In a recent conversation on Eat for Endurance: Nutrition Strategies for Health and Performance podcast with Board-Certified Sports Dietitian Claire Shorenstein MS, RD, CSSD, Dr. Riley Nickols explores the relationship between mental health, nutrition, and performance in athletes.
You can listen to the full episode here:
👉 Listen to the Podcast Episode
Dr. Nickols highlights that athletes frequently experience:
- performance anxiety that goes beyond normal nerves
- fear and stress that impact fueling and recovery
- perfectionism that increases pressure and self-criticism
- disordered eating or underfueling
- difficulty managing life stress alongside sport
Research and clinical observations show that athletes often face significant mental health pressures, including anxiety, depression, and disordered eating behaviors, sometimes at rates higher than non-athletes.Â
How Fear, Anxiety, and Stress Impact Nutrition and Performance
Mental health and nutrition are deeply connected.
Dr. Nickols explains that fear and anxiety can directly influence an athlete’s relationship with food, their body, and their training:
For example, life stress or emotional discomfort can contribute to:
- underfueling
- overtraining
- development of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
When athletes are not sufficiently fueling their bodies, performance, recovery, and overall health can suffer.
Learning how to recognize and respond to these patterns is critical.
Navigating Body Image and Performance Pressure
Body image concerns are common in sport, especially in environments that emphasize weight or appearance.
Athletes may experience:
- fixation on body weight or composition
- negative thoughts about their body
- pressure to look a certain way to perform
Dr. Nickols emphasizes the importance of helping athletes navigate these moments with greater curiosity, non-judgment, awareness, and flexibility.
Building Mental Resilience in Sport and Life
Mental resilience is not just about “pushing through.”
Instead, it involves learning how to:
- tolerate uncomfortable emotions
- respond effectively to stress
- stay grounded and process-focused during competition
- consistently prioritize self-care
Dr. Nickols highlights that resilience can be developed in everyday life and within athletic performance environments.
This includes recognizing and addressing behavioral and internal barriers to adequate nutrition, rest, and recovery.
Why Athlete-Specific Support Matters
Athletes face unique challenges that require specialized care.
Dr. Nickols emphasizes that working with professionals who understand:
- sport culture
- performance demands
- eating disorders in athletes
- mental health in sport
can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
This approach helps athletes address both sport performance goals and overall well-being.
Supporting Athletes Starts With Awareness
Mental health, nutrition, and performance are closely connected—and cannot be treated in isolation.
Recognizing early signs of:
- performance anxiety
- perfectionism
- disordered eating
- unbalanced training
- REDs and underfueling
can help athletes receive the support they need.
For those seeking guidance, Dr. Nickols provides support for athletes navigating sport, mental health, and/or eating concerns. Individuals can reach out to schedule a consultation to better understand what support is available to address challenges specific to sport performance and mental health.