Course Outline: Diploma/BSc/PGDC in Sports Nutrition.
Course Outline: Diploma/BSc/PGDC in Sports Nutrition
Topic 1: Introduction to Sports Nutrition
Fundamentals of Nutrition and Sports History and Evolution of Sports Nutrition
Basic Nutritional Needs for Athletes
Importance of Nutrition in Athletic Performance
Roles of Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Energy Balance: Calories in Sports and Exercise
Topic 2: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Nutrition
Basics of Digestive Physiology in Athletes
Muscle Metabolism and Nutrient Utilization
Circulatory and Cardiovascular Systems in Exercise
Energy Pathways: ATP-PC, Glycolytic, and Oxidative Systems
Nutrient Transport and Absorption in Athletes Hormonal Impact on Metabolism and Performance
Topic 3: Macronutrients in Sports Nutrition
Carbohydrates Types: Simple vs. Complex Carbs
Carbohydrate Loading for Endurance Athletes
Glycogen Replenishment and Post-Workout Recovery
Sources of Carbohydrates and Meal Planning
Proteins Role in Muscle Repair and Recovery Protein Requirements for Strength vs. Endurance Athletes Amino Acids: Essential vs. Non-Essential
High-Quality Protein Sources: Animal vs. Plant-Based
Fats Role of Fats in Energy and Hormonal Balance Healthy Fats: Omega-3, Omega-6, and Monounsaturated Fats Fat Utilization in Aerobic Activities
Dietary Fats and Performance: Sources and Benefits
Topic 4: Hydration and Electrolytes
Importance of Hydration for Athletes Fluid Balance and Hydration Needs During Exercise
Role of Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium)
Hydration Strategies: Pre-Workout, During, and Post-Workout
Dehydration, Heat Stress, and Performance Decline
Sports Drinks vs. Water: When and How to Use Them
Topic 5: Vitamins and Minerals for Athletes
Role of Micronutrients in Sports Performance
Calcium, Vitamin D, and Bone Health Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc: Importance in Muscle Function Antioxidants: Vitamin C, E, and Their Role in Recovery B-Vitamins for Energy Metabolism
Whole Food vs. Supplements: Sources of Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Topic 6: Energy Metabolism and Exercise
Overview of Energy Systems in Athletes Role of Carbs, Fats, and Proteins in Energy Production
ATP Production and Energy Pathways During Exercise Fueling Strategies for Different Types of Sports (Endurance, Strength, Sprint) Metabolic Adaptations to Training: Improving Efficiency Measuring Energy Expenditure: Resting vs. Exercise Metabolism
Topic 7: Meal Planning for Athletes
Creating a Sports-Specific Meal Plan
Pre-Competition Nutrition: Timing, Composition, and Portioning
Post-Workout Nutrition for Recovery Nutrition for Different Types of Athletes: Endurance, Power, and Team Sports Meal Timing and Frequency for Optimal Performance
Incorporating Whole Foods and Supplements in Meal Plans
Topic 8: Sports Supplements
Introduction to Supplements in Sports Nutrition
Common Supplements: Protein Powders, BCAAs, Creatine, Beta-Alanine Ergogenic Aids: Caffeine, Nitric Oxide Boosters, and Energy Drinks Benefits, Dosage, and Safety Considerations Regulations, Banned Substances, and Anti-Doping Guidelines Scientific Evidence Behind Popular Supplements
Supplement Timings: Pre-Workout, Post-Workout, and Recovery
Topic 9: Special Populations in Sports Nutrition
Youth Athletes Nutritional Needs for Growing Athletes Balancing Performance and Development Managing Overtraining and Energy Deficiency in Young Athletes
Female Athletes Understanding Female-Specific Nutritional Needs Menstrual Cycle and Performance Considerations Preventing Iron Deficiency and Bone Health Issues
Veteran Athletes Adapting Nutrition for Aging Athletes Preserving Muscle Mass and Strength Addressing Decline in Metabolism and Energy Levels
Vegetarian and Vegan Athletes
Meeting Protein and Vitamin Needs on Plant-Based Diets Planning Balanced, High-Performance Vegan Meals Addressing Potential Deficiencies (B12, Iron, Calcium)
Topic 10: Nutritional Strategies for Injury Prevention and Recovery
Role of Nutrition in Injury Prevention Healing and Recovery: Protein and Micronutrient Needs Anti-Inflammatory Diets for Recovery Nutritional Support for Rehabilitation and Muscle Repair Managing Weight and Lean Mass During Injury Layoffs
Topic 11: Body Composition and Weight Management for Athletes
Understanding Body Composition (Fat Mass, Lean Mass)
Optimizing Body Fat Percentage for Performance Strategies for Weight Gain: Lean Muscle Mass Focus Weight Cutting and Maintenance for Weight-Class Sports Managing Rapid Weight Changes: Risks and Strategies Nutritional Periodization to Support Training Phases
Topic 12: Sports Nutrition and Performance Enhancement
Fueling Strategies for Peak Performance Carb Cycling and Manipulation for Competition High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Nutrition Cognitive Enhancers and Mental Clarity Through Diet Nutrition for Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, and Strength Sports Endurance Sports Nutrition: Marathons, Triathlons, and Ultra-Runs
Topic 13: Sports Nutrition for Extreme Conditions
Fueling for Heat, Cold, and Altitude Training
Hydration Strategies for Extreme Environments Adjusting Nutrition for Long-Duration Endurance Events (Ironman, Ultramarathons) Adapting Diet to Environmental Challenges (Hot/Cold Weather)
Topic 14: Ethics, Research, and Regulations in Sports Nutrition
Ethics in Sports Nutrition: Supplements, Doping, and Fair Play
Conducting Research in Sports Nutrition Regulatory Frameworks for Supplements and Sports Nutrition Products
Interpreting Research and Applying It to Athlete Programs
Topic 15: Career and Practical Training in Sports Nutrition
Practical Application of Sports Nutrition Knowledge Conducting Nutritional Assessments for Athletes Sports Dietitian: Roles and Responsibilities Client Interaction and Meal Plan Customization Career Opportunities in Sports Nutrition Internships and Job Placement in Sports Nutrition
This curriculum covers the essentials of sports nutrition, providing in-depth knowledge on fueling athletes for performance, recovery, injury prevention, and understanding body composition, tailored for various athletic needs and sports categories.
