Most college athletes are deeply committed to their sport, but what about off the field? A college athlete’s extremely busy and routine-oriented schedule can greatly impact their nutrition status and dietary habits, including their use of supplements.
“The biggest single challenge from my experience is time. Between training, school, studies, travel, and actual games, there is very little time to commit to much else – that can include a student-athlete’s diet. Not only teaching our student-athletes understand the vital importance of proper nutrition for performance and recovery but then finding ways to make time and work in what they learn takes real discipline and desire on their part,” explained Rob Masterson, RD, Director of Performance Nutrition, Michigan State University Athletics.
MSU’s tailored approach
Masterson said it’s crucial that he and his team take an individualized approach to nutrition.
“Yes, we do team talks and education but the real learning happens when an athlete takes the time to sit down with us one-on-one. In that setting, we can survey their eating habits, find out their personal food preferences and develop nutrition goals that fit their unique sport/position/body composition, etc.”
When it comes to female athletes, Masterson said there are extra considerations to be taken into account.
“Specific nutrition considerations that we need to take into consideration include meeting overall energy needs from all three macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat), as well as micronutrient intake, particularly calcium, vitamin D, and iron,” said Masterson. “From a nutrition perspective, there could always be more research to help improve our knowledge and subsequent nutrition interventions, but where I think things can, at times, add a layer of complexity for female athletes of all ages is the mixed messages they can often receive when it comes to diet, nutrition, body image, and what it looks like to fuel properly to be healthy, strong athlete.”