Tummy Trouble Holding Athletes Back? Here’s the Fix That Changed Everything

Teen optimally hydrating and eating to boost energy and prevent injuries. — Achieve peak performance with improved gut health—reduce tummy issues and enhance speed in just one session. Join Food for Speed TV for tips on nutrition, hydration, and testing.

Introducing SN2Go's "Food for Speed TV," where expert sports nutrition insights empower athletes to reach their dreams. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch and fuel your goals with trusted strategies led by Dawn Weatherwax.

I’m Dawn Weatherwax, RD, LD, ATC, CSCS — Sports Dietitian & Athletic Trainer.

I don’t guess—I test.

Fast proof (1 month):

• 2-mile 12:50 → 12:12

• 100y 11.2 → 10.91

• 50y 6.17 → 5.94

• Full game, no fade.

Gut calmed after removing gluten that didn’t agree with him.

No gimmicks. We matched fuel to the athlete and the schedule.

The Fix That Changed Everything: Feed • Filter • Format • Focus

1) FEED — The root cause most of the time is under-fueling

Most “sensitive stomachs” in sport are really too few total calories—especially earlier in the day—followed by a last-minute overload.

Anchor a reliable rhythm: breakfast → mid-a.m. top-off → lunch → mid-p.m. top-off → practice/game → recovery.
Keep healthy fats & fiber in the overall day for steadier energy and regularity.
Don’t jump from “nothing” to a giant pre-game meal—volume whiplash triggers gut pushback.

2) FILTER — Remove what truly irritates this athlete

When symptoms point to ingredients, we act with evidence + labs (through your clinician).

Allergy & sensitivity testing (blood): we prioritize blood testing when history suggests reactions or intolerance. We still cross-check with symptoms so we don’t cut foods unnecessarily.
Dyes, artificial flavors, preservatives: if symptoms track with these, we swap to clean-label options (and often see quick wins).
Gluten/dairy: only when patterns (and celiac screen if indicated) point that way.
Possible fungal/mold overgrowth: if suspected by your clinician, we coordinate, then fold results into the plan.
Caffeine, heavy carbonation, very spicy foods: use with intent or pause around high-intensity windows.

3) FORMAT — Use textures that empty fast when it counts

Close to play, texture beats trend. Go softer, simpler, and portion-controlled.

Works for most: applesauce, smoothies, juices, lactose-free yogurt, ripe banana, thin nut/seed-butter spread, soft white bagel/pretzels.
Clean-label carb + sodium drinks that empty quickly (e.g.,Organic Gatorade, Vitargo, LiquidFuel if available, or similar simple-ingredient options).
Chews: I don’t recommend many. If truly needed, minimal use (e.g., Honey Stinger) and only when it clearly helps tolerance and timing.
Keep daily fats/fiber in the total day; near kickoff, lighten texture and shrink portions—don’t dismantle the diet.

4) FOCUS — Data, routine, and nervous-system control

We individualize with testing and tighten execution with routine.

Sweat Sodium Test: sets per-bottle sodium and timing for your sweat pattern (for cramps/fluids—not gut diagnosis).
MuscleSound® glycogen scan: shows if prime movers are fueled or flat, guiding carb timing/volume.
Body comp & metabolism: define daily targets so we don’t overload the gut at the wrong times.
Stress & anxiety: these drive gut symptoms. We script arrival timing, breathing, and a predictable fueling sequence to calm the nervous system.
Optional support (non-drug): Super Patches may assist with calm/focus/defense. Families often explore Victory, Peace, Defend, Lumi, Kickit, Liberty, or a custom combo alongside the plan. Results vary; they’re adjuncts, not treatments.

How this looks in the week

School days: balanced breakfast; mid-morning top-off; solid lunch; mid-afternoon top-off.
Last 60–90 min pre-practice/game: soft/quick fuels (applesauce, smoothie, thin nut/seed-butter on white bagel, lactose-free yogurt, clean-label carb+sodium drink).
During: fluid + sodium come from your sweat testing, planned by half/period, not random sips.
Post: recovery (carbs, protein, sodium) is set from your data, so the next day’s gut is calmer and muscles refill.

Cost-smart (≤ $100 extra)

Bulk rice/pasta/potatoes, pretzels, applesauce, bananas

• Store-brand lactose-free milk/yogurt

• Salt packets + squeeze bottle

• Clean protein powder post-training only

• A ready bin by the door (snacks, bottle, salt) to remove friction.

When to loop in your clinician

Persistent pain, blood in stool, fever, night pain, repeated vomiting, unintended weight loss, or growth concerns.

I recommend labs (I do not draw them): CBC, ferritin/iron, Vitamin D, B12, CMP; tTG-IgA + total IgA for celiac when appropriate; blood-based allergy/sensitivity testing and any other testing when history supports it. We act when results and symptoms align.

Work with me / Watch what works

Food for Speed TV (YouTube) — real stories, snack systems, hydration fixes:
- https://www.youtube.com/@FoodforSpeedTV
Fuel to Win Quiz (+30 Days Free) — find your athlete’s biggest fuel gap fast: https://dawnweatherwaxsportsnutritionacademy.thinkific.com/courses/Fuel-to-Win-or-Fall-Behind-Quiz
SN2Go (Services & Academy) — book testing & a plan: https://www.SN2G.com
Supplements (trusted dispensary) — Fullscript store: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/sn2go
Super Patches (optional support for calm/focus/defense/gut)

💬 Why Listen to Me?

Food for Speed TV by SN2Go – empowering youth athletes with expert sports nutrition, recovery, and fueling guidance from Dawn Weatherwax — Get ready for SN2Go's "Food for Speed TV"! Empower your athletic performance with expert nutrition and hydration tips led by Dawn Weatherwax. Fuel your goals and dreams—coming soon! #FoodForSpeedTV

I'm Dawn Weatherwax — an internationally recognized registered dietitian, strength coach, and athletic trainer with over 20 years helping athletes reach their full potential.

I’ve helped thousands of young athletes: