In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Podcast, host Alessandra DiPace welcomes registered dietitian and former elite athlete Katie Spada Hilliard to discuss the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and athletic identity. Katie, a former synchronized swimmer at The Ohio State University and a U.S. National Team member, shares her journey through elite athletics, the pressures of body image in aesthetic sports, and how her personal experiences shaped her career in sports nutrition.

Together, they discuss common struggles athletes face when transitioning out of sports, including body image expectations, disordered eating patterns, and the challenge of redefining one’s identity beyond competition. Katie offers insights on fueling the body for both performance and enjoyment, breaking free from food guilt, and using the athlete mindset in a positive way after sports.

More about our guest, Katie Spada Hilliard: LinkedIn | Spada Strong Nutrition

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• Katie’s journey as a U.S. National Team synchronized swimmer and NCAA athlete
  
• The pressures of aesthetic sports and their impact on body image
  
• Transitioning out of elite athletics and overcoming the “never good enough” mentality
  
• Common nutrition struggles among former athletes
  
• The importance of fueling for both performance and enjoyment
  
• How disordered eating patterns often develop in sport culture
  
• Tips for athletes and former athletes to create a healthy relationship with food
  

Millennium Athlete Wellness provides a holistic approach to mental health and performance enhancement for athletes. Our team comprises sports psychology experts and clinical mental health professionals dedicated to helping athletes at all levels achieve peak performance and overall wellness. Each athlete we work with is connected to a licensed counselor, many of whom have personal experience as Division 1 athletes. This unique insight ensures a deep understanding of athletes’ challenges, both on and off the field. Our mission is to support athletes’ mental well-being and performance through expert guidance and empathetic care.

Millennium Athlete Wellness: Website

Alessandra DiPace: Millennium | LinkedIn

Katie Spada Hilliard: LinkedIn

At Millennium Counseling Center, our mission is to provide compassionate and personalized support for individuals facing challenges related to mental health, addiction, relationships, and trauma. Our dedicated and diverse staff works to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for people from all walks of life. We are committed to fostering a program and treatment plan uniquely tailored to your needs and who you are, helping you find a path to healing and growth.

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