241: Test, Don't Guess: From Boxing to Genomics and Microbiome with Nick Padula

In this episode, host Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, a sports dietitian and entrepreneur, delves into the world of female athlete nutrition with guest Nick Padula, a private practice sports dietitian and professor at the University of Southern California. They discuss the importance of personalized nutrition, the impact of dietary choices on performance, and the power of comprehensive testing, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), genomics, and microbiome analysis.

 

Nick shares his experiences working with various athletes, from boxers to endurance runners, and underscores how detailed nutrition data can significantly enhance training and recovery. Lindsey and Nick also explore practical approaches to fueling for both everyday athletes and elite sports performers, emphasizing the difference between generalized guidelines and individualized nutritional insights.

 

Episode Highlights:

• 01:24 Meet Nick Padula: Sports Dietician Extraordinaire
• 02:50 The Intersection of Clinical and Sports Nutrition
• 04:14 The Science and Ethics of Weight Cutting
• 09:52 Customizing Nutrition Through Testing
• 17:06 Understanding Genomic and Microbiome Testing
• 26:26 Addressing RED-S and Support Options
• 29:13 Understanding Gluten Intolerance
• 32:28 The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
• 35:37 Practical Applications of CGMs
• 42:05 The Importance of Recovery Nutrition
• 45:30 Exploring Nutrition Packages and Testing
• 47:07 The Impact of Environmental Toxins
• 53:31 Fun Questions and Final Thoughts

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