ABSTRACT
The goal of this chapter is to “bring to life” the research and recommendations using the recently published dietary reference intakes (Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids) and other professional references by the authors Austin and Seebohar (2011). Eight different “athletes” are outlined, and a much more detailed look is provided into how an athlete or coach can take the many different recommendations and apply them to an eating schedule that not only meets nutrient timing guidelines but also has enough practicality that it can reasonably be implemented. There is a blend of both quantitative and qualitative nutrition implementation strategies among the case studies. One approach is not particularly favored over the other. However, the use of each method will depend largely on the athlete. For example, an athlete’s nutrition goals may not support a more advanced, quantitative approach if the athlete is less experienced with using performance nutrition principles. Age will sometimes contribute, but usually it is the knowledge level of the athlete that helps to determine if a quantitative or qualitative approach should be used. Athletes who have a better understanding of the impact nutrition has on their bodies may nd quantitative nutrient timing strategies more applicable for their specic performance goals. In addition, an athlete’s readiness to change should be evaluated prior to placing quantitative nutrition goals on them. If an athlete is not ready to make a nutritional change that has a positive impact on his or her performance, using quantitative nutrition strategies will not help because the athlete simply may not be ready for numbers. Athletes who fall into this category can begin their performance nutrition journey by using the qualitative nutrition guidelines with progressive movement toward quantitative nutrition recommendations when the time is right and their goals support their use.
