Habitual and competitive dietary practices of triathletes competing in a half-ironman triathlon

The purpose of this research study is to examine the habitual and competitive dietary practices of triathletes competing in a half-ironman triathlon. Data was collected from 123 male and female triathletes who participated in the 2001 Muncie Endurathon held in Muncie, Indiana. Habitual and competitive dietary patterns and eating habits were assessed via a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Competitive dietary practices were evaluated using a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. The results of this study indicated that both energy and carbohydrate intakes of male and female triathletes were well below recommended levels. The male triathletes energy intake was on average 2,165 ± 919 kcal/d and females consuming significantly lower with 1,743 ± 1002 kcal/d. Carbohydrate intakes were similar between the male and female triathletes in both grams per kg (4.5 ± 144 g/kg/d vs. 5.2 ± 188 g/kg/d, respectively) grams per day (352 ± 144 vs. 306 ± 188 g/d, respectively), and percentage of energy (65% vs 70%, respectively). The triathletes were only slightly better in following carbohydrate recommendations before, during, and after exercise. The results also indicated that over half (66%) of the triathletes reported obtaining their nutrition information from magazines, while only (9%) of the participants used a registered dietitian for nutritional advice or consultation. This study has shown that triathletes in general do not meet all the recommendations set for endurance athletes. Triathletes can improve their overall performance by educating themselves on the importance of nutrition and by following the recommended guidelines set for endurance athletes.Department of Family and Consumer SciencesThesis (M.S.