There has been an increased interest for professional support in collegiate athletics. A recent study showed that most college level athletes do not have adequate knowledge of macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients in a diet expected to serve their performance needs. As the article asserts, the lack of knowledge and support "...is accompanied by impaired athletic performance, fatigue, basal metabolic rate, mood, and higher visceral fat deposition as well as increased risk for dehydration, injury, and illness..."

Dietitians have a unique opportunity to serve the athletic community. And, habits begin at a young age. Notions of diet and performance require athletes, parents, coaches and other professionals (at the middle school, high school and college levels) to come together in a way that supports healthy eating habits and performance goals.

This presentation is your opportunity to make the pitch!

Objectives:

1. Describe the basic body changes of growing athletes
2. Identify core nutrition requirements
3. Share the basics of forming healthy habits for athletes
4 Describe how professional services and education tools can help coaches, parents and athletes