By Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD, Oct 2024 — The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the premier organization for food and nutrition professionals in the United States, gathered in Minneapolis for their annual convention in October 2024. Members shared cutting-edge research findings and insightful updates tailored for sports-active individuals. Below is a selection of some of the most pressing topics discussed:
Teenagers aged 14-18 in the United States currently hold the alarming distinction of having the lowest Healthy Eating Index Score, scoring a mere 49 out of 100. This dismal rating is largely attributed to their excessive consumption of sugary beverages and sweet baked goods. As a healthier alternative, we should encourage these young athletes to hydrate with water, enjoy peanut butter on bagels, and opt for nutritious bean burritos—simple, budget-friendly foods that are far better for their athletic performance.
A balanced combination of protein and carbohydrates is essential for optimal recovery following endurance rides. Research indicates that many athletes are consuming excessive amounts of protein, raising both environmental concerns and health-related issues. Interestingly, insects have emerged as a viable, sustainable protein source. Despite the initial aversion many may feel toward the idea of eating bugs—often dismissed as “disgusting”—the most appealing form is powdered insect protein, or flour. Will athletes eventually adopt insect-based protein products as a standard part of their diets? As trends evolve, only time will tell.
A concerning trend among female athletes, including those competing at the Division-1 level in soccer, shows a consistent underconsumption of carbohydrates. Analyzing food intake records from a sample of 12 players revealed that, while they typically met recommended levels for fats and protein, the majority—10 out of the 12—failed to consume the advised 2.5 to 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight each day. For instance, a 120-pound player should aim for a minimum of 1,200 to 2,150 calories daily from carbohydrate-rich foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables. By incorporating more quality carbohydrates into their diets, athletes could significantly enhance their performance levels!
The body’s reaction to sugary foods differs significantly between those who are sedentary and those who maintain a regular fitness routine. Engaging in exercise elevates muscle cells’ ability to efficiently absorb glucose, effectively mitigating the “sugar spikes” that can occur after indulging in sugary foods. Thus, taking a post-treat stroll could be a beneficial practice for blood sugar regulation.
Complaints regarding gastrointestinal discomfort and digestive distress are common among athletes. Various factors—including academic pressures, job-related stress, and the rigors of athletic competition—can trigger gut issues, alongside disordered eating patterns, anxiety, and depression. Seeking guidance from a qualified sports dietitian (RD CSSD) can be instrumental in alleviating—or potentially resolving—these digestive concerns.
For athletes grappling with gut problems, the incorporation of digestive enzymes—such as FODZYME, Bean-O, and LactAid Pills—may offer substantial relief. A study involving 96 participants, with an average age of 57, reported that over half experienced positive outcomes after utilizing these supplements. Participants noted a significant reduction in symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and nausea, accompanied by improved mental health and overall quality of life.
Athletes facing food allergies, sensitivities, or autoimmune diseases that restrict their dietary choices often encounter significant challenges, particularly in the collegiate environment. Many express frustration, discomfort, and feelings of isolation when dining hall staff cannot confidently address their dietary needs. This lack of support can compromise their overall college experience, as they might miss out on social events featuring free food. Oftentimes, these students must prepare and carry their own meals throughout the day, limiting their dining options when eating out. Anxiety related to potential illness after consuming cafeteria food may lead to class absences, medical appointments, and difficulty catching up on coursework. It is crucial to provide necessary support for athletes with dietary restrictions to ensure they can meet their nutritional needs and maintain emotional well-being.
Social media platforms like TikTok can unwittingly propagate disordered eating attitudes and behaviors—it’s a slippery slope that athletes need to avoid! Negative comments made by parents about their own bodies can also unknowingly trigger eating disorders in their children. Such thoughts should be kept private to prevent damaging effects!
A study involving 70 female participants revealed a concerning disconnect between actual and perceived levels of body fatness. The prevalence of distorted body images—where individuals hold unrealistic views of themselves—often leads to restrictive dieting behaviors and the development of cycle-like eating patterns, such as starving followed by binging. Athletes should recognize that a certain amount of body fat is not only normal but essential for maintaining overall health!
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) is a syndrome resulting from chronic underconsumption of food, leading to a deficit in energy that negatively affects both health and athletic performance. Athletes impacted by REDs face an increased vulnerability to eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Education surrounding REDs is essential for coaches, health professionals, and athletes alike, particularly in sports environments where symptoms are frequently observed. If involved with a team, consider organizing a REDs workshop in collaboration with a local sports dietitian to raise awareness.
The societal pressures faced by female athletes often reinforce the belief that they must maintain a feminine appearance and achieve an ideal body standard. This pervasive weight bias can manifest in various negative ways, including:
- carrying out negative remarks about weight or physical appearance,
- subjecting athletes to pressure to conform to certain body ideals,
- treating them unequally compared to their leaner peers.
A survey revealed that nearly half of normal-weight female athletes reported experiencing some form of weight discrimination. It is imperative to shift this narrative from striving to be lighter and leaner to celebrating being strong and powerful.
Many athletes suffering from eating disorders or disordered eating may grapple with feelings of shame and fear surrounding the stigma associated with their condition. This fear can significantly hinder their willingness to seek the help they need, ultimately prolonging their recovery. For those who have successfully navigated similar challenges, sharing your recovery journey openly can have a profound impact on others still struggling. Your story has the potential to inspire and make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
Monitoring hydration is essential; a light-colored morning urine indicates adequate fluid intake. However, athletes often fear that drinking water before exercising will cause their stomachs to appear bloated in tight-fitting uniforms. This concern is unfounded!
Despite the universal need for sports nutrition education among student-athletes, many miss out on these vital resources due to funding shortages. One innovative school addressed this issue by collaborating with nutrition graduate students, who assisted student-athletes in identifying pertinent topics of interest. The winning subjects ranged from basic nutrition principles to game-day fueling strategies and meal planning. These students devised a weekly class that met before school—a suggestion from the athletes themselves—over a four-week period. As a result, 35 athletes gained valuable nutritional knowledge, while graduate students appreciated the practical teaching experience. This model could potentially be implemented in your community or sports team!
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**Interview with Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD — Highlights from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Convention**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Nancy. You recently attended the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics convention in Minneapolis. Can you share some of the key issues discussed regarding adolescent athletes?
**Nancy Clark:** Absolutely! One of the most alarming findings is that teenagers aged 14-18 in the U.S. have the lowest Healthy Eating Index Score, only scoring 49 out of 100. This poor nutrition is largely due to high consumption of sugary drinks and sweets. We emphasized promoting healthier options, like water hydration, peanut butter on bagels, and bean burritos, which not only are nutritious but also budget-friendly.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite alarming. What about the dietary habits of athletes at the collegiate level? Were there any trends that stood out?
**Nancy Clark:** Yes, there’s a concerning trend among female collegiate athletes, especially in soccer. Many are not meeting their carbohydrate needs, which is crucial for their performance. Despite getting enough fats and protein, most of these athletes aren’t consuming the recommended 2.5 to 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight. It’s important we address this to enhance their athletic potential.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned during your convention that sustainable protein sources, like insects, are becoming relevant. Can you elaborate on that?
**Nancy Clark:** Certainly! Many athletes consume excessive amounts of protein, raising health and environmental concerns. Insects, specifically powdered insect protein, have emerged as a sustainable alternative. While there may be some initial reluctance to consume bugs, this could change as athletes look for efficient energy sources. Over time, we might see them more regularly included in diets.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! Additionally, gastrointestinal issues were highlighted as common among athletes. What strategies did you discuss to combat these problems?
**Nancy Clark:** Yes, gastrointestinal discomfort can be quite prevalent due to various stressors and disordered eating. We recommend athletes seek guidance from sports dietitians for personalized advice. Moreover, digestive enzymes like FODZYME and Bean-O can alleviate gut issues. In a recent study, a significant number of participants reported improvement in their symptoms after using these supplements.
**Interviewer:** You also touched on food allergies and sensitivities faced by athletes. What challenges do they encounter in collegiate environments?
**Nancy Clark:** Athletes with food allergies or sensitivities often feel isolated, especially when dining hall staff can’t adequately cater to their needs. This can lead to missing out on social opportunities and even impact their academic performance due to anxiety about food safety. It’s essential to create supportive environments for these athletes to ensure their nutritional and emotional well-being.
**Interviewer:** the influence of social media and body image perceptions is a significant topic. What do you see as the main issues here?
**Nancy Clark:** Social media platforms can perpetuate disordered eating habits, and negative comments about body image can inadvertently affect younger athletes. Many athletes have unrealistic perceptions of their body fat, leading to restrictive eating habits. Education around these issues is crucial, along with promoting the idea that a healthy body fat level is normal and essential for overall well-being.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nancy, for sharing these insightful discussions from the convention. It sounds like there’s urgent work to be done in nutrition for athletes!
**Nancy Clark:** Thank you! Absolutely, raising awareness and providing support in these areas can greatly improve the health and performance of athletes at all levels.
