Food Intake?

Question
Hi Laura!

I am a sixteen year old gymnast, and as I've moved up in levels I've been trying to slim down a bit and get into better shape, especially since I put on a few once I hit my teen years.

I've been logging my calories very diligently, all while continuing to work out about 20 hours per week. However, I haven't been seeing real results. I don't look very different, and I doubt the scale would say different either.

I eat roughly 1200 to 1800 calories per day, but when I have gym it can usually bring my net calories down to 100-700.

What am I doing wrong?

Answer
Hi Lauren, I suggest you bring your daily food journals to a nutritionist or dietician who can then calculate your protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake. These nutrients, especially protein and healthy fat are incredibly important to a gymnast who relies on rebuilding muscle cells on a weekly basis for strength and endurance. Without the proper nutrients, your body will not burn fat and will not grow stronger. Twelve hundred calories per day seems a little low for an active gymnast, but again you need to consult a specialist for confirmation. Calories totals are important, but the types of calories consumed are actually more important. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer MS,RN, Slimkids.com

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