Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Submission Date

9-8-2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Nutrition Science (MS)

First Mentor

Steven Orris, Ed.D., MSCC, CSCS, CISSN

Keywords

sports nutrition, coaches, college athletics

Abstract

This manual serves as general nutrition information for the coaches at Nova Southeastern University. It is to be used in tandem with the Nutrition Manual for NSU Student Athletes. Sports nutrition is a rapidly growing field, but easily accessible, consistent, research-backed information is scarce. It is well-known that optimal nutrition can enhance physical performance and recovery. Athletes lack knowledge of nutrition, healthy food choices and how to build a well-balanced diet, which can impact an athlete's performance. Nutrition education was shown to increase the sports nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores, as well as enhance the intake of macronutrients and total energy. Along with athletes, coaches also have insufficient nutrition knowledge. The coach may provide their athletes with meals and snacks. Optimal performance is desired, and the food provided to the athletes can help or hinder their performance. During away trips, the coach is responsible for most of the food and athletes consume. Nutrition requirements are altered due to travel and should be compensated for optimizing recovery and performance. The coaches should provide the most conducive environment for high-level performance, which includes giving their athletes proper fuel. As with athletes, nutrition education for coaches would be beneficial in increasing nutrition knowledge. The growing research on sports nutrition is confirming its benefits on performance and recovery. College athletes are immersed in the world of their sport and elite level performance is demanded. Nutrition can be the edge an athlete needs; however, there is a lack of nutrition education for student athletes and their coaches. It has been shown that nutrition education increases nutrition knowledge and many studies showed nutrition education improved eating habits. This manual supports coaches the opportunity to increase their nutrition knowledge to better cater to the nutritional needs of their athletes.

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