The Sports Nutrition Playbook

In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook Podcast , we dive into the heated debate around sports drinks and clear up the controversy once and for all. While they often get labeled as “sugar water,” sports drinks serve a powerful purpose—when used strategically by athletes. You’ll learn why hydration needs spike in the summer heat, how sweat losses impact performance, and what key ingredient...

In this episode, Dr. Rachele Pojednic breaks down what female athletes really need to know about supplements and performance. From navigating common nutrient gaps and hormonal shifts to understanding the difference between trendy products and science-backed essentials, she offers practical, research-driven insights. You'll learn when supplements make sense, how to choose safe options, and why...

Summer break might be a time for athletes to train, travel, and reset—but it’s also prime time for fueling mistakes. In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook , Amy Goodson breaks down the top five nutrition slip-ups athletes commonly make during the summer months—and more importantly, how to fix them. If you're an athlete, coach, or parent looking to help athletes thrive this summer,...

In this episode, Amy is joined by Megan Reamer, founder of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips, to explore how one family's mission to support their son's health evolved into a brand athletes and parents alike can trust. From their Shark Tank experience to redefining what “smart summer snacking” looks like, Megan opens up about the role of intentional ingredients, performance-driven nutrition,...

Summer training demands more from your body—and your fueling strategy. In this episode, we’re breaking down five essential tips to help athletes tackle early workouts, rising temps, and long training days with energy and confidence. From nighttime nutrition to morning hydration and smart snack choices, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for strong performances and speedy recoveries. Whether you’r...

In this empowering episode, author and wellness expert Robyn Engelson joins us to share insights from her book Exhausted to Energized – 90 Days to Your Best Self . Designed specifically for parents, coaches, and athletic trainers who constantly pour into others, Robyn breaks down why self-care often feels out of reach—and how to reclaim it without guilt. Listeners will learn how to avoid common bu...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and as athletes, we talk a lot about fueling for performance. But what about fueling your brain?  In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook , we’re breaking down the science of how the food you eat every day plays a direct role in your mental well-being. Whether you’re prepping for a big game, managing school stress, or just trying to feel your best —...

In this episode, I am joined by Mark Faulkner, Founder of CON-CRET. We’re diving into the world of creatine HCl—what it is, how it stacks up against creatine monohydrate, and why it’s gaining popularity among athletes, gym-goers, and even everyday individuals looking to enhance performance, recovery, and overall health. We cover the science behind its absorption and bioavailability, explore its be...

In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook podcast, we're diving into the fundamentals of smart muscle gain—without unnecessary fat accumulation. Learn how to gradually increase calories for lean mass, prioritize whole foods over empty calories, and time your macros for optimal performance. We’ll also cover strategic supplementation to enhance strength and recovery, plus the importance...

In this episode, we dive into the unique skincare challenges faced by female athletes with Ann Ragan Kearns, former Penn State swimmer and founder of Medalist Skin. Ann shares how her experiences in the pool led her to develop a skincare line tailored to active women. We discuss the impact of sweat, sun, and environmental exposure on the skin, common mistakes athletes make, and the importance of b...

In this episode, host and sports dietitian Amy Goodson breaks down how to shape an athlete’s plate for peak performance. From balancing macronutrients to timing meals around training, Amy shares practical strategies to fuel athletes for energy, endurance, and recovery. Whether you're a competitive athlete, coach, or dietitian, this episode will give you actionable tips to optimize nutrition a...

In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook , host Amy Goodson sits down with sports dietitian Briana Butler to explore the vital role of cultural competence in fueling athletes for peak performance. They discuss the gaps in traditional sports nutrition. Briana shares practical strategies for initiating respectful conversations, integrating unfamiliar foods into science-based recommendations,...

In this episode, host Amy Goodson joins us to break down three trending nutrition topics for 2025: raw milk, seed oils, and red dye. She gets real about whether these buzzy food concerns are worth stressing over or just hype. From the safety risks of raw milk to balancing omega fats with smarter oil choices, and even spotting natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes, Amy shares practical advice...

In Episode 46, host Amy is joined by strength coach Shelby Reichle to explore the vital role communication plays in fostering successful athletic programs. Shelby shares insights on overcoming common communication challenges, offering strategies for athletes and parents to effectively connect with coaches while avoiding common pitfalls. The episode dives into how team coaches can navigate tough co...

In this episode, Amy explores the natural changes in body composition that youth and teen athletes experience during growth and development, often influenced by puberty, dietary habits, and lifestyle. She addresses common concerns from parents and coaches, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive, performance-focused mindset over restrictive diets or body shaming. Listeners will learn fi...

Host and sports dietitian Amy Goodson is joined by Zoë Rom and Kylee Van Horn of Your Diet Sucks as they explore the allure and dangers of trendy diets for youth and teen athletes. From the influence of social media to the psychological factors driving restrictive eating, this episode uncovers how these diets can sabotage energy, hydration, and recovery—leading to injuries and long-term health ris...

The holidays are a time for celebration but can disrupt athletic routines. These five simple hacks from host and sports dietitian Amy Goodson help youth, teen, and college athletes stay fueled and focused: maintain a consistent eating schedule, prioritize protein, enjoy treats mindfully, stay hydrated even in the cold, and use the holiday break to rest and recover. By balancing festive fun with pe...

In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, host Amy Goodson sits down with Michael Willett of WalkOn Nation to discuss the complexities of athletic identity and its impact on teen athletes. They explore what it means for an athlete to have a strong ‘athletic identity’ and how it can shape their sense of self both positively and negatively. Michael shares insights on recognizing when athlete...

In this episode of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, sports dietitian Amy Goodson breaks down the transformative benefits of personalized nutrition counseling for teen athletes. Amy explains how this tailored approach, designed around an athlete’s age, body composition, sport, goals, and training demands, can optimize performance, support lean muscle development, enhance recovery, and reduce injury r...

In this episode, sports dietitian Amy Goodson and Dr. Jason Mogonye discuss how puberty affects athletic performance in male teen athletes. They explore key growth milestones, the role of testosterone in muscle development, and the age at which boys can expect significant muscle growth. The episode covers appropriate strength training for this stage, how to prevent injuries during growth spurts, a...

In this episode, Amy dives into the critical role nutrition plays during puberty for teen male athletes, a time marked by rapid physical and mental changes. She highlights five key nutrients—protein, calcium, iron, carbohydrates, and healthy fats—that are essential for supporting muscle growth, bone development, energy needs, and overall performance. With increased demands from both growth and int...

In Episode 38 of The Sports Nutrition Playbook podcast, host Amy sits down with Dr. Jane Chung to explore the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and its impact on female athletes. They dive into the key differences between RED-S and the Female Athlete Triad, explaining how each condition uniquely affects young female athletes. Dr. Chung shares insights from her practice on...

In episode 37 of The Sports Nutrition Playbook podcast, Amy dives into how puberty uniquely impacts young female athletes. She explores the typical age range for puberty onset, highlighting the physical and hormonal changes, including increased body fat and growth spurts. These transformations can affect both athletic performance and body image, so it's important for parents, coaches, and ath...

In this episode, Amy is joined by Clint Wattenberg to explore successful weight-cutting strategies for wrestlers, focusing on the critical role of nutrition throughout the wrestling season. Clint shares his extensive experience working with wrestlers, the UFC, and other weight-class athletes, shedding light on common nutritional mistakes and offering actionable strategies to optimize performance a...

In this episode, Amy dives into the critical importance of proper nutrition for young athletes, emphasizing why under-fueling can be a major roadblock to peak performance. Amy explores the detrimental effects of inadequate fueling, from diminished energy and slower recovery to increased injury risk and cognitive decline. With under-fueling being a common issue, she identifies five key areas where...