Nutrition
The Underutilisation of Sports Nutrition
By Candice De Mendonca
Sports nutrition plays a pivotal role in optimising athletic performance and overall wellbeing , but it remains significantly underutilised in today ’ s world .
In my experience as an exercise specialist over the last 16 years and sports nutritionist over the last seven years , I have found that sports nutrition is an often-neglected field , or component of people ’ s fitness programmes . I ’ ve also found that there are a number of multifaceted reasons and contributing factors as to why this is the case , and at the same time seen the potential benefits of integrating it into our daily lives .
1 . Misconceptions One of the primary reasons for the underutilisation of sports nutrition is the prevalence of misconceptions surrounding it . Many people perceive sports nutrition as a discipline exclusively reserved for professional athletes or bodybuilders , and this leads to the belief that it has no relevance to the average person ’ s life . In reality , sports nutrition principles can benefit people of all fitness levels and ages .
2 . Lack of Education and Awareness Nutrition education in schools often focuses on general dietary guidelines , but neglects to teach the specifics of sports nutrition . As a result , individuals are left unaware of how proper nutrition can significantly enhance their physical performance , recovery , and overall health . It frustrates me that grassroot education around nutrition is “ A ” is for apple and “ B ” is for banana .
3 . Over-reliance on Supplements In our fast-paced world , people tend to seek quick fixes and shortcuts , often turning to supplements as a substitute for a well-balanced diet . While supplements can be valuable in certain situations , they should complement a nutritious diet , not replace it . Over-reliance on supplements can lead to an inadequate intake of essential nutrients from whole foods , ultimately compromising overall health and performance .
4 . Misguiding Marketing The influence of marketing and the supplement industry cannot be underestimated when discussing the underuse of sports nutrition . Companies often promote their products with exaggerated claims , promising miraculous results without the need for proper dietary choices . This marketing strategy not only misguides consumers , but also perpetuates the belief that sports nutrition is synonymous with supplementation rather than a balanced diet .
5 . Cultural and Social Factors In many societies , traditional diets and eating habits may not align with the principles of sports nutrition . People may be reluctant to adopt new dietary practices , fearing that they will deviate from their cultural norms , leading to them becoming socially isolated . This can hinder the widespread adoption of sports nutrition principles and benefits .
6 . Complexity and Confusion The world of sports nutrition can appear complex and confusing to those unfamiliar with its principles . Terms like macronutrients , micronutrients and nutrient timing can be intimidating , even overwhelming , and this complexity can discourage people from exploring sports nutrition , as they may perceive it as too difficult to understand , or to implement in their lives .
7 . Perceived Cost Another barrier to the adoption of sports nutrition is the perceived cost associated with it . Many believe that eating healthily , especially when focused on performance , is expensive . While it ’ s true that some specialised sports foods and supplements can be costly , a balanced sports nutrition plan can be achieved within a reasonable budget by prioritising whole , minimally processed foods .
8 . Lack of Personalisation One-size-fits-all approaches to sports nutrition can deter individuals from seeking guidance in this area . People may believe that they don ’ t need a customised plan , which can be perceived as expensive and inaccessible . However , sports nutrition can be personalised to meet individual needs and goals .
9 . Limited Access to Experts Access to sports nutrition experts and dietitians can be limited in some regions , making it challenging for people to seek personalised guidance . This lack of access to professionals who can provide accurate information and support hinders the widespread adoption of sports nutrition principles , and a lot of “ bro-science ” reliance .
10 . Inertia and Resistance to Change Lastly , human nature tends to resist change . People may be comfortable with their current dietary habits , and reluctant to make adjustments , even if it means improving their performance and wellbeing . Overcoming this inertia and embracing new nutrition practices can be a significant hurdle .
In conclusion , sports nutrition is a valuable tool that can enhance physical performance , aid in recovery , and improve overall health , but its underuse in our world today can be attributed to various reasons . To fully realise the potential benefits of sports nutrition , it ’ s crucial to dispel these myths , promote education and awareness , and encourage individuals to embrace a balanced and personalised approach to nutrition that supports their athletic goals and wellbeing .
Candice De Mendonca is a personal trainer and sports nutritionist from Johannesburg . At school she earned SA colours for cross country as well as provincial colours for athletics , hockey and swimming , then completed a degree in sports development , qualified as a personal trainer and sports masseuse , and went on to study sports nutrition as well . Today she has her own meal prep brand called GI Jane ( low-GI food , hence the name ).
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