Dear Runner Bod,

We are going to be talking about seed oils and dietary fat in your runner's body in general. We are really going to dive into food science today. I am not going to tell you that certain foods are good or bad. We cannot have black and white thinking when it comes to foods. I also talk about how mental health is directly linked to our physical health. This episode originally aired August 28, 2023. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Why do you feel so dissatisfied with your body? I am talking about when I went into a gym for a free personal trainer assessments. These assessments can be the root of the reason for why women have issues with their body. I share all the juicy details of the assessment and what I told the personal trainer. This is a repeat episode from March 4, 2024.   If you have questions about this episode DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian.   Want to try Lagoon Pillows? Take their sleep quiz here. Use code serenamarierd to get 15% off your pillow!

Between the travel, sugar cookies, and social chaos, it’s easy to feel off-kilter this time of year. In this episode, I’m sharing four science-backed ways to feel grounded, energized, and confident in your body through the holidays—without restricting or obsessing. You’ll learn how to: Set boundaries and protect your energy (yes, it’s okay to say no!) Commit to some kind of movement—because consistency beats perfection Build blood-sugar-friendly, anti-inflammatory meals that balance out the festive treats Stay hydrated enough to keep your energy and mood steady You deserve to enjoy this season—without sacrificing how you feel in your own skin.   Ready to feel strong again this off-season? Click here for my 3 days to Nurture Your Metabolism, Mindset & Meals in the Off-Season!   If you’re ready to upgrade your running gear and do something good for the planet while you’re at it — go check out Definite Articles at definitearticles.com and use code RUNNERGIRLDIETITIAN to save 20% Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Lately, your feed might be full of “wellness” influencers suddenly crediting their transformation to GLP-1 meds. But here’s the thing: when health creators start shrinking themselves for clicks, it sends a dangerous message … that thinner automatically means healthier. In this episode, we’re talking about the real cost of chasing a smaller body: disrupted hormones, slower metabolism, higher injury risk, and the constant anxiety that comes with fighting your genetics. As a dietitian and lifelong runner, I’m breaking down why sustainable health has nothing to do with suppressing your biology and everything to do with fueling it.   Interested in trying Soul CBD? Use my code serena to get 30% off! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Most women runners think RED-S is something that happens to “other athletes.” In reality? It’s one of the most common reasons female runners struggle with fatigue, plateaus, nagging injuries, missing periods, and feeling like their training just… isn’t working. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down what RED-S actually is, why it doesn’t start with weight loss or appearance, and how it quietly impacts your hormones, metabolism, recovery, bone health, and performance. You’ll learn: Why RED-S is an energy availability issue, not a diet issue The surprising symptoms runners mistake as “normal” How missing or irregular periods act as a giant red flag Where women unintentionally create RED-S in their training The performance transformation that happens when you finally fuel enough If you’ve been hitting your miles but not seeing the progress you expect, this episode is a must-listen. Episode CTA: Ready to actually adapt to your training this year? Join my Eat Like an Athlete Bootcamp — presale pricing ends January 1! Ready for some new socks? Check out Sock Guy and use my code serena20 for 20% off your order! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in nutrition: sugar. We’re unpacking why sugar isn’t inherently bad for you, why it isn’t addictive in the way people claim, and why your runner body actually benefits from strategically using simple carbs. You’ll learn: Why sugar triggers dopamine (and why that’s not the same thing as addiction) The difference between physiological dependence and normal pleasure responses How underfueling makes sugar cravings feel “out of control” Why runners need quick-access carbs for performance, hormone balance, and recovery How to enjoy sugar without fear, guilt, or TikTok-fueled misconceptions   Want to try Lagoon Pillows? Take their sleep quiz here. Use code serenamarierd to get 15% off your pillow! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Madalyn and I talk all things CARBS!! She shares about the purpose that carbs serve, how not all carbs are created equal and how you can use them to balance a meal. We also talk about the stigma around body size and diabetes. Also did I mention she is a runner! This episode originally aired June 12, 2023. Follow Madalyn on Instagram @diabetes.rd. You can also check out her website http://madalyndiabetesnutrition.com/. Have questions? DM me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

You’ve crossed the finish line — now what? Before you jump into the next training block, let’s talk physiology. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what happens inside your muscles, hormones, and metabolism when you don’t take time off (hint: it’s not pretty). We’ll cover how strategic downtime helps restore glycogen, rebalance stress hormones, rebuild muscle, and reignite motivation so you can actually get faster next cycle — not just more tired. Whether you struggle to sit still or fear losing fitness, you’ll walk away with science-backed permission to rest and a framework for how to use your off-season to come back stronger.   Want to try Lagoon Pillows? Take their sleep quiz here. Use code serenamarierd to get 15% off your pillow! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Sometimes race day doesn’t go the way you trained for. In this episode, I open up about my September half marathon — the disappointment I felt crossing that finish line, the messy middle of processing it, and the mindset shift that’s helping me move forward. If you’ve ever walked away from a race wondering “what was all that work for?” — this one’s for you. Let’s talk about how to turn the sting of a tough race into fuel for your next start line. Ready for some new socks? Check out Sock Guy and use my code serena20 for 20% off your order! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

You’ve been told that “calories in, calories out” is the holy grail , but for female runners, that formula can quietly tank your metabolism, mess with your thyroid, deplete your iron, and weaken your bones. In this episode, Serena breaks down the science of why low-energy availability wrecks hormone balance, how chronic dieting blunts your metabolism, and what to do instead if you actually want to perform. Check out The Knight Fit Podcast where I was a guest and talked more about hormone health!   Save 15% off your MidDay Squares order with this link! If you have questions about this episode DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian.

This week I interview Elizabeth Clor and we talk about what it means to be a runner. She has a different way of thinking about being a runner that may not be the traditional way you have heard about it before. She also shares her story on how she got started with running and how she went about qualifying for Boston. This is episode originally aired April 10, 2023.    You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethclor. Check out her blog www.elizabethclor.com. If you are interested in reading her book Boston Bound, you can find that link here. If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

This week I talk to Dr. Lisa Folden about how fitness and health looks different for everyone and how our bodies are supposed to change. It can be challenging to unlearn what diet culture has told us. This episode originally aired April 17, 2023. Follow Dr. Lisa on Instagram @healthyphit. Or check out her website www.healthyphit.com. Ready for some new socks? Check out Sock Guy and use my code serena20 for 20% off your order! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Nervous about your big race? Don’t worry—I’ve got lots of tried-and-true tips to help you feel prepared, fueled, and confident on the starting line. From the golden rule of race day, to exactly why carbs matter, to building a mental game plan—you’ll finish this episode ready to enjoy every step of your race!  I mention a previous episode with Dr. Mitchell Greene, click here to listen to it!   Save 15% off your MidDay Squares order with this link! If you have questions about this episode DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian.

This week on Dear Runner Bod, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes update on my training for my upcoming fall half marathon. Spoiler: my body has never been great at heat acclimation—and this training cycle is proving no different. I chat about what it’s been like managing hot summer miles, higher heart rates, and hydration struggles, and how I’m adjusting my carb intake and fluid strategy to keep performance on track. If you’ve ever felt like your body just doesn’t cooperate with heat training, this episode will feel very relatable.   Save 15% off your MidDay Squares order with this link! If you have questions about this episode DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian.

Think carb loading means eating a giant bowl of pasta the night before your race? Think again. In this episode of Dear Runner Bod, I’m breaking down the top 3 carb loading mistakes I see runners make all the time—and what to do instead. You’ll learn why: Simply adding carbs to your usual meals won’t cut it Hydration is just as critical as glycogen storage Skimping on carbs can sabotage all your hard training Whether you’ve got a race on the calendar or just want to fuel smarter, this episode will help you carb load with confidence so you can toe the line feeling strong, not sluggish.   Save 15% off your MidDay Squares order with this link! If you have questions about this episode DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian.

I talk with Dr. Victoria Sekely, she is dedicated to helping runners of all levels by using her skills and knowledge to assist runners who are rehabbing from an injury, interested in injury prevention, and/or looking to improve their training with custom running programs. Victoria and I are talking about how to unlearn perfectionism in running. She shares her journey with this and how she is still working on finding the joy and passion she once had with running. This episode is a replay from July 10, 2023.   Follow Victoria on Instagram @trainsmartrunstrong. Check out her website www.trainsmartrunstrong.com.   Ready for some new socks? Check out Sock Guy and use my code serena20 for 20% off your order! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

I am talking about intra run fueling, I have started doing my long runs again and I am very excited to start intra run fueling again. I give you the science behind using manufactured gels vs food you can buy in the candy aisle and help empower you to choose which one is right for you. I share how often you should fuel and how many grams of carbohydrate per hour you need to fuel your body for your run.  Here is the link to the article I talk about in this episode. This episode originally aired March 3, 2025. Running doesn’t ruin metabolism… but under-eating does!! Check out this free masterclass for a proven 3-step method to support healthy metabolism so you can find your healthiest weight as a female runner! If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

We’re talking estrogen—but not just the kind your body makes. Today’s episode dives into exogenous estrogen exposure—from birth control pills to plastics—and how it can impact your hormone health, performance, and overall wellbeing as a woman runner. I’ll share: Why I stopped oral contraceptives How simple swaps like choosing natural fiber clothing and ditching plastic food storage can make a difference Why adding phytoestrogens (yes, from soy!) can actually be a protective move  If you’ve been wondering how your daily habits could be influencing your hormone balance, this is your sign to tune in.   Interested in trying Soul CBD? Use my code serena to get 30% off! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Think your legs, lungs, and muscles are running the show? Think again. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on your nervous system — the ultimate behind-the-scenes player that decides how you perform, recover, and adapt. I’ll explain how stress, sleep, and even your thoughts can prime you for breakthroughs… or hold you back from them. If you’ve ever wondered why some days you feel unstoppable and others you feel like you’re dragging concrete legs, this one’s for you. Interested in trying Soul CBD? Use my code serena to get 30% off! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

In this episode, I’m diving into my training prep for the fall races and sharing how I’m adjusting my nutrition to keep up with my added mileage. As I start to push my limits with more intense runs, I’m increasing my calorie and carb intake to support my body’s needs and fuel for the miles ahead. Whether you’re training for a race or just trying to feel your best during peak training weeks, this episode is packed with tips on how to eat to perform—and why it’s so crucial to fuel your body properly. Tune in for a real-life glimpse into what race prep looks like behind the scenes!   Ready for some new socks? Check out Sock Guy and use my code serena20 for 20% off your order! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian