Episode 68 – Emily Meehan

Navigating Sports Nutrition: Insights from Collingwood FC’s Senior Dietitian

In the competitive world of sports, nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing performance and achieving peak physical condition. Collingwood FC’s Senior Sports Dietitian, Emily Meehan, shares invaluable insights into the world of sports nutrition, offering guidance for aspiring dietitians and athletes alike. Sports Nutrition Collingwood FC Emily Meehan is the Senior Sports Dietitian of Collingwood FC. She is also Collingwood AFLW and Magpies netball and consults for the Malaysian Track cycling team (currently in Tokyo).

Prior to the Pies, Emily worked with the Western Bulldogs FC and Melbourne Victory and completed her Ph.D. in nutrition and high-performance sport. Emily is also the vice-chair of the AFL Sports Dietitians Australia group. Sports Nutrition Collingwood FC

Highlights from the episode:

• Emily’s advice to her past self when she was starting as a dietician
• Her advice to newly hired dieticians on how to educate a club or team
• Her strategies when working with elite athletes 
• Emily’s approach to developing athletes who want to bulk up
• Ideal snacks for athletes who are on the go
• How she helps in improving an athlete’s nutrition

Resilience as a Foundation

Reflecting on her journey, Emily emphasizes the importance of resilience for developing dietitians. She believes that every experience, whether challenging or rewarding, contributes to professional growth. This resilience, she asserts, is the bedrock of a successful career in sports nutrition.

Volunteering: A Path to Success

For aspiring dietitians seeking a foothold in the sports nutrition arena, Emily advocates for volunteering and networking. By actively engaging with VFL clubs and similar sports environments, budding dietitians can gain invaluable hands-on experience and open doors to exciting opportunities.

Tailored Nutrition: A Game Changer

Drawing from her experience at Collingwood FC, Emily stresses the significance of personalized nutrition plans. She emphasizes the need to move beyond generic approaches and instead focus on tailoring diets to individual athletes, optimizing their performance and recovery.

Navigating Time Constraints

In the fast-paced world of professional sports, time is a precious commodity. Emily highlights the challenge of securing dedicated time with athletes amidst their rigorous schedules. She advises prioritizing interactions with younger players, ensuring they receive the essential nutritional guidance right from the start.

Muscle Gain Strategies Unveiled

Addressing the specific needs of athletes looking to gain muscle, Emily provides a strategic approach. She underscores the importance of understanding current dietary habits and training routines. Balancing calorie intake, protein distribution, and healthy fats, Emily reveals the keys to achieving optimal muscle growth.

Smart Snacking for Athletes on the Go

With athletes constantly on the move, selecting the right snacks is crucial. Emily recommends convenient options like muesli bars, protein bars, and nut packs, ensuring athletes have quick and nutritious fuel readily available. She emphasizes the importance of choosing quality products for sustained energy and performance.

Incremental Changes for Lasting Impact

Changing established habits can be a challenge, especially for young athletes. Emily advises starting with small, realistic goals that are tailored to the individual. Whether it’s portion control or learning basic cooking skills, making achievable changes sets the stage for long-term success.

Empowering Athletes Through Goal Setting

To ensure lasting results, Emily encourages athletes to take an active role in setting their nutritional goals. By involving them in the process, athletes feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to commit to positive changes. This collaborative approach fosters a healthier, more sustainable relationship with nutrition.

Conclusion: Fueling Success in Sports Nutrition

Aspiring dietitians and athletes can glean invaluable insights from Emily Meehan’s wealth of experience at Collingwood FC. By prioritizing resilience, tailoring nutrition plans, and adopting a collaborative approach, success in sports nutrition becomes an attainable goal. With Emily’s guidance, the path to peak performance is well within reach.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨

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