Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport or REDS. A syndrome that affects many of the body's physiological functions, our health and athletic performance. 

As an endurance athlete, it’s really important to understand the signs and symptoms of low energy availability and seek support if you think this could be an issue for you.

Joining me to dive into the topic is fellow Sports Dietitian from Auckland, New Zealand, Dane Baker. He is an active researcher in the field of RED-s, lecturer at the University of Otago and runs a specialist REDS clinic to help athletes recover from the multifactorial syndrome.



We dive into:
What is REDS?
What’s the difference between low energy availability (LEA) and RED-S
Signs and symptoms to look out for to ensure you’re not in low energy availability for both males and females
Tools for monitoring, screening and diagnosis
Treatment strategies
Research updates in this space coming soon
Where to get support if you think LEA or REDS is an issue for you

REDS can have serious implications both short and long term and it’s not something you want to go through. A must listen for any endurance athlete! Both male and female!



LINKS

Read the updated 2023 IOC Consensus Statement on REDs



Connect with Dane

Website:www.danebakernutrition.net

Axis Sports Medicine: www.axissportsmedicine.co.nz

LinkedIn



Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery:dietitianapproved.com/checklist



Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!



Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy www.dietitianapproved.com/academy



Website:www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved@triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook:www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved



The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. www.dietitianapproved.com/academy



Dietitian Approved acknowledges the Traditional custodians of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, The Turrbal and Jagera peoples. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport or REDS. A syndrome that affects many of the body's physiological functions, our health and athletic performance. 
As an endurance athlete, it’s really important to understand the signs and symptoms of low energy availability and seek support if you think this could be an issue for you.
Joining me to dive into the topic is fellow Sports Dietitian from Auckland, New Zealand, Dane Baker. He is an active researcher in the field of RED-s, lecturer at the University of Otago and runs a specialist REDS clinic to help athletes recover from the multifactorial syndrome.
 
We dive into:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What is REDS?</li>
<li aria-level="1">What’s the difference between low energy availability (LEA) and RED-S</li>
<li aria-level="1">Signs and symptoms to look out for to ensure you’re not in low energy availability for both males and females</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tools for monitoring, screening and diagnosis</li>
<li aria-level="1">Treatment strategies</li>
<li aria-level="1">Research updates in this space coming soon</li>
<li aria-level="1">Where to get support if you think LEA or REDS is an issue for you</li>
</ul>
REDS can have serious implications both short and long term and it’s not something you want to go through. A must listen for any endurance athlete! Both male and female!
 
LINKS
<a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/17/1073">Read the updated 2023 IOC Consensus Statement on REDs</a>
 
Connect with Dane
Website:<a href="https://www.danebakernutrition.net/"> </a><a href="http://www.danebakernutrition.net">www.danebakernutrition.net</a>
Axis Sports Medicine: <a href="https://www.axissportsmedicine.co.nz/services/nutrition-clinic">www.axissportsmedicine.co.nz</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dane-baker-b1887839/">LinkedIn</a>
 
Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist">dietitianapproved.com/checklist</a>
 
Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/kickstart">dietitianapproved.com/kickstart</a>
It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!
 
Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
 
Website: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">www.dietitianapproved.com</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/">@Dietitian.Approved</a>  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triathlonnutritionacademy/">@triathlonnutritionacademy</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved">www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved</a>
 
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
 
Dietitian Approved acknowledges the Traditional custodians of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, The Turrbal and Jagera peoples. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Welcome to the Triathlon Nutrition Academy Podcast! Brought to you by Advanced Sports Dietitian, Taryn Richardson. Listen as I break down the latest science to give you practical, easy to digest strategies to transform yourself into a Supercharged Triathlete! You have so much untapped potential...and I want to help you unlock that with the power of nutrition.

Triathlon Nutrition Academy

Female Athlete Series: Part 3: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport with Dane Baker

The Sunshine Coast 70.3 race has always been an event to look forward to, but this year, it took on a special meaning as it became the first TNA event. We had people fly in from all over the world and they’re sitting down with me today for a post-race recap.

For this discussion I’m joined by Kelly (who made the journey from Idaho Falls, USA),  Steve (who travelled from a tiny town near Ontario, Canada),  Lyn (from Adelaide), and Mokka (from New South Wales). It was fantastic to finally meet in person those we had only seen virtually for years. Steve won the award for the furthest distance travelled, covering a whopping 14,912 kilometres!

It’s no secret that proper race preparation often involves spending a lot of time alone, maintaining optimal nutrition, and resting. However, our excitement to be together meant we were constantly socialising. While it wasn’t ideal for race prep, it was too enjoyable to resist. Stephen, for instance, had to remind himself to step away from the coffee shops and retreat to the cool of his hotel room occasionally.

Despite the not-so-ideal prep, we all made it to race day excited and raring to go. I was particularly inspired by how everyone embraced the challenges, especially the ocean swim, which was far rougher than expected.  Stephen found himself drifting off course due to the blinding sun, while Kelly struggled with motion sickness. But we all pushed through, with some friendly ribbing and camaraderie aiding our perseverance.

Everyone did fantastically in the end! Lisa achieved a massive 19-minute Personal Best (PB), Paul clocked an astonishing 15-minute PB, and his final time was 4:44:44 – an impressive feat! Stephen shaved over an hour from his previous best to finish in 5:57, a monumental achievement.

Our relay team also smashed it! Leanne took the swim leg, I took the bike, and Chris handled the run. Despite her tough pre-race build-up, Leanne clocked in at an impressive 2:55 for the bike, including a minor penalty for drafting. Chris nailed the run course in just about 2 hours, earning our team an unexpected trip to the podium!

Looking back, the race was an unforgettable experience filled with high spirits and personal triumphs.  Lyn was happy to share that her nutrition and hydration strategies paid off and she avoided the leg cramping that plagued previous races.  Speaking of hydration, we made significant strides with both Kelly, who normally struggles with frequent bathroom stops, and Stephen, who usually battles dehydration.



Next year’s Sunshine Coast 70.3 is set for September 14th, 2025, and we’re committed to returning with an even bigger team. If you’d like to join us, sign up to the TNA program, join our team, and experience the magic yourself. For now, keep training hard, stay healthy, and remember, nutrition is the key to unlocking your best race yet!



LINKS:

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery:dietitianapproved.com/checklist



Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!



Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy www.dietitianapproved.com/academy



Website:www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved@triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook:www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved


The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. www.dietitianapproved.com/academy

The Sunshine Coast 70.3 race has always been an event to look forward to, but this year, it took on a special meaning as it became the first TNA event. We had people fly in from all over the world and they’re sitting down with me today for a post-race recap.
For this discussion I’m joined by Kelly (who made the journey from Idaho Falls, USA),  Steve (who travelled from a tiny town near Ontario, Canada),  Lyn (from Adelaide), and Mokka (from New South Wales). It was fantastic to finally meet in person those we had only seen virtually for years. Steve won the award for the furthest distance travelled, covering a whopping 14,912 kilometres!
It’s no secret that proper race preparation often involves spending a lot of time alone, maintaining optimal nutrition, and resting. However, our excitement to be together meant we were constantly socialising. While it wasn’t ideal for race prep, it was too enjoyable to resist. Stephen, for instance, had to remind himself to step away from the coffee shops and retreat to the cool of his hotel room occasionally.
Despite the not-so-ideal prep, we all made it to race day excited and raring to go. I was particularly inspired by how everyone embraced the challenges, especially the ocean swim, which was far rougher than expected.  Stephen found himself drifting off course due to the blinding sun, while Kelly struggled with motion sickness. But we all pushed through, with some friendly ribbing and camaraderie aiding our perseverance.
Everyone did fantastically in the end! Lisa achieved a massive 19-minute Personal Best (PB), Paul clocked an astonishing 15-minute PB, and his final time was 4:44:44 – an impressive feat! Stephen shaved over an hour from his previous best to finish in 5:57, a monumental achievement.
Our relay team also smashed it! Leanne took the swim leg, I took the bike, and Chris handled the run. Despite her tough pre-race build-up, Leanne clocked in at an impressive 2:55 for the bike, including a minor penalty for drafting. Chris nailed the run course in just about 2 hours, earning our team an unexpected trip to the podium!
Looking back, the race was an unforgettable experience filled with high spirits and personal triumphs.  Lyn was happy to share that her nutrition and hydration strategies paid off and she avoided the leg cramping that plagued previous races.  Speaking of hydration, we made significant strides with both Kelly, who normally struggles with frequent bathroom stops, and Stephen, who usually battles dehydration.
 
Next year’s Sunshine Coast 70.3 is set for September 14th, 2025, and we’re committed to returning with an even bigger team. If you’d like to join us, sign up to the TNA program, join our team, and experience the magic yourself. For now, keep training hard, stay healthy, and remember, nutrition is the key to unlocking your best race yet!
 
LINKS:
Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist">dietitianapproved.com/checklist</a>
 
Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/kickstart">dietitianapproved.com/kickstart</a>
It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!
 
Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
 
Website: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">www.dietitianapproved.com</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/">@Dietitian.Approved</a>  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triathlonnutritionacademy/">@triathlonnutritionacademy</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved">www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved</a>
 The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>

Sunshine Coast 70.3 Race Report

How does one go from never planning to run to conquering the Ironman World Championship? Join us as Meredith McKenzie shares her incredible journey and the pivotal role of nutrition in her success.

Meredith's passion for triathlon started unexpectedly during a difficult period in her personal life. She joined a biking group for the emotional outlet it provided and found it meditative. Her friends encouraged her to participate in the Lava Man triathlon in Hawaii, an Olympic-length event. Despite initial resistance and never having run before, she eventually gave in to their persuasion, attempting her first triathlon.

From there, it wasn’t long before Meredith was signing up for more events, including 70.3 races and full-distance Ironman competitions.  Despite frequent headaches and low energy levels, Meredith thought she was doing alright with her diet. It wasn’t until she started the academy's program that she realised the importance of a well-structured nutritional plan, not just on race day, but every day.

One of the first things she noticed was that she wasn't fueling her body adequately for her training sessions. Her appetite simply wasn’t matching her fueling needs, but she struggled with the idea of eating more food when she wasn’t hungry. However, strategic consumption, like including smoothies in her diet, helped her manage the volume without feeling overwhelmed.

Meredith continues to learn and adapt her nutrition strategies. She listens to old sessions from the program and refines her approach, focusing on different aspects of nutrition as needed. The beauty of a year-long program is that it allows you to gradually build a solid foundation, making you adept at troubleshooting your own needs

Now, with her sights set on the Ironman World Championship in Nice, Meredith has had to adapt her race nutrition plan once again. She’s discovered that what worked for a flat course like Ironman California doesn’t necessarily apply to a hilly course. This adaptability is crucial in triathlon, as each race presents unique challenges. Meredith switched from solid foods like sandwich stacks to gels and chews, which are easier to digest during demanding hill climbs.

For those hesitant about investing time and money into a specialised nutrition program, Meredith has a clear message: the investment is worth it. Her only regret is not committing to a structured nutrition plan earlier. The TNA program offers a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day and race-day nutrition, empowering athletes to make better choices independently.

If you're looking to refine your nutrition, remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. From understanding the importance of daily nutrition to adapting your race day plans to fit the specific conditions, every small change adds up to significant improvements over time.



LINKS:

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery:dietitianapproved.com/checklist



Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!



Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy www.dietitianapproved.com/academy



Website:www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved@triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook:www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved



The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. www.dietitianapproved.com/academy

How does one go from never planning to run to conquering the Ironman World Championship? Join us as Meredith McKenzie shares her incredible journey and the pivotal role of nutrition in her success.
Meredith's passion for triathlon started unexpectedly during a difficult period in her personal life. She joined a biking group for the emotional outlet it provided and found it meditative. Her friends encouraged her to participate in the Lava Man triathlon in Hawaii, an Olympic-length event. Despite initial resistance and never having run before, she eventually gave in to their persuasion, attempting her first triathlon.
From there, it wasn’t long before Meredith was signing up for more events, including 70.3 races and full-distance Ironman competitions.  Despite frequent headaches and low energy levels, Meredith thought she was doing alright with her diet. It wasn’t until she started the academy's program that she realised the importance of a well-structured nutritional plan, not just on race day, but every day.
One of the first things she noticed was that she wasn't fueling her body adequately for her training sessions. Her appetite simply wasn’t matching her fueling needs, but she struggled with the idea of eating more food when she wasn’t hungry. However, strategic consumption, like including smoothies in her diet, helped her manage the volume without feeling overwhelmed.
Meredith continues to learn and adapt her nutrition strategies. She listens to old sessions from the program and refines her approach, focusing on different aspects of nutrition as needed. The beauty of a year-long program is that it allows you to gradually build a solid foundation, making you adept at troubleshooting your own needs
Now, with her sights set on the Ironman World Championship in Nice, Meredith has had to adapt her race nutrition plan once again. She’s discovered that what worked for a flat course like Ironman California doesn’t necessarily apply to a hilly course. This adaptability is crucial in triathlon, as each race presents unique challenges. Meredith switched from solid foods like sandwich stacks to gels and chews, which are easier to digest during demanding hill climbs.
For those hesitant about investing time and money into a specialised nutrition program, Meredith has a clear message: the investment is worth it. Her only regret is not committing to a structured nutrition plan earlier. The TNA program offers a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day and race-day nutrition, empowering athletes to make better choices independently.
If you're looking to refine your nutrition, remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. From understanding the importance of daily nutrition to adapting your race day plans to fit the specific conditions, every small change adds up to significant improvements over time.
 
LINKS:
Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist">dietitianapproved.com/checklist</a>
 
Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/kickstart">dietitianapproved.com/kickstart</a>
It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!
 
Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
 
Website: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">www.dietitianapproved.com</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/">@Dietitian.Approved</a>  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triathlonnutritionacademy/">@triathlonnutritionacademy</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved">www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved</a>
 
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>

Meredith's long game preparation for Ironman World Championship Nice

Jet lag can be a triathlete’s worst nightmare. We train for months to perform at our best but international travel leaves us feeling sluggish and out of sync on race day.

What if there was a way to outsmart jet lag and step off the plane feeling sharp and race-ready? It might sound too good to be true but it’s not. I’ve just recorded a masterclass about beating jet lag for my TNA athletes and I want to share some of those hot tips with you too!

So, what exactly is jet lag? It’s that horrible feeling you get when there's a mismatch between your body clock and the new time zone. It's a common issue when travelling overseas, particularly when crossing multiple time zones. Symptoms increase and adjustment times are longer the more time zones you cross. Living in Australia, where it often takes 24 hours on a plane to reach the other side of the world, we're well-acquainted with the feeling.

Some common symptoms of jet lag include:
Poor sleep
Fatigue
Gut discomfort

When you're jet-lagged, your performance decreases, so we need to take precautions to limit its effect and give our body time to adjust to the new time zone before a race.  

Tips to Beat Jet Lag

Before Travel
Minimise Sleep Debt: Don't head to the airport with a significant sleep debt. Avoid late-night partying or sleep deprivation under the mistaken belief that you'll sleep better on the plane; this is often not the case.
Bank Sleep: Although you can't really "bank" sleep, try spending an extra 30 minutes in bed before your usual bedtime in the week leading up to your trip.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night. Make your sleep environment as conducive as possible – cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable.

During Travel
Travel Hygiene: Continue the heightened hygiene standards we've adopted since COVID-19. Wear a mask, frequently use hand sanitiser, and try not to touch your face.
Maintain Mobility: Get up and move around as often as you can. If possible, choose an aisle or exit row seat for easier access.
Comfort: Use a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to make yourself as comfortable as possible to sleep.
Minimise Exposure to Blue Light: Avoid screens or use devices that emit a warm hue to limit blue light exposure, which can affect melatonin production.
Hydration: The air conditioning on planes can be very drying, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol is one of the worst things you can consume while flying as it dehydrates you and disrupts sleep.

After Travel
Light Exposure and Exercise: Your adaptation plan should include timed light exposure and exercise depending on your destination’s time zone. This is crucial for resetting your body clock.
No Napping: Avoid the temptation to nap during the day after arrival as it can disrupt your sleep schedule. If you must nap, keep it short and earlier in the day.
Be careful with caffeine: It can be a useful tool to stay awake but should be used cautiously and not too close to bedtime.
Maintain Sleep Hygiene: Continue practising good sleep habits such as keeping your room dark and cool, and following a consistent bedtime routine.
Nutrition Synchronisation: Align your mealtimes with the destination’s time zone to help your gut’s internal clock adjust quickly.

 So, the next time you’re getting ready to travel, remember these tips to beat jet lag and maximise your race performance.

If you want more detailed tips and a personalised jet lag adaptation plan, consider joining our Triathlon Nutrition Academy program. Our final cohort for 2024 starts soon, and there’s no better time to get all the insights and strategies you'll need for peak performance.

LINKS:

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery:dietitianapproved.com/checklist



Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!



Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy www.dietitianapproved.com/academy



Website:www.dietitianapproved.com

Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved@triathlonnutritionacademy

Facebook:www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved



The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. www.dietitianapproved.com/academy

Jet lag can be a triathlete’s worst nightmare. We train for months to perform at our best but international travel leaves us feeling sluggish and out of sync on race day.
What if there was a way to outsmart jet lag and step off the plane feeling sharp and race-ready? It might sound too good to be true but it’s not. I’ve just recorded a masterclass about beating jet lag for my TNA athletes and I want to share some of those hot tips with you too!
So, what exactly is jet lag? It’s that horrible feeling you get when there's a mismatch between your body clock and the new time zone. It's a common issue when travelling overseas, particularly when crossing multiple time zones. Symptoms increase and adjustment times are longer the more time zones you cross. Living in Australia, where it often takes 24 hours on a plane to reach the other side of the world, we're well-acquainted with the feeling.
Some common symptoms of jet lag include:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Poor sleep</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fatigue</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gut discomfort</li>
</ul>
When you're jet-lagged, your performance decreases, so we need to take precautions to limit its effect and give our body time to adjust to the new time zone before a race.  
Tips to Beat Jet Lag
Before Travel
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Minimise Sleep Debt: Don't head to the airport with a significant sleep debt. Avoid late-night partying or sleep deprivation under the mistaken belief that you'll sleep better on the plane; this is often not the case.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Bank Sleep: Although you can't really "bank" sleep, try spending an extra 30 minutes in bed before your usual bedtime in the week leading up to your trip.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night. Make your sleep environment as conducive as possible – cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable.</li>
</ol>
During Travel
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Travel Hygiene: Continue the heightened hygiene standards we've adopted since COVID-19. Wear a mask, frequently use hand sanitiser, and try not to touch your face.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Maintain Mobility: Get up and move around as often as you can. If possible, choose an aisle or exit row seat for easier access.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Comfort: Use a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to make yourself as comfortable as possible to sleep.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Minimise Exposure to Blue Light: Avoid screens or use devices that emit a warm hue to limit blue light exposure, which can affect melatonin production.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Hydration: The air conditioning on planes can be very drying, so make sure to drink plenty of water.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol is one of the worst things you can consume while flying as it dehydrates you and disrupts sleep.</li>
</ol>
After Travel
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Light Exposure and Exercise: Your adaptation plan should include timed light exposure and exercise depending on your destination’s time zone. This is crucial for resetting your body clock.</li>
<li aria-level="1">No Napping: Avoid the temptation to nap during the day after arrival as it can disrupt your sleep schedule. If you must nap, keep it short and earlier in the day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Be careful with caffeine: It can be a useful tool to stay awake but should be used cautiously and not too close to bedtime.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Maintain Sleep Hygiene: Continue practising good sleep habits such as keeping your room dark and cool, and following a consistent bedtime routine.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Nutrition Synchronisation: Align your mealtimes with the destination’s time zone to help your gut’s internal clock adjust quickly.</li>
</ol>
 So, the next time you’re getting ready to travel, remember these tips to beat jet lag and maximise your race performance.
If you want more detailed tips and a personalised jet lag adaptation plan, consider joining our Triathlon Nutrition Academy program. Our final cohort for 2024 starts soon, and there’s no better time to get all the insights and strategies you'll need for peak performance.
LINKS:
Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/checklist">dietitianapproved.com/checklist</a>
 
Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com/kickstart">dietitianapproved.com/kickstart</a>
It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!
 
Join the waitlist for our next opening of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>
 
Website: <a href="https://www.dietitianapproved.com">www.dietitianapproved.com</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.approved/">@Dietitian.Approved</a>  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triathlonnutritionacademy/">@triathlonnutritionacademy</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://wwww.facebook.com/DietitianApproved">www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved</a>
 
The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved. <a href="http://www.dietitianapproved.com/academy">www.dietitianapproved.com/academy</a>

Female Athlete Series: Part 3: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport with Dane Baker

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Triathlon Nutrition Academy

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