Intersection of Nutrition + Mental Health for Athletes

When it comes to endurance training, most athletes focus on their physical performance—logging miles, tracking splits, or calculating macros. But mental health for athletes plays an equally critical role in how we fuel and perform.

As professional athletes like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles have opened up about their mental health journeys, the sports world is beginning to embrace the importance of mental well-being alongside physical prowess.

As a dietitian for endurance athletes, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health, body image, and diet culture shape our eating habits and performance. In this episode, licensed therapist Cindi Miller and I explore why mental health matters for athletes, how perfectionism impacts nutrition, and actionable ways to fuel your training while cultivating a positive relationship with food.

Mental Health For Athletes Is Key to Success

Endurance athletes often push their bodies to the limit, but what about their minds? Stress, anxiety, and shame can take a toll on performance and recovery. Nutrition is often at the center of these challenges, as body image struggles and diet culture perpetuate the idea that athletes must look or eat a certain way to succeed.

Think about it: food isn’t just fuel—it’s connection, culture, and comfort. But when we associate food with shame or guilt, it adds unnecessary stress. That stress doesn’t just live in your mind—it affects your body too, leading to poor energy levels, disrupted recovery, and even higher injury risk.

Instead of letting these mental health challenges take over, it’s crucial to focus on small, positive changes that support both your body and your mindset.

How Perfectionism Impacts Nutrition

Athletes are no strangers to high standards. But perfectionism—especially when it comes to food—can be more harmful than helpful.

Social media often glorifies “perfect” diets and training plans, but here’s the truth: success isn’t accidental, and it’s rarely linear. Behind every PR or race-day podium finish is a story of setbacks, plateaus, and adjustments. Yet, the pressure to always improve can create an “all or nothing” mindset, where anything less than perfect feels like failure.

For example, if you plan to hit 100 squats in a workout and only complete 97, is that a failure? Absolutely not! Those 97 squats are progress—far better than doing none at all. But in a perfectionistic mindset, it’s easy to let small setbacks spiral into feelings of guilt and shame.

Shame and Nutrition Setbacks

It’s not uncommon for athletes to feel shame after a perceived “failure” with food. Skipping a meal, overindulging in a dessert, or missing a nutrition target can feel like a setback. But here’s a mindset shift: failure isn’t failure—it’s feedback.

Setbacks are part of the process, and they can teach you a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Instead of beating yourself up, ask questions:

• What led to this situation?
• How can I tweak my habits or plan for next time?

Nutrition isn’t about perfection. Think of it as a Venn diagram: one circle is fueling like an athlete, and the other is eating like a regular human being. The sweet spot is the overlap—where you’re meeting your body’s needs while still having flexibility and joy in food.

Practical Tips to Fuel Your Body and Mind

If you’re ready to improve your relationship with food while fueling your endurance goals, start with these practical tips:

1. Focus on What You Can Add
   Instead of focusing on what to cut, think about what you can add to your meals. Include more colorful veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains to support energy and recovery.
2. Ditch the “Perfect Diet” Myth
   There’s no such thing as the perfect diet. Your needs are unique, and they might even change from season to season or race to race. Flexibility is key.
3. Fuel Early and Often
   Many athletes undereat during the day, leading to evening cravings and fatigue. Prioritize balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to keep energy levels steady.
4. Treat Food as a Tool, Not a Threat
   Instead of fearing food, view it as a tool to enhance your performance and enjoyment of life. Even a sweet treat, like a Reese’s pumpkin or a donut, can have a place in a well-rounded plan.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
   Celebrate small wins and progress. Whether you’re improving your protein intake or adding more veggies, every step forward matters.

The Role of Body Image in Endurance Nutrition

Body image is a common struggle for athletes, and it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that there’s a “right” body type for endurance. But here’s the truth: there’s no universal ideal.

Everyone’s body responds differently to training and nutrition. While it’s tempting to compare yourself to teammates or Instagram influencers, focusing on how you feel is more important than how you look. Are you recovering well? Do you feel strong during workouts? That’s what matters.

And remember: even if you’re not seeing physical changes, better nutrition and fueling habits can improve your energy, mood, and performance.

Finding Balance: Performance vs. Aesthetics

Athletes often feel torn between performance goals and aesthetic goals. Here’s how to strike a healthy balance:

• Set realistic expectations for body composition changes. Work with a dietitian to determine what’s achievable and sustainable for your goals.
• Focus on behaviors, not outcomes. Eating more vegetables, drinking enough water, and hitting protein targets are actions within your control.

And remember, the number on the scale doesn’t define your worth or your ability as an athlete.

Nutrition + Mental Health for Athletes: The Takeaway

Fueling your body isn’t just about hitting nutrition targets—it’s about supporting your mental health, enjoying food, and showing up as your best self in training and life. Perfection isn’t the goal; progress is.

If you’re struggling with body image or disordered eating, seek out support from a dietitian or therapist. These professionals can help you navigate the challenges of fueling for endurance while maintaining a positive relationship with food. You can learn more about Cindi and her services here.

For personalized nutrition guidance and support, check out ALN’s 1:1 nutrition coaching program for more details!