Deep dive into the world of sports nutrition with Collier Madaleno, a renowned expert in athletic performance nutrition and the Sales and Service Executive at Red Card Athletics, a fueling and meal management platform designed specifically for college athletic departments and professional sports teams. From fueling strategies that sharpen mental focus to the latest trends in supplements, this conversation unpacks how proper nutrition can be a game-changer for athletes at all levels.

James Blasco is joined by Collier who, drawing from her experience as the former director of football performance nutrition at the University of Georgia, shares invaluable insights on how nutrition impacts both physical and mental performance. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply interested in optimizing your own nutrition, this episode offers practical strategies to fuel your body and mind for peak performance.

Key Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction: Collier's impressive background in sports nutrition
• (04:10) The crucial link between nutrition and mental performance
• (06:06) Collier's process for onboarding and assessing new athletes
• (11:00) Specific supplements and foods that boost mental performance
• (17:34) Success story: Transforming an athlete's diet
• (12:34) Cutting-edge trends in sports nutrition research
• (19:11) Overcoming challenges in implementing nutrition programs
• (20:54) Top nutrition tips for high school athletes
• (22:49) Benefits of Red Card Athletics program

Key Takeaways:

• Nutrition impacts both physical and mental performance: Balanced meals and proper hydration are crucial for focus and decision-making, especially for student athletes. Individualized nutrition plans are essential. What works for one athlete may not work for another.
• Cooking Classes for Athletes: Teaching athletes to cook their own meals can be a game-changer, improving their relationship with food and nutrition while providing essential life skills. Changing athletes' mindsets about food as fuel (not just for taste) is a key challenge in sports nutrition.
• Controlled Freedom in Athlete Nutrition: Innovative nutrition programs like Red Card Athletics offer athletes autonomy in food choices while maintaining dietitian oversight, balancing freedom with nutritional guidance. Simple habits like starting the day with a balanced breakfast can have a major impact on overall performance.
• Creatine for Brain Health: Creatine isn't just for muscle gains - it's now recognized for improving brain function, concentration, and reducing inflammation. Consider adding this supplement to boost both physical and mental performance.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Red Card Athletics: www.redcardathletics.com
• Take the MTQ Plus Mental Toughness Assessment: https://chargeforwardcoaching.com/mtq-assessments
• Learn more or book a free discovery call: www.chargeforwardcoaching.com
• Follow on Instagram: @chargeforwardcoaching
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chargeforwardcoaching/
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Guest Bio:

Collier Madaleno, is the former Director of Football Performance Nutrition at the University of Georgia. Collier is now a Sales and Service Executive at Red Card Athletics, a fueling and meal management platform designed specifically for college athletic departments and professional sports teams. Its goal is to streamline how athletes receive meals—especially during travel, training, or when traditional dining options aren’t practical.

Collier is a native of Athens, Georgia and was named Director of Football Performance Nutrition at Georgia in February of 2019.

Collier came to Georgia after serving in a similar capacity at the University of Florida. She was the Gators’ Coordinator of Sports Nutrition for two years, beginning in May of 2015, and was named Head of Sports Nutrition for the football program in April of 2017.

Collier earned her B.S. degree in Human Environmental Sciences, Food and Nutrition from the University of Alabama in 2013. She earned her Master’s degree in Dietetics from Georgia State University in 2014.

Collier has a number of familial ties to the University of Georgia. Her father Lou Perno is a 1980 UGA graduate and was a student athletic trainer on the national championship football team. Cousins Donn and David Perno played baseball at UGA, the latter eventually serving as head coach from 2002-13.

Host Bio:

James Blasco is the founder of Charge Forward Coaching and a certified mental toughness and resilience coach and a certified neuroscience coach. He specializes in helping athletes and high performers sharpen their focus, build confidence, and stay composed under pressure. With clients ranging from youth athletes to seasoned pros, James is passionate about helping people show up strong—no matter the arena.

Tags:

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