Nutrition Diet of Athletes (Theoretical Analysis)

Abstract

The goal of this article is to promote optimal health and sport performance by linking together information about nutrition and exercise. For competitive athletes this may mean determing fluid, nutrient, and energy needs during times of intense training and competition. It may also mean determing the appropriate food, fluids and supplements required for various exercise situations or environmental conditions. Research on the role of nutrition in exercise and sport has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Today there is no doubt that nutrition plays a vital role in exercise performance and training. There is no question that competitive athletes can benefit from adequate energy, nutrient and fluid intakes. Indeed, nutrition influences nearly every process in the body involved in energy production end recovery from exercise. To understand and apply the principles of sport nutrition, some basic understanding of nutrition is necessary, as well as some knowledge of the biochemical and physiological processes that occur in different cells and tissues and now these processes are integrated throughout the body. Successful integration of a sport nutrition program requires an understanding of the athletic culture, physiological milestones, and life stressors faced by athletes. The sport nutritionist functions as an educator, counselor, and administrator. Team presentations and individual nutrition counseling provide athletes with accurate information on healthy eating behaviors for optimal performance. For women's sports, a multidisciplinary team including the sport nutritionist, team physician, clinical psychologist, and athletic trainer work to prevent and treat eating disorders. Case studies are presented illustrating the breadth of nutrition-related issues faced by a sport nutritionist working with college athletes.