Chapter One
Introduction to Sports Nutrition

Chapter Objectives

1. Define sports nutrition.
2. Understand the significance of studying sports nutrition.
3. Identify the basic nutrients.
4. Explain how the body produces energy.
5. Define the Dietary Reference Intakes.
6. Define enriched and fortified foods.
7. Introduce the basic nutrition guidelines.
8. Explain how to read food labels.
9. Introduce factors that need to be considered when developing an individualized sports nutrition plan.
10. Discuss how sports nutrition knowledge can be applied.

Chapter Outline

I. What is sports nutrition?
A. Sports nutrition can be defined as the application of nutrition knowledge to a practical daily eating plan focused on providing the fuel for physical activity, facilitating the repair and rebuilding process following hard physical work, and optimizing athletic performance in competitive events, while also promoting overall health and wellness.
B. In this text, the term athlete refers to any individual who is regularly active, ranging from the fitness enthusiast to the competitive amateur or professional athlete.
1. Differences exist in specific nutrient needs along this designated spectrum of athletes.
2. Creating individualized sports nutrition plans is challenging and exciting.
C. To fully understand and subsequently apply sports nutrition concepts, professionals instructing athletes on proper eating strategies need to:
1. Possess a command of general nutrition as well as exercise science.
2. Gain knowledge of how nutrition and exercise science are intertwined, understanding that physical training and dietary habits are reliant on each other in order to produce optimal performance.
3. Practically apply sports nutrition knowledge to individual athletes participating in any sport or physical activity, including:
a. Food selection and meal planning.
b. The challenges presented by athletes' busy schedules of exercise, competitions, work, school, and other commitments.
4. Many professionals lack practical application skills after graduating from an undergraduate or graduate program in sports nutrition, dietetics, exercise science, or athletic training. Therefore, this book focuses heavily on the practical application of sports nutrition knowledge.
Author Note: Students are encouraged to seek additional opportunities outside the classroom to work with recreational and elite athletes to gain more experience in applying sports nutrition concepts before searching for a job in the "real world." The instructor should provide guidance and suggestions to students regarding local organizations, teams, clubs, and other groups that are willing to work with sports nutrition students.
II. Why study sports nutrition?
A. The demand for sports nutrition is on the rise since it has recently emerged as a recognized specialty area within the field of nutrition.
B. Athletes who want to make dietary changes are seeking out professionals who are experts in sports nutrition and experienced in developing individualized plans.
C. Refer to the last chapter of this text for information regarding the traditional pathway to becoming an expert in sports nutrition.
III. What are the basic nutrients?
A. Foods and beverages are composed of six nutrients:
1. Macronutrients (body's need is large)
a. Carbohydrates
b. Proteins
c. Fats
2. Micronutrients (body's need is small)
a. Vitamins
b. Minerals
3. Water
B. All six are considered essential:
1. The body requires these nutrients to function properly.
2. The body is unable to manufacture them endogenously to meet daily needs.
3. These nutrients must be obtained from the diet.
C. These six nutrients have several functions:
1. Provide energy
2. Play vital roles in energy production
3. Contribute to the growth and development of tissues
4. Regulate body processes
5. Prevent deficiency and degenerative diseases
IV. How does the body produce energy?
A. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are known as energy nutrients.