Impact of Diet Modification on the Nutritional Profile and Sports Performance of Adolescent Athletes

Abstract

'You are what you eat' and 'eat to win' are popular statements in the athletic world and influence today's sporting population greatly. Proper diet choices are crucial to top-notch their performance contributing to endurance and helping speedy repair of injured tissues. For competitive athletes, the diet must provide the optimal mix of nutrients to fuel their special needs. As the only source of energy, food might hopefully encourage improved efficiency and increase stamina if judiciously selected. Today's athletes involved in many sports activities have developed the habit of restricting energy intake to maintain a low body weight. Energy needs of adolescents vary greatly, depending on the current rate of growth, body size and physical activity. Too low energy intake and unbalanced dietary composition not only interferes with proper body development and health, but also with training and physical performance.