An Analysis of the Dietary Behaviors of Coastal Carolina University\u27s NCAA Division I Student-Athletes

It is common knowledge that practice is the key to becoming better at something. This theory holds true with almost anything, from tying shoelaces to becoming a professional athlete. Elite athletes say that what has made them reach the top in their sports today is an incredible amount of dedication to repeatedly practicing their skills. As competition in sports becomes fiercer and starts at an increasingly younger age, practicing gains emphasis, but this is not the only aspect of achieving optimal performance that is extremely important. There is another factor that plays into how well one performs that is not nearly as recognized as practice. This factor is nutrition, and it is slowly gaining acknowledgment in the importance of optimal performance. Proper nutrition helps the body maintain, recover, and gain strength and endurance. Eating correctly will help an athlete have more energy, optimally perform longer, and recover faster after a hard workout. Proper nutrition is integral to athletic performance