#12: Intersection of Nutrition + Mental Health for Athletes with Therapist Cindi Miller

In this episode of the Endurance Eats podcast, host and registered dietitian, Alex Larson, and therapist, Cindi Miller, discuss the intricate relationship between mental health, nutrition, and athletic performance. They explore the impact of social media on self-perception, the importance of work ethic balanced with self-compassion, and the challenges athletes face regarding body image and disordered eating. Cindi emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to nutrition and mental health, the role of therapy, and the significance of understanding one's relationship with food. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility in dietary habits and the necessity of finding the right support system for mental well-being. In today’s episode, we’re diving into: 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Success 02:52 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception 05:57 Navigating Setbacks and Shame in Nutrition 09:01 The Balance of Work Ethic and Obsession 11:56 Body Image and Mental Well-Being in Athletes 14:55 Understanding Body Composition Goals 18:00 Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders 20:58 The Role of Therapy in Mental Health 23:50 Finding the Right Therapist 26:59 The Importance of Individuality in Nutrition 30:10 The Relationship Between Food and Mental Health 33:00 Changing the Narrative Around Sugar 36:04 The Role of Coaches in Athlete Mental Health 39:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Therapy 41:56 Conclusion and Future Insights Guest Cindi Miller Bio: Cindi is a mental health counselor licensed in North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio. She is a coach at heart and was a collegiate volleyball coach for 7 years, and coached club volleyball for 11 years prior to becoming a therapist. This is where Cindi’s passion for mental health and exploring the roots of perfectionism began. She saw countless athletes struggling with body image, poor relationships to food and exercise, and full blown eating disorders. Cindi then began working in a residential and PHP treatment center to further her education around eating disorders and is a loud and persistent advocate for body acceptance, reducing shame and stigma around body size, and educating on the dangers of eating disorders and their parallels to “being healthy” and diet culture. Cindi also provides basic psychoeducation and coaching around anxiety, depression, burnout, boundaries, and perfectionism to athletic departments, teams, corporations, and individuals. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian Affirmations for Athletes: Mindful eating and Body Positivity Connect with Me: Instagram: @alexlarsonnutrition Website: alexlarsonnutrition.com Don’t Forget to Subscribe! Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes. Have Questions or Suggestions? Send me a message , and I might cover it in a future episode!