Nutrition vital to athletic performance
You have probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” which highlights the importance of nutrition in our everyday lives. However, to athletes there may be an even more accurate and important saying, “Your performance is what you eat.”
The field of sports nutrition and dietetics is a rapidly growing and changing field. As athletes and teams look for every competitive advantage they can find, they have turned to experts in the field of dietetics to craft nutritional plans that are best suited to the individual athlete as well as the unique sport or activity.
Ironman triathlon competitions are one of the most extreme examples of the importance of proper nutrition for performance. According to the book, “Endurance Sports Nutrition,” by Suzanne Girard Ebere, Ironman competitors will burn approximately 8,000 to 10,000 calories or more during each race. With such a massive caloric need, athletes can spend a considerable amount of time determining the best foods to fuel their bodies during competition.
Ellie Salthouse is a professional Ironman triathlete from Brisbane, Australia. She recently finished second at Ironman 70.3 in Coeur d’Alene
“Nutrition plays a huge role in 70.3 racing, as well as my training. During the race, I manage my calorie intake through the consumption of gels, electrolyte drinks, and Coca Cola. Continuously fueling my body ensures that I don’t experience any dips in energy levels,” she said.
Salthouse doesn’t leave her nutrition to chance either.
“I have a dietician I work closely with, and he monitors my calorie intake at every stage and intensity of my training and matches my diet accordingly to cater to the demands,” added Salthouse.
“Nutrition is so important to provide increased energy, improved body composition, to optimize performance and really maintain health for the long term of training,” said Dr. SeAnne Safaii, an Associate Professor in Foods and Nutrition at the University of Idaho.
“Also, if the health and energy benefits related to good nutritional practices are not enough, in so many cases, diet makes the difference between winning and losing races,” she added.
In addition to spending much of her life focused on athletic performance, Salthouse is also pursuing a college degree in nutrition and dietetics.
“I have been told multiple different opinions about nutrition throughout my years as an athlete, so I really just wanted to know the facts for myself,” she said. “Eventually I want to be able to help other athletes who are in my situation and be able to give them facts and strategies that will work in their favor,” said Salthouse.
Fortunately for those athletes and non-athletes alike who are interested in nutrition and dietetics, the University of Idaho offers bachelor’s degree programs in these fields locally at the Coeur d’Alene center campus. According to Dr. Samantha Ramsay, a University of Idaho Associate Professor of Foods and Nutrition, students can choose two different paths, one degree program is in nutrition and the other is in dietetics.
“Choosing the nutrition option is best for those individuals who do not intend to practice or provide nutrition services to individuals, rather they are looking to pair it with another health field, like dentistry or pre-medicine. For people who want to provide one-on-one services and prepare diet plans, they should pursue dietetics and earn a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential” said Ramsay.
Several recent University of Idaho graduates have taken significant positions in sports nutrition throughout the country. Andrea Vanderwoude a 2013 graduate of the program is now the sports nutritionist for the University of Southern California athletics programs, and Kate Imthurn holds the same position at St. Louis University.
For those individuals considering a career in sports nutrition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that positions in the field are expected to grow by 20 percent over the next decade.
Although not everyone will be able to pursue a career in professional athletics, everyone can value and practice the importance of good nutrition. For those who have a particular interest in nutrition and dietetics, Coeur d’Alene is fortunate to have a program that will help prepare future nutritionists and dieticians.
To learn more about the Nutrition and Dietetics programs at the University of Idaho, Coeur d’Alene, please visit www.uidaho.edu/cda or call (208) 667-2588.
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Paul Amador, Ph.D., is the Director of Program Development at the University of Idaho, Coeur d’Alene.