Making weight is one of the most talked about and least understood parts of powerlifting. In this episode, Coach Pia is joined by sports scientist and researcher Gaby Muller to unpack the latest evidence on gut cuts, water cuts, carbohydrate intake, and competition day fueling. Together they separate evidence from tradition, explain why many popular weight-cutting strategies may not be backed by science, and discuss how to prioritize both performance and athlete health.
Episode Highlights:
✅ What gut cuts are and why they're used before competition
✅ The science (and myths) behind low-fiber diets, nuts, and carbohydrate restriction
✅ Why aggressive weight cuts can hurt performance
✅ The importance of glycogen, hydration, and recovery after weigh-ins
✅ How stress, sleep, and digestion influence making weight
✅ Why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to competition nutrition
✅ Common mistakes athletes make before meet day
✅ Why practicing your nutrition strategy before competition is essential
✅ How experience, preparation, and timing can make or break your performance
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