Nutrition in a Sports World
Nutrition in a Sports World
Darric Duane Coleman
Kaplan University
Overview of the profession:
Being an elite athlete, every day the body must be properly fueled in order to work the body at its full capacity and play at full potential. Apart from water and oxygen, the needs of the body must be met by the intake of foods. Our bodies need nutrients to remain fit and healthy, which are all found in a normal diet.
Dietetics is a great field and there are so many different paths you can take. A certified sports dietitian helps athletes of all abilities meet the nutritional demands of their sport, in a way that’s right for their personal metabolism and health. In your training there is an in depth study regarding how different foods and beverages are used by the body during stressful physical activity. You should know what the most efficient food fuel sources is for people who regularly engage in athletics. In addition to the type of food and drinks to be consumed, a sports dietitian also helps an athlete decide how much food is needed and the frequency of meals to maintain optimum physical condition. Each athlete requires unique quantities of healthy fats, proteins, and other vitamins and minerals to be effective at their chosen sport.
As a sports nutritionists, you may work on site and/or travel with the athletes to ensure their dietary health and well-being. They must use a combination of their education, observations, and medical tests to determine what diet will be the safest and most beneficial. This knowledge helps to compile the most effective and healthy eating plan for each client.
Education Requirements, including and relevant certificates or credentials:
“The career path to work in nutrition therapy takes less time and is less costly than going to med school, but still opens the doors to many health care-related job opportunities. People with an interest in becoming a registered dietitian study nutrition in college, then take an
Darric Duane Coleman
Kaplan University
Overview of the profession:
Being an elite athlete, every day the body must be properly fueled in order to work the body at its full capacity and play at full potential. Apart from water and oxygen, the needs of the body must be met by the intake of foods. Our bodies need nutrients to remain fit and healthy, which are all found in a normal diet.
Dietetics is a great field and there are so many different paths you can take. A certified sports dietitian helps athletes of all abilities meet the nutritional demands of their sport, in a way that’s right for their personal metabolism and health. In your training there is an in depth study regarding how different foods and beverages are used by the body during stressful physical activity. You should know what the most efficient food fuel sources is for people who regularly engage in athletics. In addition to the type of food and drinks to be consumed, a sports dietitian also helps an athlete decide how much food is needed and the frequency of meals to maintain optimum physical condition. Each athlete requires unique quantities of healthy fats, proteins, and other vitamins and minerals to be effective at their chosen sport.
As a sports nutritionists, you may work on site and/or travel with the athletes to ensure their dietary health and well-being. They must use a combination of their education, observations, and medical tests to determine what diet will be the safest and most beneficial. This knowledge helps to compile the most effective and healthy eating plan for each client.
Education Requirements, including and relevant certificates or credentials:
“The career path to work in nutrition therapy takes less time and is less costly than going to med school, but still opens the doors to many health care-related job opportunities. People with an interest in becoming a registered dietitian study nutrition in college, then take an
References: Coleman-Kelly, P. R. (2013). Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD). Retrieved from http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/become-registered-dietitian Milano, S. (2013, May 24). Registered dietitians tackle health problems through nutrition. Retrieved from Chicago Tribune News: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-24/classified/chi-dietitian-career-20130524_1_dietitians-dietetics-nutrition Sports Dietetics Certification. (2013, July 12). Retrieved from SPORTS, CARDIOVASCULAR AND WELLNESS NUTRITION: http://www.scandpg.org/sports-nutrition/be-a-board-certified-sports-dietitian-cssd/