Parents – How to Level Up Your Gymnast’s Nutrition
Parents – How to
Level Up Your
Gymnast’s Nutrition
JOIN THE BALANCED GYMNAST® course
In this step-by-step learning experience, you’ll be guided by pediatric & adolescent registered sports dietitian nutritionist, speaker, and founder of The Gymnast Nutritionist, Christina Anderson MS, RDN, CSSD, CSP, as she teaches you how to fuel the competitive gymnast in a way that is realistic, makes sense, and actually works.
6-Week Gymnast Nutrition Course to Learn to Fuel Without the Stress or Overwhelm
During the six-week self pace course, you’ll get insider access to The Balanced Gymnast® Method trainings, plus proven tools, guides, and recipes to optimize your gymnast’s performance in six weeks.
You don’t have to keep struggling with your gymnast’s nutrition.
You don’t have to keep guessing at whether or not your feeding her enough (or she’s eating enough).
Optimizing nutrition from a young age is KEY to preventing issues with food, injury, or body image later in a gymnast’s career.
- You feel OVERWHELMED by all the nutrition information out there
- You feel FRUSTRATED by your gymnast who is also a picky eater or only wants “junk food” all the time
- You WORRY that your gymnast’s nutrition is out of balance
- You are STRUGGLING to help your gymnast feel stronger and not totally EXHAUSTED all the time
- You WORRY about your gymnast developing an unhealthy relationship with food and her body
- You know they could be doing more with their nutrition to help performance, but you’re just not sure “what” that is.
There’s an easier way to learn to fuel your gymnast that actually works for optimal performance and recovery.
TBG Course
Better Performance
More Energy
Optimized Nutrition
Learn exactly what the gymnast needs to fuel everyday life and health. Without a strong nutrition foundation, nothing else matter.
This nutrition strategy will ensure your gymnast is well-fueled for practice or competition, no matter what!
When life happens and your gymnast gets injured, do you know how to optimize nutrition for faster recovery?
3 Ways Learning to Fuel the Gymnast Will Improve Her Performance
It’s Christina. Like your gymnast and many of you, I was a competitive gymnast for 9+ years and am now a sports dietitian nutritionist who works exclusively with gymnasts.
My career as a gymnast didn’t end well. I struggled with food and my body, and my parents felt helpless. We did “all the things” in terms of physical therapy and seeing all the right doctors for my ongoing injuries, but it was my underfueling that kept me stuck.
It wasn’t until I become a dietitian nutritionist that I realized that what I had been doing with my nutrition was the complete opposite of what I needed, yet how should I have known? (Especially when that’s what everyone else was doing)
Now I have a healthy relationship with food and my body, and help high level gymnasts everyday achieve the things I wasn’t able to in my career.
Since 2017, I’ve had a private practice and worked with 100s of competitive gymnasts (compulsory through Sr Elite/National Team) and their parents —teaching them to fuel for optimal performance without the stress or overwhelm.
In 2020 I pivoted to 100% virtual practice so I could serve gymnasts all across the US and internationally, and it’s been amazing.
In April of 2020, we launched The Balanced Gymnast Method™ which is an online course for parents of competitive gymnasts to make education on fueling the gymnast is accessible to all.
I believe that gymnasts need to not only learn to fuel their bodies for sport, but develop a healthy relationship with food and body (hence the donut…all foods can fit in the high level gymnast’s diet).
My program attracts gymnasts and parents who are ready to put in the time and effort to optimize nutrition and performance. They are not afraid to challenge beliefs they have about food and nutrition, and challenge cultural norms in the sport. Just because “this is how we’ve always done it” doesn’t make it right.
I’m SO excited to welcome you to The Balanced Gymnast Method and help you learn to optimize your gymnast’s nutrition for performance and life beyond sport in 6 weeks.
Hey Gymnast Parents!
Optimized Nutrition. More Energy. Better Performance.
// rachel, Level 10 Gymnast
We didn’t know a whole lot about nutrition in general prior to The Balanced Gymnast Course and how it helps with gymnastics.
With 20 hours of training weekly, we didn’t know what to do to help her. No one had ever taught us exactly what was needed to fuel properly. The video trainings and handouts on building meals and snacks for the gymnast were probably the biggest win in the course. Would definitely recommend, gave great information and great level of detail. The course gave examples of things we could implement immediately.
// janet, Mom, Level 9 Gymnast
This has been a game-changer for my gymnast. My gymnast used to fight me on fueling her body and we also were doing somethings with nutrition that weren’t helpful, but we didn’t know it. The adjustments we made to her diet have been amazing. We immediately saw improvements in energy at the gym. Now my gymnast doesn’t fight me or make me “nag” her about properly fueling her body or hydrating which is a huge WIN. She understands the importance, especially with her big dreams of college gymnastics.
// scott, Level 5 and 7 Gymnasts
Christina was able to address our concerns about our young competitive gymnast’s nutrition. She takes a realistic, scientific approach and yet is able to explain complex nutrition concepts in a way that parents can understand. She is a “nutrition detective” and able to help tease out nutrition issues related to gymnastics. She also takes the time to explain how to handle picky eaters and deal with sugar without creating more issues. Her bonus training on growth assessment allowed us to feel confident we were feeding our gymnast enough to stay healthy.
Every gymnast NEEDS a Performance Nutrition Strategy or the intentional nutrition and hydration before, during, and after a workout to optimize performance and adaptation to training. There’s a big difference between “snacking” vs “fueling”.
Your Performance Nutrition Strategy
It’s the details that matter. Ensure your gymnast is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients she needs for health and longevity in the sport. There are some crucial lab tests that all gymnast need each year to ensure optimal health and performance, and most doctors overlook these.
Attention to Detail
Learn how much a gymnast needs to be drinking during the day and at practice. Underhydration leads to poor performance, cognitive function, and poor recovery…and 75% of young athletes show up to practice already dehydrated.
Your Hydration Plan
Start strong! Learn exactly how to build filling, satisfying meal and snacks to fuel the competitive gymnast—not just for performance but for everyday life and health. Without a strong nutrition foundation...nothing else matters.
The Gymnast's Foundation
Gymnastics often leaves gymnasts with an unhealthy relationship with food and their bodies. Even young gymnasts, 8-9 years old, have a much greater awareness about food and their bodies and we have to teach them from a young age that all bodies are good bodies and that all foods can fit in the gymnast’s diet.
Food Freedom + Body Confidence
As you know, nutrition plays a key role in preventing and managing inflammation and injuries. When life happens and your gymnast gets injured, do you know how to optimize nutrition for faster recovery?
Advanced Nutrition Strategy for Muscle Soreness & Inflammation
We’ve developed 5 additional trainings on the topics of growth & development, picky eating, SUGAR, fueling for competitions, and how to get your gymnast on board with nutrition!
During the course of our 6-weeks together we’ll walk step-by-step through the course together so that you can confidently learn everything you need to know about nutrition for your gymnast!
Here’s a Sneak Preview of What’s in The Balanced Gymnast® Method Course
Each week I’ll guide you through learning to build meals and snacks that fuel your gymnast. You’ll receive a series of handouts and guides to help you and your gymnast come up with your own custom nutrition strategies.
Step-by-Step Nutrition Guides
These trainings are designed with your gymnast in mind! They can join you to listen in and hear it from "someone else" other than mom or dad 😉
Easy-to-Follow Trainings
Immediately after enrolling in The Balanced Gymnast® Method course, you’ll get access to all the trainings and materials in the private course member’s area.
You can go as quickly or slowly through the course as you like.
6 Weeks of Guided Learning
You know they are struggling, but aren’t sure how to help
You worry if they are getting enough of the right kind of nutrition to help them perform their best
You struggle to get your gymnast to eat a balanced diet
They have big goals and dreams and you don’t want to see them dashed because of injury
They want to do everything they can to get the most out of their training
You feel confused about nutrition and aren’t sure what the gymnast needs
You want to be proactive with nutrition
You don’t want your gymnast to struggle with food and body right now or as she gets older
You think your gymnast is “fine” and eating healthy is all that matters
You think nutrition doesn’t matter right now while she’s younger and can wait until she’s struggling
You’re fine with your gymnast being a “picky eating’ or “obsessed with sugar”
Your gymnast has been diagnosed with an eating disorder and needs individualized support
You are happy spending countless hours asking other gym parents for advice, “Googling” nutrition information, and second guessing yourself
You are unwilling to invest in your gymnast’s health and longevity both IN and OUT of the sport
Over the past few years, I’ve have the privilege of working with gymnasts from all over the world and connected with amazing gymnastics professionals in the sport.
In this time, I’ve also observed a huge gap in the knowledge around properly gymnastics nutrition — especially for high level gymnasts who have big goals and dreams that depend on health and longevity.
While there are a lot of great sports dietitian nutritionists out there, many just don’t “get” gymnastics. Or, they don’t understand the high rates of disordered eating and eating disorders and promote practices that worsen these issues which are not only career threatening, but life threatening.
Not only do parents and gymnasts need support that is specifically tailored to the gymnast, but also support that addresses the other issues that gymnasts are not immune from…picky eating, growth issues, difficulties with sugar and “junk food”, etc.
I believe the best nutrition education combines the power of a sustainable, realistic approach that’s rooted in science.
That’s why I decided it was time to create a easy way for parents and gymnasts to get the nutrition education they’re looking for NOW.
Sorting through the nutrition noise and changing gymnastics culture, one gymnast at a time.
This is why I created this…
A program tailed for those who are ready to learn how to figure out nutrition once and for all to achieve their highest potential in the sport.
Why I created The Balanced Gymnast Method Course
®
// Mom, Level 9 Gymnast
Then the last few weeks, she was coming out of gymnastics after 2x training a day smiling and singing in the car and when I would have a little look at her in the gym she was floating around and just happy. AND THEN finally it happened, her coach told me how she noticed my daughters change in energy at gym. She wasn’t a zombie at that second practice and just had more strength to give by the end. I’m so happy with this course.
The first month of doing your course I started noticing my daughter had more energy
// Mom, Level 6 Gymnast
The aspect of the program that I loved best is that it doesn’t teach you a specific menu or diet or schedule—it teaches you tools that you can use to tailor fueling for performance to your daughter, family, and lifestyle. It taught me about flexibility as much as it taught my daughter about the importance of fueling to prevent injury and perform well. We are excited to continue to see progress as we put more and more tools to use!
We are excited to continue to see progress as we put more and more tools to use!
// Mom, Level 8 Gymnast
My 10-year-old daughter feels more confident in choosing her pre-workout snacks, is more diligent about eating a carb snack during longer training periods and is faithful with eating a recovery meal after training. Knowing that she is providing the fuel she needs to sustain her energy throughout the workout gives me peace of mind that she is taking care of her body now and setting the stage for a strong future.
I appreciate how Christina empowered my daughter to take control of her nutrition.
// Mom, Level 8 Gymnast
I am so impressed with this program!!! Seeing my daughter feel better is 100% worth it!!! She felt hopeless before we started. She was always having what we now know are repercussions of being under fueled! Her tendonitis is no longer bothering her, she has more energy than I have ever seen her have, and feels great before, during, and after practice! She is no longer cranky and tired all the time! Her attitude has changed remarkably!! She is still a teenager at times, but this is manageable!! Her grades have improved, too!!
My daughter tells everyone how much better she feels. I can’t say thank you enough!
// Mom, Level 8 Gymnast
We joined the VIP program to help make sure my daughters are getting the necessary nutrition and to help address nagging injuries. It’s been very helpful in not only learning fueling strategies but more importantly addressing underlying issues not only impacting gymnastics but also overall health. We now have more of a plan and tools and can definitely say I am 100% on board with the importance of labs!
Christina does a great job of explaining the science behind the why and how that ties into the way they feel.
The Balanced Gymnast Method Course
How to help your gymnast:
- Learn to eat in a way that supports optimal health, growth, and development
- Implement fueling strategies on her own that level up performance in the gym
- Develop a healthy relationship with food & body that lasts years beyond her time in the sport
The complete online nutrition training program for gymnasts, parents, and coaches
®
Get $2797 of Powerful Tools & Trainings to Skyrocket Your Results with The Program
($500 value)
Lifetime access to all program workbooks, guides, and tools
6 core modules with video trainings, handouts, and recipes
What You’ll Get With This Program:
- Make easy, on-the-go breakfasts that fuel your gymnast
- Navigate the "what's for lunch" without the stress or fuss
- Learn to build balanced snacks that energize your gymnast
- Explore TONS of new easy, delicious gymnast-inspired recipes
Gymnast-Approved Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack Guides!
Use this loaded PDF guide to help plan your Performance Nutrition Strategy!
Performance Nutrition Tool
Do you worry whether or not your gymnast is getting enough nutrition? This quick 20 minute video training and quiz will help you learn to read growth charts, know when growth is “off course”, and what to do about it. Such a relief!
Growth Assessment Training & Tool
Does your gymnast constantly feel sore from workouts or have little nagging injuries (or bigger injuries that require surgery or extensive time off)? This guide highlights the most current, legit supplements and strategies for the gymnast.
Muscle Soreness & Inflammation Guide
Do you worry about how much sugar your gymnast eats? Does she seem “obsessed”? Get deep insight into why we struggle with sugar, if it’s harmful for the gymnast, and how to handle this sweet substance that is EVERYWHERE.
SUGAR - How to Stop the Obsession (and worry)
Is your gymnast a “picky eater” (or some of your other family members)? Do you worry about whether or not they’re meeting their nutrition needs or feel frustrated with food refusal? If so, this bonus is for you!
How to Help the Picky Eater Gymnast
This guide will show you how to talk to your gymnast (including example phrases!) about nutrition without causing a fight or getting the eye roll. You’ll learn how to talk about food and body without causing issues, yet still supportive of your gymnast.
How to Talk About Nutrition with Your Gymnast
// Mom, Level 9 Gymnast
"My daughter feels safe and connected, not afraid to speak to Christina about her food and body image struggles as a high level gymnast. We love Christina as her nutrition advice is realistic and backed up by science."
// Mom, Level 5 Gymnast
"I love Christina’s approach to nutrition for the gymnast and not focusing on ‘bad’ foods. To be able to adjust to my own gymnast and understand more about fueling for performance. I am excited to build a healthy relationship with food for her.”
// Mom, Level 10 Gymnast
“Christina does a great job of explaining WHY it’s so important to be properly fueling gymnasts at this level and what that looks like. She helped me see the gaps we needed to fill and I loved the one-on-ones and the push to get blood work done. Highly recommend.”
// Mom, Level 9 Gymnast
“Nutrition is such a game changer. When everyone is doing the same hours and same skills, the adequately fueled athlete is ahead of the rest. Christina is a true expert and she wants to see your athlete succeed."
// Mom, Level 8 Gymnast
“The VIP program has been a game changer for my gymnast! It seems like common sense now, but I had no idea just how much of a role nutrition plays in injuries and her overall health in this sport. We've both learned so much and my gymnast has noticed a big difference in her energy levels and ability to focus both at gym and with school!”
6 course modules with video trainings, handouts, and recipes
Lifetime access to all program workbooks, guides, and tools
Exclusive upgrade opportunity into The Balanced Gymnast® LIVE Program + 1:1 coaching for more guidance and support
get access to:
Payment Plan
6 course modules with video trainings, handouts, and recipes
Lifetime access to all program workbooks, guides, and tools
Exclusive upgrade opportunity into The Balanced Gymnast® LIVE Program + 1:1 coaching for more guidance and support
get access to:
Pay in Full
When you join today, you’re going to get lifetime access to the course for only $549
This program is DIY with so many resources and 4 fabulous bonus trainings to support you. If your gymnast is actively struggling with a medical condition, eating disorder, etc then 1:1 coaching through The Balanced Gymnast® Program would be a better fit. Please contact for more info.
What if I have questions or need more help?
This course is also a great way for coaches to get valuable nutrition education.
Is this only for gymnasts and parents, or for coaches too?
This course is aimed competitive gymnasts levels 3-10/elite/NCAA and their parents. It is recommended, though not required, that students between the ages of 12 and 17 complete the course with a parent or legal guardian.
What age is this course designed for?
Enrolling today gives you lifetime access to the course and all materials.
How long do I have to complete the course?
YES! Because the course does not provide individualized 1:1 support (medical nutrition therapy), anyone can take the course since it provides nutrition education.
We live in Australia/UK/Europe, etc? Can we still take the course?
No! Even though we LOVE pink, this course is also appropriate for male gymnasts.
Is this only for female gymnasts?
Got questions? I've got answers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Results don’t happen overnight, but each week’s training should take you less than an hour. Most take 4-5 weeks to go through the course, but you can go as quickly or slowly as you please.
How much time will it take to complete the course?
Nutrition is the foundation to EVERYTHING your gymnast does. All the money in the world won’t make up for lack of nutrition or improper nutrition that jeopardizes training and recovery. You spend way too much money on your gymnast’s career to not have nutrition dialed in.
We're already paying so much for tuition, privates, therapies, and college recruiting-do we really need this?
YES! Often gymnasts (especially teens) may not want to talk about nutrition because it’s deeply personal and they don’t want to feel judged. Often comments about food/bodies have already been made and the course is a safe way to introduce new, healthy nutrition concepts without pressure. A parent taking the course can get tons of skills and knowledge to help their gymnast.
What if my gymnast refuses to talk with me about nutrition, will this help?
I’ve spent 10 years my life and THOUSANDS of dollars trying to improve my relationship with food and my body. Throughout these 10 years, and combined with my Registered Dietitian background, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. This course will help you achieve food freedom and elite performance for a fraction of the cost.
Do you offer refunds?
6 course modules with video trainings, handouts, and recipes
Lifetime access to all program workbooks, guides, and tools
Exclusive upgrade opportunity into The Balanced Gymnast® LIVE Program + 1:1 coaching for more guidance and support
get access to:
Payment Plan
6 course modules with video trainings, handouts, and recipes
Lifetime access to all program workbooks, guides, and tools
Exclusive upgrade opportunity into The Balanced Gymnast® LIVE Program + 1:1 coaching for more guidance and support
get access to: