For nearly a decade, Greta was told by doctors, coaches, and the sports culture around her that losing her period as an athlete was just part of the game—a sign of dedication and discipline. It wasn't until after college, when she discovered research on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), that she realized her body had been screaming for help all along. Through her personal recovery and professional training, Greta learned that underfueling is one of the most overlooked issues in athletics—and that what looks like peak performance on the outside can mask serious health consequences on the inside. Together, Dr. Castagnini and Greta explore the dangerous normalization of disordered eating in sports, the signs coaches and athletes need to watch for, and how to create a culture that prioritizes long-term health over short-term performance.

Greta Jarvis is the founder of the Center for Active Women, where she supports women and girls in building peaceful and confident relationships with food, body, and movement. She holds her Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Public Health, as well as certifications as an Integrative Health Coach and Intuitive Eating Counselor.

         

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Why a missing period is NOT normal for athletes—despite being commonly dismissed as such.
  • What relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is and why every coach and athlete should know about it.
  • The hidden signs of underfueling beyond just hunger (feeling cold, trouble concentrating, frequent illness, slow recovery).
  • How the cultural narrative that "discipline equals restriction" harms young athletes.
  • Why external validation around athletic performance and body size can mask serious health issues.
  • The dangerous truth about calorie counting apps and the number they recommend (hint: it's for inactive toddlers).
  • How weight loss is automatically praised in our culture—even when it's a result of stress or illness.
  • The connection between missing periods and bone health in athletes.
  • Why puberty involves weight gain and performance plateaus—and why that's completely normal and healthy.
  • How to shift from "How do I look?" to "What can my body do?" and "How do I feel?"
  • The importance of systemic change in coaching education and sports culture.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:58 The Illusion of Perfection: Nikki Dubbo's Story
  • 02:59 Greta's Journey: From Athlete to Advocate
  • 05:54 Understanding the Impact of Undereating in Athletes
  • 14:48 Educating Coaches and Shifting the Narrative
  • 30:00 The Importance of Proper Nutrition and Long-Term Health
  • 40:13 Connecting with Greta and Final Thoughts
  • 42:40 Conclusion and Resources

CONNECT WITH Greta Jarvis:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review.  Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life. Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales. **Disclaimer:** The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.