123: Trail + Thru-Hiking Nutrition + Body Changes

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast, I talk with thru-hiker and outdoor enthusiast, Tara Vavrik. In 2021, Tara thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT), covering over 2100 miles in almost 6 months. This epic adventure was not without challenges, having lasting impacts on Tara’s relationship with food and her body. Tara shares her nutrition journey on the trail, experiences with hiker hunger, weight loss, and severe malnutrition. We explore the impact of diet culture and nutrition myths on Tara’s relationship with food from childhood to date, her work as a personal trainer, and her newfound nutrition understanding. Tara is also a client of mine currently enrolled in Rise Up Nutrition’s Alumni Program. We discussed what led her to working with me and the support she received; Tara’s background and needs were slightly different from a lot of our clients, and her experience illustrates the individualized approach we take with all our clients. Tara explains how she continues to benefit from the ongoing support and accountability as part of the Alumni Program; if you are a past client and want to join too, get in touch! Follow Tara on Instagram @tara_vavrik Youtube @taravavrik and on TikTok @luckytobeoutside and me, your host Lindsey Cortes, on Instagram @female.athlete.nutrition  We have a huge announcement! We are launching patreon! Female Athlete Nutrition podcast patreon is now LIVE and we are excited to offer our community unique perks. Join today and receive bonus episodes, merch, monthly recipes, access to an exclusive community message board, and have the chance to ask Lindsey your questions and get a podcast shoutout, and more! Head to patreon today patreon.com/femaleathletenutrition  Need help with your fueling? Want to get in touch with Lindsey? Interested in the Female Athlete System of Transformation?  Head to www.RiseUpNutritionRUN.com to learn more & book a call! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Previnex: https://www.previnex.com/ use code RISEUP for 15% off at checkout InsideTracker: www.insidetracker.com/riseup for 20% off the entire store for a limited time only! THIS PODCAST IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY: Orgain, head to www.orgain.com and use the code RISEUP30 for 30% off your first order. Repeat customers can use the code OA2203 for 25% off future orders. Practice Better Click the link below to view plans and get a 14-day free trial. Then use the code RISEUP20 for 20% off your first 4 months: https://practicebetter.grsm.io/runp  Jen & Keri: https://jenandkeri.com/ use code RISEUP10 for $10 off your order In this episode we talk about: 2:45 Long thru-hiking trail adventures 7:30 Tara’s journey hiking the Appalachian Trail  (AT) 13:00 Nutrition on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and fueling ultra distances 16:50 Nutrition-related challenges while hiking the AT: malnutrition, weight loss, fatigue, lack of hunger and energy, low mood 22:00 Returning from the AT and noticing disordered thoughts 26:00 The lasting impact of body changes and poor fueling as a thru-hiker 30:00 Hiker hunger and starvation  33:15 Tara’s background with nutrition, sports, and diet culture  38:00 Nutrition fear mongering and misinformation in the fitness industry; going gluten free and restricting  42:00 Realizing signs of disordered eating and getting help 47:00 Working with Lindsey and the different support offered by Rise Up Nutrition 50:00 The Rise Up Nutrition Alumni Program for ongoing nutrition support and accountability  54:30 End of the podcast questions