Gretchen Bleiler is fearless in a snow-covered half-pipe. So why did keeping track of her diet make her so nervous?

"I'm afraid the nutritionist is going to tear me apart on this one!" she says with a laugh. "I just want to say, 'Go easy on me!'

"I've read a couple of these diaries that you guys have done before, and I always read what the nutritionist has to say. I definitely noticed as I was writing things down, maybe I should pay more attention to my diet rather than eating chocolate chip cookies for dinner."

Predictably, nutritionist Jackie Berning agrees. A registered dietitian and associate professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, she also serves as nutritional adviser for the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Indians.

"This report from me is simply a kick in the butt to remind her that she needs to make better food choices," Berning says. "Especially during competition: She is unbelievably talented and yet fails to fuel herself during the competitions! I am dumbfounded as to why athletes do that."

Berning gives Bleiler credit for eating healthy breakfasts on days she competes. "But she should really be eating throughout the morning of a competition, then eat in the afternoon again during the finals. It doesn't have to be big, but what a great way to add fruits and vegetables to her diet and maintain energy and focus."

Bleiler averaged 1,700 calories daily; Berning says her intake should be spread out during the day. "Recent research shows that eating throughout the day, rather than eating one big meal, will give you more energy, lower body fat and increase lean tissue."

The verdict on Bleiler's diary:

JUST RIGHT

Protein: Consumption was good.

TOO MUCH

Fat: Of her total calories, this accounts for 36 percent. Should be 30 percent.

Cholesterol: The recommended limit is 300 mg a day; Bleiler's intake averaged 257 mg — a little too close for comfort, Berning says. She blames frequent dining out.

Caffeine: A little is OK.

High-calorie desserts: Think fruit for an alternative.

NOT ENOUGH

Calcium: Don't rely on lattes alone. Try some low-fat yogurt.

Folate: Eat more leafy greens, nuts and fruit such as oranges.

Complex carbohydrates: More whole grains and, again, more fruits and vegetables will help. Daily, she averaged 1/2 cup of fruit when she needed 2 cups; ½ cup to 1 cup of vegetables when she needed 3 cups.

"Best of luck to Gretchen," Berning says. "I will keep my nutrition-police whistle out just in case."