Protein bars and drive-thrus again? [Your nutrition cheat code—straight from a pro sports dietitian.]

The Robyn Engelson Podcast Ever wish you had a wellness mentor with over decades of experience whispering million dollar health tips in your ear? That’s exactly what you will get each week when you tune into The Robyn Engelson Podcast. I’m your host–a sought after autoimmune and wellness expert, corporate drop-out turned serial entrepreneur, and lifestyle transformer. Each week, I’ll be bringing you inspiring guests, insights, and mindset tools to empower you to be energized, compress time, and start living instead of existing. Episode Title: Protein bars and drive-thrus again? [Your nutrition cheat code—straight from a pro sports dietitian.] Host: Robyn Engelson Guest: Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD Episode Summary: In this energizing episode, Robyn chats with Amy Goodson—registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics—about how to fuel athletes (and their busy families) in a realistic and approachable way. With nearly two decades of experience working with everyone from peewee players to pro athletes, Amy breaks down the myths and simplifies nutrition. She shares her practical, no-fuss approach to making better food choices—even on the road, at tournaments, or in the middle of a chaotic week. Whether you're a parent, an athlete, or someone just trying to eat better without obsessing over perfection, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to make it work in real life. You’ll learn: Why fueling athletes (especially youth) properly is about more than just game day The magic of the 80/20 rule and how to apply it to family meals How carbs and protein work together to support stable energy and brain function Why “fuel early, fuel often” is Amy’s #1 nutrition motto Easy protein-packed breakfast ideas and grab-and-go snacks The difference between sports nutrition vs. everyday nutrition—and why it matters How to navigate gas stations, fast food joints, and airports without derailing your goals Why habit stacking can help make fueling routines second nature Memorable Quotes: “You don’t get better on game day. You get better at practice—and you have to fuel for that.” “I’m a real-life dietitian. I don’t love to cook, but I love to help people win with food.” “Fuel early, fuel often—that’s how you stay ahead of the energy crash.” Resources & Mentions: Favorite Grab-and-Go Ideas: Egg muffin cups, energy bites, trail mix, string cheese Books & Tools on Habit Stacking: Atomic Habits by James Clear Actionable Steps for Listeners: Start With Breakfast – Don’t skip it. Pair a carb with a protein to set your energy up for success. Use the Plate Method – At every meal, aim for ⅓ carbs, ⅓ protein, ⅓ veggies, plus a splash of healthy fat and fruit. Plan Lightly – Spend 30 minutes on the weekend making energy bites or protein-rich muffins to last you all week. Surround the Treat – If your kid wants waffle fries, pair it with a grilled sandwich and fruit. Balance is key. Habit Stack for Success – Add a snack or hydration routine to something you already do (like packing your gym bag). Stay Hydrated – Especially for athletes, hydration is as crucial as food. Set phone alarms if needed. Final Thought: Nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be consistent and realistic. Amy reminds us that fueling your body well is not about restriction, it’s about strategy. Whether you’re on the court, at the office, or in the stands, when you plan just a little, you gain a lot of energy, focus, and confidence. Small habits repeated daily lead to big wins. What listeners have to say: “Her energy is fire! I love being able to apply her simple strategies and life tips to my daily life to be energized instead of existing.” Loved this episode? If you found value in this conversation, don’t forget to leave a review! Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Your feedback helps us create content that supports your journey to thriving, not just surviving. Connect with Amy Goodson: LinkedIn Instagram and Instagram Facebook YouTube Website About Amy Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She has nineteen years of experience and has worked with the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, TCU Athletics, Ben Hogan Sports Medicine, FC Dallas Soccer, the NBA G League, the Alliance of American Football League, many PGA Tour players, as well as with thousands of middle school, high school, and endurance athletes. She is the creator of a free sports nutrition program for high schools, the Sports Nutrition Game Plan Amy is the owner of The Sports Nutrition Playbook which offers on demand programs as well as one-on-one nutrition coaching covered by insurance, a podcast, and YouTube channel. She is also the author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, co-author of Swim, Bike,...