ATHLETE AND NUTRITION

You work hard to develop your specific sport skills. You would not be a member of a
Vanderbilt athletic team if you were not exceptional at your sport. You also spend time
developing strength and cardiovascular conditioning. If you skipped your workouts and practice
sessions, you would not stay a member of your team for very long. Nutrition is another part of
your training. If you don’t work at healthy eating, you are missing an opportunity to enhance and
improve your performance. Do athletes need to follow a special diet? No, but they need to follow
the basic guidelines for healthy eating with more discipline compared to a non-athlete. Proper
nourishment everyday will provide adequate energy (carbohydrate and fat), protein, vitamins,
minerals, and water; all of which are essential for good health and athletic performance.