Feisty Women's Performance

Dr. Emily Kraus, sports medicine physician and director of Stanford's FASTR female athlete research program, addresses the critical gap in sports science that continues to affects all female athletes: from Olympians to college students to everyday women who just want to do their best.She discusses the physiological differences that lead to unique health challenges and emphasizes the urgent need for tailored research on women.Learn how to recognize the signs of low energy availability and why understanding women's physiology is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.Key Takeaways:Female athletes often experience more severe bone stress injuries due to hormonal sensitivities and under-fueling.Menstrual irregularities, fatigue, and mood changes are critical warning signs of underlying issues like RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).Standard lab values may not be suitable for female athletes; seek comprehensive tests for iron, thyroid, and vitamin D levels — and what numbers you should be looking for.Why building a supportive culture is essential for injury prevention.How to engage in open dialogues about physiological differences to foster a more inclusive athletic environment.If you found this debut episode of the new Feisty Women's Performance podcast valuable, please leave us a review and share with a woman who needs this information!Dr. Emily Kraus is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As the director of the Female Athlete Science and Translational Research (FASTR) program, she focuses on closing the gender gap in sports science research, and emphasizing early identification and intervention for female athletes.Links and Resources:• Dr. Emily Kraus Profile• FASTR Program• FASTR InstagramSign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performanceSupport our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

The Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast is back—bigger, bolder, and built for active women who want real answers, not recycled hype. We're handing the mic off to our new host: Dr. Erin Ayala, a Sport Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, who works almost exclusively with female athletes across the lifespan.From protein needs and sleep disruptions to saddle sores, strength training for women, and yes, what’s going on with weighted vests—this is the show where we tackle the questions no one else is asking (or answering). Expect expert guests, honest conversations, and episodes that address the real gender gaps in sports, health, and performance.If you’re done with fads, quick fixes, and advice that wasn’t designed for women, this is your place. Science over hype. Women first.First episode launches next week, Jan. 12, right here on this feed. Share, follow, listen, and tell a friend who is also looking for female-first health and performance information.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

We're sharing this episode of Feisty's weekly women's sports show, called The Feist, because we thought you’d enjoy this preview of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Even if you already know everything about cycling, we're sure you’ll find something you don’t know in today’s episode.And be sure to subscribe and follow The Feist wherever you listen, so you don't miss any future episodes of the only showing covering *ALL* women's sports:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-feist/id1821308242Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qnvTIJ24cKFWW3JpiIOLRYoutube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuvyuG9qLFgy5LXKyIs4sZi18aetQE8gm--This week on the Feist, it's all about previewing the biggest women's race of the year: The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Kate Veronneau, director of women's strategy at Zwift, joins us to give a peak behind the curtain into what goes into the massive event, the kind of growth they've seen at TDFF, and who she thinks could win.But first, it's our women's sports highlights from the week, including drama from the Euros soccer championship, gossip from the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and a deep dive into the doping sanction that was handed out to the marathon world record holder (and why it hurts more than just a couple of athletes).From what women's sports we watched to what we want to watch, it's just another week of your favorite sports with your Feistiest friends!Highlights:0:00 - Welcome and What We Watched13:00 - "Pay Us What You Owe Us"21:57 - WNBA Insights and Gossip25:02 - The Doping Downfall of Marathon World Record Holder, Ruth Chepngetich34:43 - The Impact of Doping on Athletic Careers43:20 - Kate Veronneau previews the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift01:11:10 - Our Feisty Picks of the Week, including American Ninja WarriorSign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Welcome to The Feist — your favorite sports, with your feistiest friends. Hosted by Sara Gross and Kelly O’Mara, Feisty's newest podcast is here to celebrate the unstoppable rise of women’s sports. Every week they'll cover what you need to know in women's sports: from running to basketball to everything in between. The Feist will bring you the untold stories of female athletes, interviews with those athletes and behind-the-scenes experts, and the feisty analysis you need to be a fan. This is the women's sports podcast that covers the sports that don't always get covered from voices that don't always get heard.In a special live launch episode, they kick off with a panel on what's next and where women's sports go from here. Joining us for the live event are:Scott Lake – Newly minted co-owner of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team, co-founder of Shopify, and an investor in girls' and women's sports.Hilary Stellingwerff – Two-time Canadian Olympian, multi-time national champion in the 1500m, and now head track & cross-country coach at the University of Victoria.Krista Thompson – Former national team field hockey player and award-winning coach with 20+ years of experience at the provincial, regional, national and international level.Together, they dive into:The massive economic upside of investing in women’s sportsWhy female role models and maternity support matter more than everThe coaching and performance knowledge gaps rooted in outdated researchThe lessons they wish they’d known earlierAnd what’s exciting them most about the futureWhether you're a seasoned fan or want to learn more, The Feist is your front-row seat to this women's sports revolution. Because women’s sports aren’t just having a moment—they’re building a movement. And they need fans like you.Follow The Feist Subscribe to weekly Feist newsletter

Episode 3: The Fertility Journey as a Professional AthleteIn this final episode of our series on IVF, guest host Jill Van Gyn sits down with six-time world champion mountain biker Annika Langvad to explore the unexpected intersection of pro racing and the IVF process.Her vulnerability offers insight into the quiet battles many athletes face behind the scenes.She discusses:The unique challenges female athletes face around fertility and family planningSocietal pressures, career timing, and the stigma surrounding fertility struggles in sportHer personal IVF experience—including the "loss of control" in the processLearning to separate hope from expectationTo train or not to train during IVF—and why she ultimately chose to workout for her mental healthThe importance of support, community, and continued educationHer advice for others seeking IVF This is an inspiring and eye-opening conversation about navigating ambition and humanity—both on and off the bike.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Episode 2 - The Emotional Highs & Lows of IVFIn this second episode of our series on IVF, co-host Jill Van Gyn explores the emotional complexities of fertility treatments, with a special focus on IVF and pregnancy loss. Joining her is Alexandra Stewart M.A., RCC, PMH-C, a seasoned fertility therapist with personal and deep expertise in reproductive mental health.They unpack the often unspoken psychological toll of infertility, highlighting:the emotional resilience required to endure repeated treatmentsthe grief of pregnancy lossthe impact of societal and self-imposed expectations on the journey to parenthoodthe unexpected toll it can take on relationships and partnershipsAlexandra shares invaluable insights on the importance of therapy as both a coping mechanism and a community-building tool. She also offers guidance on how to support oneself or a loved one through the profound ups and downs of reproductive challenges.Whether you're facing fertility challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers empathy, understanding, and hope.Trigger Warning: This episode includes sensitive discussions about pregnancy loss.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Over the past eight years, Feisty Media has grown into a go-to resource for women’s health and performance education.In this special episode, Feisty CEO Sara Gross and Hit Play Not Pause host Selene Yeager reflect on how Feisty’s content has evolved to meet the real-life needs of active women. From menopause and nutrition to strength training and brain health, Feisty is offering more than ever—including a new suite of comprehensive, on-demand courses.In a world overflowing with wellness advice, Feisty stays grounded in science. With trusted experts and evidence-based content, their goal is to give women clear, practical guidance for every stage of their health journey.Now, for the first time, all Feisty courses are available on-demand—including our three brand-new offerings:A Perimenopause Starter Pack (All New!)Your Quick-Start Guide to Hormone Therapy (All New!)Brain Power: Understand, Protect, and Optimize Your Brain Health (All New!)Fueled: The Science, Psychology, and Strategy of Nutrition for Active WomenStrong: The Complete Strength Training Course for WomenNavigate Menopause: A Menopause Guide Built for Active WomenWhether you’re training, transitioning through menopause, or simply looking to take charge of your well-being, these courses deliver the knowledge and support you need—when and where you need it.Get 25% off all courses through the end of June 2025! Purchase a Feisty On-Demand Course: learning.feisty.co

Episode 1: In Vitro Fertilization 101In the first episode of this informative and deeply personal limited podcast series, guest host Jill Van Gyn is joined by Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, for an open and honest conversation about the physical, emotional, and medical complexities of in vitro fertilization (IVF).Drawing from Jill’s personal experience and Carla’s 18+ years of medical expertise, they break down the IVF process—from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer—while shedding light on the psychological toll it can take. Together, they unpack why individualized care and realistic expectations are essential for those undergoing fertility treatment.You'll learn:Why someone might pursue IVFDetails of the IVF process and what can candidates expectThe emotional and physical impact of IVFSuccess rates of IVF and limitations as we ageAdditional factors that contribute to IVF success ratesWhy the right fertility clinic and care plan matterHow to set realistic expectations for treatment outcomesWays to support someone experiencing infertilityWhether you're navigating IVF yourself or want to better understand what a loved one may be going through, start with this episode.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Cognitive challenges can begin as early as your 20s. Yes, it’s a little-known fact.While we’re often told how to protect our skin, bones, and muscles as we age, brain health is rarely part of the conversation. So—what’s the best regime to support our aging minds?In the final episode of our Brain Health for Women series, Dr. Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala sit down with Dr. Laura Best to explore just that.A medical student at UBC with a PhD in Medical Science and post-doctoral work at CAMH, Dr. Best brings research-backed insight to the often-overlooked cognitive health needs of women. She also works with the Women’s Brain Health Initiative to promote the six pillars of brain health: exercise, nutrition, stress management, social connection, mental stimulation, and sleep.She covers:Why brain health matters as early as your 20sHow stress, nutrition, and hormones impact cognitionSimple lifestyle changes to support mental clarity long-termWhether you're navigating brain fog, curious about neuroprotection, or simply want to feel your best mentally, this episode offers practical strategies to help you take charge of your cognitive well-being starting now.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

If you’ve ever felt mentally foggy or struggled with decision-making during or after a long training session, this episode is for you.Dr. Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala sit down with Katherine Boere, a Ph.D. candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Victoria, whose research explores how the brain recovers from cognitive depletion—especially under the demands of endurance sports.With a background in biomedical engineering and personal experience recovering from brain injury, Katherine brings a unique lens to how physical exertion impacts cognitive resilience, decision-making, and mental recovery.Her research shows:The real cognitive toll of fatigue—particularly in high-performance environments How low energy availability affects brain function, especially in female endurance athletes Why fueling and hydration are essential for mental performance, not just physical outputThe cognitive benefits of outdoor exercise over indoor settingsHow mindfulness and decision delegation can reduce mental strain during training and racingSimple, everyday strategies to support brain health and cognitive recoveryWhether you're an athlete, coach, or someone curious about boosting brain performance, this conversation offers research-backed strategies you can use right away.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

We hear it all the time—stay strong, keep your bones healthy, hit the weights. But what about your brain? For midlife women, keeping your mind sharp is just as important as keeping your body strong.In part two of this series on brain health co-hosted by Dr. Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala, they are joined by Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.Hormonal shifts in midlife can impact cognitive function and it’s worth paying attention to. As both a doctor and a recreational athlete, Dr. DiGirolamo brings a personal and professional perspective to the table as she discusses what really happens to our brains during hormonal changes, why it matters, and how to stay sharp through it all.She discusses:The latest (and muddy) research around menopausal hormone therapy and reduced dementia riskMyths and misconceptions around hormones and brain healthPowerful Tools and habits for protecting brain healthThe significant effects of nutrition and hydration on brain healthSelf-sabotaging behaviors that may impact our brain health as we ageHow to combat trendy topics and the impact of diet culture on women at this stage of lifeUnderstanding your own body is the key to making smart and confident decisions about your health and as Erin and Carla stress, being “empowered” doesn’t mean doing what everyone else is doing. It means paving your own way and making the decisions that are best for you. Your brain will thank you.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

We spend so much time focusing on nutrition, strength training, and bone health as we age—but what about our brain? How can we build mental resilience and protect our brain health starting now?In this new Feisty series, co-hosted by Sara Gross and Dr. Erin Ayala, we’re diving into the intersection of brain health, stress, and performance. In this first episode, Dr. Erin Ayala, a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, sits down with Jill Colangelo, a researcher at the University of Bern specializing in Sports Psychiatry. Jill works with athletes and teams on critical topics like endocrine health, hypothalamic amenorrhea, stress, overtraining syndrome, and athletic identity.Together, Erin and Jill explore the real impact of stress—both short-term and long-term—on the brain and body. While stress itself isn’t the enemy, chronic stress without proper recovery can lead to brain fog, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues.In this episode, they break down:Common stressors for women, including underfueling, toxic productivity, and the relentless push to do morePractical strategies for managing stress and setting boundaries for mental and physical well-beingWhy recovery should be a non-negotiable part of your training routineThe truth about cortisol—friend or foe?Which recovery trends (cold plunges, sauna, acupuncture) actually workAs active women, we often use movement as a way to relieve stress—but when does “more” become too much? This conversation is a call to action to reassess your relationship with stress, challenge the culture of overtraining, and develop a mindset that values mental resilience as much as physical strength.To learn more about the Brain Power Course click here! Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Recorded live at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, this special episode of The Think Tank from Essentially Esports dives into the booming growth of women’s sports. The Think Tank show is where industry leaders—CMOs, brand strategists, team executives, elite athletes, and coaches—break down the forces shaping the sports world.In this exclusive episode, Host Trey Holder teams up with co-host Angella Goran, a former Canadian National Team cyclist and entrepreneur, alongside Feisty Media CEO and two-time Ironman champion Sara Gross and Naomi Clarkson, Senior VP of Marketing at Momentous. Together, they explore how strategic marketing and media initiatives are not just increasing visibility but also driving real investment and long-term growth in women’s athletics.The panel dives into key factors fueling the rise, including:The power of authentic storytelling to elevate both athletes and brandsStrategic partnerships that create meaningful industry impactSmart resource allocation, backed by data proving the success of women’s sports initiativesCommunity-driven events like The Power Hour, designed to promote physical and mental wellnessContinued media coverage with new product launches, podcasts, and educational resourcesMore than just a conversation, this episode is a call to action, highlighting the need for collaboration, ongoing support, and a shared responsibility to champion inclusivity and equality in sports.Links to Brands:Brand Innovators Sports and EntertainmentThink Tank from Essentially SportsEssentially Sports on YouTubeTAPanGO TechnologiesFeisty MediaMomentousSupport our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/ Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance

In the final episode of our series on coaching young athletes, Sara Gross and co-host Jill Colangelo are joined by MD student, scientist, coach, and pro-runner Keely Henninger (@runwidkeel) to debunk myths about body weight, nutrition, and the often-overlooked role of mental health in sports—especially during the late-teen and early collegiate years.Through a true-or-false format, Jill and Keely tackle key questions:Does a lighter body weight lead to better performance?Is it okay to skip breakfast before a tough training session?Do I really need rest days?Is missing a period a badge of honor?Sara, Jill, and Keely also share personal experiences with underfueling, overtraining, and moments when they ignored their intuition—decisions they now look back on with regret.This conversation encourages young athletes to recognize warning signs, make informed choices, and build a healthy relationship with their sport—one that supports both performance and long-term well-being.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

In the second episode of our three-part series on coaching young athletes, Sara Gross and guest co-host Jill Colangelo turn the spotlight to the coaches who work with young female athletes through topics like body image, menstruation, and proper fueling. As awareness grows about the impact of body image on performance, coaches—both male and female coaches—must learn to navigate these conversations effectively.Guest Jason Russo, a veteran high school cross-country coach, shares his experience in fostering open communication, involving parents and experts to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment.Sara and Jill also share their own personal experiences and anecdotes surrounding the female aesthetic myth, particularly the harmful notion that being “skinny” equates to being a better athlete.This episode calls on coaches, parents, and athletes to prioritize health, well-being, and open dialogue as key pillars of athletic development.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Frequent mirror checks, comments from teammates and parents, and feeling the need to “earn” food—these are common red flags of disordered eating in youth sports.In the first of a three-part series, Sara Gross and guest co-host Jill Colangelo explore eating disorders among young female athletes, a growing concern for parents and coaches.Colangelo, a researcher in Forensic and Sports Psychiatry, speaks with Sarah Naticchia, a Harvard-trained athlete who shares her struggles with disordered eating in high school and college. Also joining the conversation is Stephanie Roth-Goldberg, LCSW, CEDS-C, a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and athletes.Together, they discuss the pressures young athletes face, the need for a cultural shift toward health over aesthetics, and how parents can support their children by focusing on well-being and performance rather than appearance.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

As more people seek to "clean up" their diets, we’re seeing how rigid rules and an obsession with food purity can disrupt lives. In this episode, Kylee and Zoë dive into the evolving conversation around Orthorexia—a term for the unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. We explore the impact of societal norms, social media, and misinformation on people's relationship with food, particularly athletes. And they unpack how Orthorexia isn't officially recognized in the DSM but still significantly impacts mental and physical health, drawing from professional insights and research. They also talk through how athletes and active folks can work towards a more balanced healthy approach to nutrition, and avoid the pitfalls of over-restriction. It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast to bring you a series of Your Diet Sucks episodes this January aimed at ditching diet culture and getting you ready to fuel your goals.Hosts Kylee Van Horn, RDN, (@flynutrition3) and Zoë Rom (@carrot_flowers_z) combine years of research, professional expertise (as well as unprofessional nutrition mishaps!), and athlete experience to deliver evidence-backed explorations of nutrition—no fluff, no fads, just science. Want more on how to "unf*ck your food"? Subscribe to the Your Diet Sucks podcast feed.And if you want to join the hundreds of women who have learned how to fuel their bodies with us, you can still sign up for Feisty’s Fueled course that starts at the end of the month.

So, are you in a diet cult??In this second episode teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast, Zoë and Kylee discuss the shocking parallels between diet fads and cult dynamics, emphasizing how these trends often create a false sense of community and manipulate individuals into restrictive eating patterns. How do you know if your diet is just a little bit cult-y? There are plenty of red flags, including: extreme language in the messaging (clean eating, detox, this is the best and healthiest diet)social isolation from other groups or ways of eatingmanipulation of your personal identitythe allure of belonging and identity (especially on social media) Instead of blindly following your favorite “influencer,” this episode encourages you to think critically about your choices and the motivations behind them. Recognize those cult-like patterns and consider healthier, more balanced approaches to nutrition and community.It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast to bring you a series of Your Diet Sucks episodes this January aimed at ditching diet culture and getting you ready to fuel your goals.Hosts Kylee Van Horn, RDN, (@flynutrition3) and Zoë Rom (@carrot_flowers_z) combine years of research, professional expertise (as well as unprofessional nutrition mishaps!), and athlete experience to deliver evidence-backed explorations of nutrition—no fluff, no fads, just science. Want more on how to "unf*ck your food"? Subscribe to the Your Diet Sucks podcast feed.And if you want to join the hundreds of women who have learned how to fuel their bodies with us, Feisty’s Fueled course goes on sale today.

New year, same diet BS. It’s that time of year when the world is drowning in bad diet advice and unsustainable fitness trends. That's why we're teaming up with the Your Diet Sucks podcast to bring you a series of Your Diet Sucks episodes this January aimed at ditching diet culture and getting you ready to fuel your goals,Hosts Kylee Van Horn, RDN, (@flynutrition3) and Zoë Rom (@carrot_flowers_z) combine years of research, professional expertise (as well as unprofessional nutrition mishaps!), and athlete experience to deliver evidence-backed explorations of nutrition—no fluff, no fads, just science. In this first episode of our Feisty Women's Performance x Your Diet Sucks collab, Zoe and Kylee discuss the history and trends around fasting, low-carb, and (can you even believe it?) NO-carb fueling for ultras. Sure, there is a rich history of fasting practices in most religions, but does that mean we need to become zealots when we’re talking about optimal performance?In addition to diving into the historical context of fasting, Kylee and Zoe also talk about:How social media trends influence athlete behavior (for the sake of 'likes' and 'shares')The performance benefits and risks of fasting and low-carb, high-fat dietsThe impact of extreme dietary practices on endurance athletesFinding a shift towards more balanced fueling practices in endurance sportsWhy are athletes drawn to a mentality of doing more with less fuel? Even if you could do it, does that make it the best way to train and race? Even if you think there are short-term benefits, study after study confirms the long-term costs.So, instead of being swept up in the latest social media trend, find the fueling plan that works for both Present You and Future You. Want more on how to "unf*ck your food"? Subscribe to the Your Diet Sucks podcast feed.And if you want to join the hundreds of women who have learned how to fuel their bodies with us, Feisty’s Fueled course will be on sale starting in mid-January. Get yourself on the waitlist now.Sign up to Receive The Feisty 40+ Newsletter: https://feisty.co/newsletters/feisty-40/Keep up to date on all women's sports:https://feisty.co/newsletters/the-feist/Follow us on Instagram:@feisty_womens_performance Support our Partners:Hettas: Use code STAYFEISTY for 20% off at https://hettas.com/

Here we go again with the bombardment of “New Year, New You” ads and messages to “eat this, not that,” or “do this specific workout for 30 days to get amazing abs.” You know the drill and they’re probably in your feed as we speak. In this first-of-its kind episode, Feisty Media podcast hosts Kathryn Taylor (Girls Gone Gravel), Sara Gross (Women’s Performance Podcast), Kelly O’Mara (If We Were Riding), and Selene Yeager (Hit Play Not Pause) unite for a candid conversation about these societal pressures of New Year's resolutions and the pitfalls of Fitness Challenges within women’s fitness culture.Building positive new habits isn’t a bad thing, but the problem is that most of the challenges, diets, and cleanses often lead to underfueling, which can sabotage your goals as an active woman.Sharing their own personal experiences with diet culture and disordered eating, Kathryn, Sara, Selene, and Kelly advocate for more self-acceptance and celebrating what the body can achieve, emphasizing overall health over aesthetics. Quite simply - they want you to be fueled for your 2025 goals. That’s why we’re launching the Feisty Fueled Challenge in January to foster healthier food and fitness dialogues. This FREE five day challenge will help you dive deeper into some of the internalized messages that we all struggle with, and feel empowered to make smart and mindful decisions about how to fuel in 2025. Starting January 6th, you’ll receive daily emails from leading fueling & mindset experts that will reframe your mindset around fueling and cover some practical ways to fuel your 2025 goals.With just 10 minutes each day, you’ll be ready to be your best feisty, fueled self in 2025 and redefine health and fitness on your own terms. To sign up for the FREE Feisty Fueled Challenge: https://www.womensperformance.com/fueled-challenge