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Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
Sustainable Diets for Athletes
Nanna L Meyer1, Alba Reguant-Closa2, Thomas Nemecek3
1Johnson E. Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918, USA. nmeyer2@uccs.edu.
Purpose Of Review:
Sustainable production and healthy consumption have been the topic of recent publications. Due to the high environmental impact of the current food system, significant changes in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed are needed in all sectors and groups. While most research in sustainable diets has focused on the general population, limited work has involved athletes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on food and sustainability in athletes.
Recent Findings:
Meeting but not exceeding protein requirements through flexitarian and plant-based approaches, reducing packaged foods and food waste, and prioritizing seasonal produce were identified as possible mitigation options in athletes. There is urgency for more research on plant-centric, whole food-based strategies for post-exercise skeletal muscle and training adaptation, the effect of sustainable diets on health and performance, and behaviors to reduce packaging and food waste in athletes.
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