GEMMA GOW

We speak to Performance Nutritionist

How long have you worked at Ealing Trailfinders?

I have been in my position for roughly 20 months. I started working with the men’s first-team in January last year, so it’s been a great learning curve since then.

How did you start your career as a nutritionist?

I have always had a huge passion for sport and food. I studied Sports and Exercise Science at University, and then completed my Masters in Sports and Exercise Nutrition. I love talking about food, I love creating nutritious meals and menus, and having the opportunity to combine the two in a professional sports environment, feels like the ultimate job for me.

What does your role at the club involve?

My role is to support the players with their nutrition and hydration. I have one-to-one meetings with each player to speak about their nutrition goals and targets. I work with the players to take their body composition, making sure they are completing their specific training goals, whether that’s gaining or losing weight, or adjusting to a new programme. I also work daily with the chef and venue staff at Trailfinders Sports Club to ensure we are planning a nutritious daily menu for the players throughout their training week. When I am working with the Academy (men’s and women’s) I complete workshops with the players, highlighting the importance of nutrition, hydration and setting a daily meal planner. Additionally I complete cooking workshops for players to ensure they understand how to make nutritious food at home.

Can you explain how you build a menu for the players?

I create a weekly menu by analysing what the players have scheduled for the week ahead. I look at the intensity of their training load each day and then plan accordingly. We want to ensure the players are having the right amount of food and hydration for each day, whether that’s a heavy training day, a lighter session, or a day off. It’s important the players are processing the right amount of carbohydrates for fuelling their energy, and the correct amount of protein for recovery.

How do you prepare meal plans for away trips during the season?

Away fixtures require further preparation because we need to plan accordingly, whether it’s a day trip or overnight stay. For overnight trips we need to ensure the food menu is planned and agreed with the hotel. Making sure food and hydration is available for the players on arrival and ensuring all supplements are in place and ready for the squad to use.

What do you love about working at Ealing Trailfinders?

I love that every day is different, and every week has a new challenge. There’s always a busy schedule at the club, with different training sessions, and different opponents at the weekend. It keeps me on my toes and challenges me to adapt my plans each week. During the warmer months I love making different drinks to keep the players hydrated and cool during their session. I also enjoy helping the players with new snack ideas and fresh recipes for cooking at home. There’s always a perception that the nutritionist is the ‘food police’ and constantly watching what the players are eating. That’s actually not the case. If the players are fuelling themselves properly, making the right food choices and enjoying their food, I’m extremely happy!