#314 Leah Headon: Performance Nutrition, Gut Health, Mental Habits & More

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, performance & Wicklow GAA nutritionist Leah Headon (@haeloo_nutrition on Instagram) shares her journey into the field of nutrition, discussing her personal experiences with diabetes and an eating disorder that shaped her understanding of food and health. The conversation delves into topics such as gut health, the balance between weight loss and performance, the impact of hydration, and the importance of nutrition habits. Leah also addresses common myths in the nutrition space and provides practical tips for marathon training, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to fuelling and recovery.17:00 Welcome to the podcast, Leah Headon19:48 Leah's Journey to Nutrition22:52 Understanding Gut Health25:25 Nutrition for Athletes28:21 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods31:19 Balancing Nutrition and Weight Loss34:13 Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects43:49 Fuelling Performance: The Role of Diet45:15 Psychology of Cravings and Eating Habits46:19 Hydration and Its Impact on Performance49:38 The Importance of Mental Habits in Nutrition51:34 Nutrition Strategies for Marathon Training54:29 Caffeine and Fuelling During Races59:35 Debunking Nutrition Myths and Misconceptions63:14 Final Thoughts on Nutrition and PerformanceYou can follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastALTAR Speed Dust is engineered to keep fuel in your tank so you can go faster, farther and longer than ever before. Use the code AGR15 to get 15% off at checkout (excludes bundles).altarfuel.com The Sports Recovery Kit is everything you need after training, matches, gym sessions and long active days. The full routine, ready to goShop HEREGet the AGR Ultrapure Sprint Bundle HERE If you've never had your VO₂ max or metabolism measured, there's a good chance you're training at the wrong intensity, missing valuable adaptations, or getting your race nutrition wrong.Health Matters replaces guesswork with data. With over 15 years of experience, they're one of Europe's most experienced performance testing providers.Find out more or book your test at myhealthmatters.ie.