about your nutrition within the next 24h, what would it be? What's your Amazon overnight order? How awesome would it be if we could press send and within two days (or next day even) our desired goals arrived? When it comes to our health and nutrition, often we seem to expect lasting changes and transformation in our bodies to arrive overnight like Amazon brings our deliveries. show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/44 You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

What would a man know about female cycling?! Female cyclists have a few more things to consider for their training and their nutrition than their male counterparts. And a man is never going to fully understand the changes that we are continually going through across our lifetime. However, that doesn't mean the conversation needs to female exclusive! Today I have invited Will Harper, the team behind the team of Synrgy Female cycling coaching to share where Synrgy came from, how they approach coaching their female cyclists and why it is so important to have conversations about female cycling and physiology with men in the room. Learn more about Synrgy here: https://www.synrgycycling.com Join us the Girona Female Cycling Camp (2-9th April 2024): hello@synrgycycling.com Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/43 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

How many foods right now are on your 'not allowed to eat' list? Maybe it's cookies. Maybe it's chocolate. Maybe it's icecream. chips, cheese..... It might even be hot cross buns! Whatever the food that you've got on your 'forbidden list - I want to challenge you to think about what happens when you restrict those foods - and try using permission instead Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/42 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

Are you training for the 3 peaks Challenge in March? Have you thought about training your nutrition as well as the physical training you need to ride 235km with >4000m climbing in less than 13 hours? One of the things that fascinates me is that I will often see cyclists spending thousands of dollars on equipment, coaching and gear, training for months for an event like 3 peaks without having spent much time investing in how they are going to fuel their peak performance. Whether you are training to race it or complete it as a challenge - what you eat before during and after in the lead up can make or break your day. If you are riding 3 peaks this year, I’d love to invite you to join my team and or buy a ticket for my upcoming race nutrition workshop on the 7th February to help you fuel for success ahead of 3 Peaks . Visit gemmasampson.com to buy your ticket or join the Fuelled team for access. Today I am sharing an ask a sports dietitian question that I answered for a Fuelled Team member who is training for the Australian 3 Peaks Challenge in 10th March. Enjoy! Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/41 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

I've had a hard lesson about using expired sports nutrition products, and now it's time for some spring cleaning in my sports nutrition cupboard! Join me as I go through all my gels, bars, and supplements to check their expiration dates and organise them. Learn from my mistakes, avoid potential health risks, and ensure you get the most out of your sports nutrition investments. Let's prioritise and use our products wisely to save money and enhance our training sessions. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and keep your ride fuelled with in-date products!

 

Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/85 

Join the Fuelled Team: www.gemmasampson.com/join 

You can find Gemma at

• www.gemmasampson.com
• www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson 
• www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson 

I am currently in Adelaide at Tour Down Under this week and was asked the question what does a successful athlete look like to me? Such a great question! Typically when it comes to success, most peoples minds would go to performance, winning races, crossing the line first, winning the gold medal, rainbow jersey. However I think success goes much deeper beyond being the first to cross the line. For me, success is multifactorial and much more holistic. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/40 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

You don't have to give up any of your favourite foods, go on a crazy diet or start an extreme exercise regime this January if you don't want to. At the beginning of the new year there can be a lot of pressure and diet culture guilt that you should totally change your life and create a 'new you''. But it's totally okay if you don't have the brain space to make any changes right now. If you want to make changes to your lifestyle and have the brain space, resources and support to do it, go for it! But don't ever feel shamed or guilted into thinking you need to change to be better or more valued. It doesn't change your worth or value as a human either way. If you are finding yourself getting caught up in diet culture, I want to remind you that this year you don't have to give up carbs, alcohol, sugar, meat, dairy or any other sort of food if you don't want to. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/39 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

There are a lot of labels attached to the word 'hungry'. Sometimes people think this can be considered a 'good' thing, for others it's a bad thing. Especially when people are trying to lose weight I often see people feeling hungry all the time, fighting themselves and their hunger all the time because it's not time to eat or they don't think they are allowed to. If you find yourself hungry ALL the time. Then it might be a useful activity to record your hunger and fullness levels across the week to see if you can find any patterns that may be causing this. Hunger is normal, but if you are extremely hungry, trying to rely on willpower alone is a strategy doomed to fail. This is where the hunger-fullness scale can come in handy. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/38 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson

Rather than using nutrition tracking as punishment to guilt trip or shame you into action (which rarely works in the long time by the way), I like to use nutrition tracking intentionally as a tool to help you rewrite the way you eat on and off the bike. The first step if you want improve your nutrition is get clear on what you are eating, when and why. Which is why I encourage all my clients when we first start working together or if they join my team and use my cycling nutrition framework is to do some nutrition tracking. By getting clear on your baseline, it will raise your awareness of when and why you’re eating certain foods and help figure out the best place to make changes that suit you, your lifestyle and your training plan. Which is why nutrition tracking is there as a tool, not a rule. Episode show notes: www.gemmasampson.com/podcast/37 __________________ You can find Gemma at www.gemmasampson.com www.instagram.com/drgemmasampson www.youtube.com/@drgemmasampson