In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian, and entrepreneur is joined by returning guest Cynthia Donovan, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA). They discuss the pressures on women to maintain certain body images, and how these issues can lead to conditions such as HA and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

Cynthia explains the importance of comprehensive hormonal panels and differentiates HA from other conditions like PCOS. The conversation covers ovulation tracking, luteal phase defects, and the impact of various birth control methods on menstrual health. Listeners are encouraged to become more self-aware about their bodies and the critical role of proper nutrition and rest in achieving true health. Resources and further reading materials are provided to help women navigate these challenges.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:24 Meet Cynthia Donovan: Expert in Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
• 02:32 Understanding Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA)
• 04:30 The Impact of HA on Women's Health
• 05:34 Misdiagnosis and the Need for More Research
• 07:53 Comparing HA and PCOS
• 13:13 Lab Work and Diagnosis for HA
• 19:43 Luteal Phase Defect and Its Implications
• 27:01 Hormonal Health and Pregnancy Challenges
• 27:49 Postpartum and Breastfeeding Considerations
• 29:14 The Importance of Fueling the Body
• 29:57 Behavioral Changes and Motherhood
• 31:29 Understanding Luteal Phase Deficiency
• 33:32 Tracking Ovulation and Body Awareness
• 35:38 Nutrition and Energy Needs
• 39:39 Writing a Book on Female Athlete Nutrition
• 42:20 The Role of the Menstrual Cycle in Health
• 46:46 Tracking Ovulation with an IUD
• 50:21 Conclusion and Resources

Cynthia Donovan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in helping women recover from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA). Drawing from both personal and professional insights, Cynthia founded the Recipe for a Period in 2020, guiding hundreds of women toward reclaiming their periods, restoring fertility, and achieving true health. Her holistic approach empowers women to balance fitness, nutrition, and well-being. Outside of her work, Cynthia enjoys exploring nature, traveling, rock climbing, and making memories with her two energetic boys.

Resources for the Audience

HA Fact Sheet

More from Cynthia

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/period.nutritionist/ TikTok: @period.nutritionist

Website: www.periodnutritionist.com

LinkedIn

The Period Recovery Podcast: https://www.periodnutritionist.com/podcast

Free Period Recovery Guide: https://prodigious-knitter-1788.kit.com/dfdff8e4ae

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietician, entrepreneur, and lifelong athlete, delves into the complex topic of nutrition with fellow dietician Kim Shapira. They discuss the challenges female athletes face regarding body image, societal pressures, and nutrition misinformation. Key topics include mindful eating, understanding hunger cues, the importance of hydration, the benefits of adequate sleep, and incorporating movement into daily routines.

Kim shares her philosophy on the six simple rules to transform one's relationship with food and emphasizes that nutrition is not just about weight loss but overall health and empowerment. With practical tips and expert insights, this episode aims to help female athletes build healthier relationships with food and their bodies.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Expanding the Conversation
• 02:57 Introducing Kim Shapira
• 05:25 Kim Shapira's Approach to Nutrition
• 09:32 The Psychology Behind Eating Habits
• 15:25 Mindfulness and Food Choices
• 25:58 Kim Shapira's Six Simple Rules
• 32:41 The Importance of Mindful Eating
• 34:06 The Role of Chewing in Digestion
• 36:04 Understanding Food Sensitivities
• 38:36 The Social Aspect of Eating
• 46:00 The Benefits of Movement
• 49:56 Hydration and Its Impact on Health
• 53:15 The Importance of Sleep
• 57:53 Final Thoughts and Fun Questions

With over 30 years of experience, Kim has helped clients achieve and maintain weight loss through her private practice and as a coach for Trimly. She has also worked in hospitals, sports clinics, and addiction centers, while also teaching at universities. Kim believes that "Healthspan is the goal, but life's challenges can derail individuals from their journey.”

Through her Kim Shapira Method, Kim provides the necessary support and guidance to help clients achieve peace and happiness around food, and rewire their values so they no longer worry about health, weight, and maintenance.

Check out Kim Shapira's book: This Is What You're Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self.

Check out Kim Shapira's website at https://www.kimshapiramethod.com/

Find Kim Shapira on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimshapiramethod/

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Find Resources & Join My REDS Recovery Support Group:

https://www.lindseycortes.com/reds

Direct Link to Join Recovery Membership HERE

In this episode, Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a registered sports dietitian, introduces the concept of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS). She explains the physiological and psychological symptoms, the broad impact on health and performance, and emphasizes that RED-S can occur at any level of athletic participation. Lindsey offers practical advice on recognizing symptoms, tips for recovery, and resources available on her website for further support. This episode aims to empower female athletes to understand and manage their nutrition needs effectively.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Understanding Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
• 04:14 Symptoms and Consequences of RED-S
• 12:36 Who is at Risk of RED-S?
• 15:01 Steps to Diagnose and Recover from RED-S
• 16:13 Resources and Support for RED-S Recovery
• 17:30 Conclusion and Call to Action

Past Podcast Episodes specifically about REDS (though many more address the topic within a greater conversation):

Episode 02: What is REDS

Episode 110: Understanding REDS from two Registered Dietitians

Episode 111: How Dietitians Eat & Exercise After REDS Recovery

Episode 212: Is REDS Real? With Rebecca McConville

Episode 112: Overcoming Amenorrhea & REDS with Tina Muir

Episode 153: Olympian Elise Cranny's Journey with REDS

Episode 80: REDS Resources Recovery & Rebounding with REDS Advocate Pippa Woolven

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, host of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, engages in a comprehensive discussion with Kerstin Schulze, a former junior Olympic athlete turned Hollywood actress and fitness expert. Kerstin shares her journey from being an athlete to a Hollywood trainer, emphasizing the challenges and pressures associated with maintaining specific physiques in the entertainment industry.

They discuss the importance of balanced nutrition, the misconceptions around diet and supplementation, and the critical role of strength training, especially for women going through menopause. Additionally, they explore age-appropriate fitness strategies, with Kerstin detailing her programs for busy professionals and older adults. The episode concludes with practical tips for sustaining long-term health and longevity through mindful nutrition and regular exercise.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Meet Our Hollywood Athlete Guest
• 03:45 Kerstin Schulze's Athletic Journey
• 05:25 Balancing Fitness and Hollywood
• 10:03 Nutrition and Body Image
• 16:53 Training and Nutrition for Athletes
• 26:36 Supplements and Performance
• 27:31 Creatine and Daily Supplements
• 28:36 Liquid Nutrition for Busy Lifestyles
• 31:37 Training for the 40-70 Age Group
• 35:55 Importance of Strength Training
• 40:20 Fitness for Busy Lifestyles
• 41:08 Encouraging Lifelong Fitness
• 45:58 Menopause and Exercise
• 49:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kerstin Schulze is a powerhouse in entertainment and wellness, bringing energy, humor, and authenticity to every role she plays—both on and off-screen. Originally from Germany, Kerstin’s journey began with a silver medal at the Junior Olympics in Berlin. From there, she pursued her love for performance with formal theater training and a business degree before making her way to Los Angeles.

Now in her early 50s, Kerstin brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation around midlife transformations. As a perimenopausal woman and seasoned fitness expert, she understands the challenges of maintaining vitality, strength, and balance during this transitional stage of life. Through her work, Kerstin empowers women to embrace midlife with confidence, focusing on strategies that blend wellness, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Find Kerstin on Instagram: @partyanddiet and @kerstin_schulze

Find Kerstin's Website at https://partyanddiet.com

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian, entrepreneur, lifelong athlete, and mother, speaks with one of her clients, Nicky. At just 16 years old, Nicky shares her journey of overcoming an eating disorder and transforming her relationship with food, exercise, and her body. Lindsey and Nicky discuss the confusion surrounding nutrition, the pressures on female athletes, and how Nicky's dedication and the right guidance led her to a healthier, more empowered life. They cover the impact of family, medical care, and the importance of enjoying life and social interactions while maintaining a positive mindset towards health and fitness. Nicky's story is a source of inspiration for anyone struggling with similar issues.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Meet Nicky: A Journey of Transformation
• 03:44 Nicky's Struggles with Eating Disorders
• 05:50 The Impact of Nutrition Education
• 08:30 Rediscovering the Joy of Exercise
• 11:52 Recognizing Red Flags and Seeking Help
• 16:01 Parental Support and Professional Guidance
• 19:08 Nicky's Positive Transformations
• 23:49 Mirror Reflections and Body Confidence
• 24:42 Nutrition and Fueling the Body
• 28:34 Medical Journey and Therapy Experiences
• 33:20 Commitment to Recovery and Personal Growth
• 41:49 Fun Questions and Final Thoughts

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes interviews sports dietitian and endurance athlete Alex Larson. The discussion focuses on nutritional strategies for female endurance athletes, particularly those participating in triathlons and Ironman races. Key topics include the importance of fueling correctly on the bike, managing sodium and electrolyte levels, the challenges faced by female athletes in balancing training with other life demands, and the benefits of working with specialized dieticians. Real-world insights on the logistics of race-day nutrition and hydration from Alex's professional and personal experiences are shared, highlighting practical advice for athletes aiming to optimize performance while maintaining a positive relationship with food.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Meet Alex Larson: Dietician and Endurance Athlete
• 02:25 Triathlon and Ironman Nutrition Strategies
• 03:54 The Bike is the Buffet: Fueling Tactics
• 04:22 Challenges and Logistics of Triathlon Nutrition
• 24:44 Real Food vs. Liquid Fuel: Pros and Cons
• 28:45 Gender Differences in Fueling Needs
• 31:14 Fueling for Performance and Life
• 31:33 The Female Experience with Food and Body
• 32:11 Balancing Life and Nutrition
• 37:58 The Importance of Sodium in Endurance Sports
• 43:07 Electrolyte Needs and Strategies
• 56:59 Fun Rapid-Fire Questions
• 58:47 Conclusion and Resources

Alex Larson is a registered dietitian, endurance athlete, and founder of Alex Larson Nutrition. She specializes in helping runners, cyclists, and triathletes optimize their nutrition for peak performance, leaner body composition, and sustained energy, all while cultivating a positive relationship with food.

As an Ironman finisher and mom of three, Alex blends personal experience with professional expertise to deliver science-backed, approachable strategies that work in the real world. Through her 1-on-1 nutrition coaching, Endurance Eats podcast, and her Instagram, Alex inspires athletes to fuel confidently and reach their goals with joy.

Find Alex on Instagram @alexlarsonnutrition, and her website at alexlarsonnutrition.com

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietician and lifelong athlete, speaks with returning guest Erica Mulholland, a speed, agility, and strength coach based in Tampa, Florida. The conversation dives into the challenges and misconceptions around nutrition and body expectations for female athletes, with a focus on the impact of growth spurts on young athletes' performance, injury prevention, and training techniques.

Erica shares her expertise and experience to highlight the importance of balanced nutrition, the benefits of consistent strength training, and the necessity of rest and recovery. The episode emphasizes shifting the narrative from focusing on weight and body image to embracing strength, proper nutrition, and the natural development process. It serves as a resourceful guide for athletes, parents, and coaches to support the holistic well-being of female athletes.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Meet Erica Mulholland: Speed, Agility, and Strength Coach
• 03:11 Understanding Growth Spurts in Female Athletes
• 05:18 The Importance of Nutrition During Growth Spurts
• 14:18 Common Overuse Injuries and Prevention
• 20:38 Personal Stories and Experiences
• 25:48 Holistic Training for Young Female Athletes
• 27:49 Importance of Rest and Recovery
• 29:08 Balancing Training with Breaks
• 31:23 Strength Training During Growth Spurts
• 33:52 Embracing Muscle Mass
• 35:55 Avoiding the Scale and Focusing on Performance
• 40:27 Nutrition and Growth for Young Athletes
• 44:29 Fun Questions and Final Thoughts

Erica is a 3x college All-American, Hall of Fame inductee for Johns Hopkins Women’s Soccer, and former US and Brazil semi-professional soccer player. She has a Master’s in Exercise Science in Performance Enhancement and Injury Reduction. She is a Tampa-based Speed, Agility, and Strength Coach who has been working with athletes for 13 years. She is also author of The Strong Female Athlete book, which is a science-based and experience-based text with a fresh, novel approach for youth female athletes to improve speed, reduce injury, and increase strength.

Erica's mission is to help youth female athletes become strong, resilient, and creative through exercise, while inspiring them to love movement and sports – to not see these as obligations, but rather, enjoyable escapes from the stressors of life.

For more about Erica and her work go to www.ericasuter.com or follow @fitsoccerqueen on Instagram.

Also check out Lindsey's interview with Erica about nutrition for teen athletes:

https://youtu.be/s7umlceHpTA?si=cZkMG6HFqGsvZcUS

And read more about Teen Athlete Nutrition:

https://www.lindseycortes.com/post/teen-athlete-nutrition

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian and lifelong athlete, delves into the complexities of nutrition, particularly surrounding dairy and beef, with special guests Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik. Lindsey and her guests discuss the nutritional benefits and misconceptions of dairy and beef products, including the debated use of hormones, the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, and the resurgence of beef tallow in diets.

Tara, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, and Natalie, a fourth-generation cattle rancher, provide insightful perspectives on food production, sustainability, and the reality of farming and ranching in America. Tune in for an enlightening conversation aimed at educating female athletes on making informed dietary choices.

Episode Highlights:

• 02:42 Special Guests: Tara and Natalie
• 04:15 The Benefits of Dairy and Beef
• 16:05 Debunking Myths About Dairy
• 22:29 Understanding Pasteurization and Raw Milk
• 31:26 Choosing Risks in Everyday Life
• 31:47 The Debate on Raw Milk
• 34:11 Understanding Dairy and Beef Cattle
• 38:34 Global Food Marketplace
• 40:49 Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef
• 48:05 The Rise of Beef Tallow
• 54:49 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

Natalie Kovarik and Tara Vander Dussen are the dynamic co-hosts of top ranked podcast Discover Ag. With a combined decade-long dedication to advocating for agriculture across various social media platforms, they have cultivated a devoted community of over 270k individuals. Their presence extends far beyond the digital realm though, as they have graced stages both nationally and internationally, empowering their communities to reconnect with agriculture and the hands that feed us.

Connect with Natalie and Tara:

YouTube and IG @discoveragpodcast

Website: https://discoverag.com/

For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition:

http://www.lindseycortes.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.