In this insightful episode of 4TG , we chat with Dr Emily Meehan, an Advanced Sports Dietitian with over a decade of experience working in high-performance sport. Based at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Emily supports developing through to elite athletes both para and able-bodied across sports like cycling, rowing, and canoe. She also works with Golf Australia’s Victorian High Performance Program, providing nutrition support to emerging golfers.

Emily has previously worked with some of Australia’s most recognised professional teams, including Collingwood FC (AFL, AFLW & SSN netball), Melbourne Victory’s A-League men’s team, the Victorian cricket teams, and the Malaysian Track Cycling Team. Known for her athlete-centred and evidence-based approach, she’s passionate about empowering athletes, especially women to perform at their best both on and off the field. Despite being a talented young athlete herself, Emily struggled with body image and nutrition from an early age.

Key Topics:

• Busting Nutrition Myths: Carbs don’t make you fat, and weight loss doesn’t always mean better performance.
• RED-S & Low Energy: Hidden effects of under-fuelling on athletes.
• Under-Fuelling Risks: Menstrual health, bone strength, mood, injury.
• Iron Deficiency: Female athletes are at higher risk and how to improve absorption.
• Game Day Fueling: Practical, evidence-based tips for meals, energy management, recovery.
  
  

Why You Should Listen:

• Gain Clarity: Stop social media confusion and learn from trusted sources like the Australian Institute of Sport and Sports Dietitians Australia.
• Break Free from Perfectionism: Consistency beats “perfect” meals
• Empower Coaches & Parents: Understand RED-S as a multidisciplinary issue beyond weight loss.
  

Resources:

• AIS Female Performance & Health Initiative
• AIS Performance Nutrition HQ Modules
• Sports Dietitians Australia
• Butterfly Foundation
• National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC)
• The Embrace Collective

Timestamps:
01:44 – Mythbusters: Carbs, Weight, Performance
04:21 – RED-S explained
06:36 – Dr Meehan's personal journey
14:44 – Signs of under-fuelling
26:56 – Women are more prone to RED-S
32:20 – Game-day fueling strategy
40:37 – Iron deficiency & supplement advice
44:21 – Pros + cons of tracking food intake
50:00 – Advice to her 16-year-old self
52:17 – Multidisciplinary approach for athlete health
55:27 – Systemic change & women-specific research

Connect with Dr Emily Meehan:
🌐 dremilymeehan.com
📱 Instagram: @emmeehan_sportsdietitian

Fuel Your Game the Right Way:
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Produced by The 32 Collective - Come say hi on Instagram @the32collective_