Nancy Clark

Nutrition education for elite female runners

In brief: Suboptimal nutrition practices that may limit performance and promote injury prevail even among informed top competitors. A survey of the dietary habits of elite female runners showed that while most do fuel themselves with nutritious foods, others in the group only believe they eat wisely (but actually may have a suboptimal intake), and still others exist on hit-or-miss nutrition habits. The authors review the characteristic eating patterns, nutrition knowledge, and attitudes about body weight and food in this group of athletes, and recommend ways to counteract their performance-limiting habits.

Team management of the female athlete triad. Part 2 : Optimal treatment and prevention tactics

Multidisciplinary management of the female athlete triad (disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis) is optimal, but what exactly does it entail? With the primary care physician as the point person, the healthcare team addresses the underlying causes of disordered eating through such measures as drawing up a contract for returning to play, resolving nutrition issues, exploring psychotherapy options, and, sometimes, prescribing antidepressants. Hormone replacement therapy and conservative or orthopedic intervention for stress fractures may also be required. Communication among the members of the treatment team is crucial, and athletic trainers especially can provide valuable input. Prevention strategies need to involve education of coaches, teachers, trainers, parents, and others who work closely with female athletes.

Team management of the female athlete triad: part 1: what to look for, what to ask.

The female athlete triad of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis affects many active women and girls, especially those in sports that emphasize appearance or leanness. Because of the athletes psychological defense mechanisms and the stigma surrounding disordered eating, physicians may need to ask targeted questions about nutrition habits when assessing a patient who has a stress fracture or amenorrhea, or during preparticipation exams. Carefully worded questions can help. Physical signs and symptoms include unexplained recurrent or stress fracture, dry hair, low body temperature, lanugo, and fatigue. Targeted lab tests to assess nutritional and hormonal status are essential in making a diagnosis that will steer treatment, as are optimal radiologic tests like dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for assessing bone density.

Milk: Destroying the Myths

Milk is fattening. Milk is mucus-forming. Milk is hard to digest. Milk is bad for the heart. Milk is for kids.

Eating before competing.

Many casual exercisers and competitive athletes believe they should avoid food for several hours before they exercise or compete. Others wonder if they should snack, perhaps on an energy bar before a soccer game. And a few are so nervous that even the thought of food is nauseating.

Social drinking and athletes

In brief: A moderate amount of alcohol is unlikely to harm athletic performance as long as it is not ingested close to the time of competition. Some athletes, however, enjoy social drinking before, during, or after exercise. The author specifies the dangers-impaired athletic prowess, dehydration, hypoglycemia-of imbibing at these times and establishes guidelines for the safe and reasonable use of alcohol among athletes who choose to drink. She also challenges the following common misconceptions about alcohol: Beer is beneficial for pregame carbohydrate loading; champagne is harmless for postgame victory celebrations; coffee helps sober up athletes who have had too much to drink.

Chart Notes from a Sports Nutritionist.

In brief: Many sports-active people are not sufficiently aware of the daily nutrients and healthful diet they need to achieve not only top athletic performance but also overall health and well-being. A sports nutritionist/registered dietitian on the sports medicine team can provide clients with reliable nutrition information and respond to their interest in healthful, high-energy eating. The three case reports presented demonstrate how such a professional can contribute as a member of the sports medicine team.

A nutritious new year: resolutions from a to z.

The arrival of every new year prompts many of us to resolve to eat more wisely. These healthful eating tips can help you feel great, perform well, and invest in your well-being for many new years to come.

Food Fight: Calling a Truce With Disordered Eating

DIRECTIONS: Read the story below. Then answer the questions. When Detective Winnie arrived at the scene, everything was in disarray. Tables were overturned, chairs were splintered, broken dishes and food were scattered everywhere. “It looks like there was a fight,” said the restaurant’s proprietor, Mr. Sully. “Heck of a fight, too, from what I can tell.” “Maybe,” said Mr. Winnie. He walked slowly around the floor, looking closely down at the mess. He was deliberating. “Fifteen years I have owned this restaurant,” Mr. Sully said. “Fifteen years I have trusted the same general manager. But it was after hours. Why were so many people here, eating, after hours? It’s like the place was open, when it wasn’t.” “Maybe,” said Mr. Winnie. “And I guess no one even paid their check,” Mr. Sully went on, dismally. Mr. Winnie looked up. “Mr. Sully,” he announced. “This so‐called ‘fight’ is nothing more than a red herring.” Mr. Sully looked at him in confusion. “I suggest you check your safe,” Mr. Winnie went on. I think you have been robbed. And the longer we stand here wondering about this mysterious dinner and ‘fight’, the more time the thief―I suspect your general manager―has to abscond with your hard‐earned money.” “But...how do you know that the fight was a fake?” Mr. Sully demanded. “Because there are no footprints in the food,” Mr. Winnie said, simply. Mr. Sully looked around, flabbergasted. “So there aren’t!” “It’s as if someone tiptoed through here, knocking over tables and breaking chairs, but stepping around the mess carefully, so they wouldn’t get food on their shoes. If this had been a real fight, the food would have all been smeared everywhere!” 1. Which word is a synonym for disarray?

Case Studies in Sports Nutrition.

In brief: With the recent plethora of research indicating that food affects performance, athletes are eager to learn how to eat to win. They recognize that sound nutrition practices are an integral part of their training program. Hence, sports-active people of all ages and athletic abilities are increasingly receptive to professional nutrition advice. This article presents two case reports of athletes who consulted the author for advice regarding diverse problems: One wanted to stabilize her blood sugar and lose weight; the other wished to gain weight. Both wanted to enhance their athletic performance.