FEATURE: NUTRITIONAL PREPARATION NUTRITION AT GAMES THE work with the athlete to shape this into ayears between games, creating a need to nutrition plan which will meet the needsmake information on food composition of the athlete, help them reach their more available in food service so athletes goals, and continue to refine nutritioncan make informed choices around choices as the event draws closer. what they eat. There has always been transparency of the most common These days, having a better allergens like dairy, nuts, gluten and understanding and greater access to seafood. Current food trends may this healthy and diverse food has meant foodyear see the rise of athletes asking is more than just macronutrients. For more for low FODMAP foods, reduced many athletes, their dietary preferencesnightshades, vegan, fermented food, and food choices have become their raw food and organic foods to be made belief system and part of their available. competition preparation. This may involve adding some super food ingredients or Most of the Australian sporting teams eliminating foods— even entire food participating in these upcoming groups— for nutritional, ethical or culturalCommonwealth Games have a sports reasons, or perceived performance dietitian integrated into their sport benefits. Whether clinically or anecdotallyprogram to help prepare and develop influenced, this shift may have an impactnutrition plans which may include this on how the athlete feels and manages level of detail. body composition, which may in turn, influence overall performance. In the lead up to the Games, athletes will work on their nutrition plan with This heightened awareness for special their dietitian to ensure the food they diets has become more prominent in theare eating is supporting their energy demands and phase and timing of training. This includes reviewing and The value and impact monitoring the success of the plan of a dietitian is also through reaching performance and physical goals. growing and evolving This year, in addition to the existing from providing general nutrition services involved with catering nutrition information, and in the dining hall, I have been fortunate enough to be appointed as the to specific and Australian team Dietitian. My role will individualised involve addressing the specific nutrition needs of the team and helping them nutritional advice. with the implementation of their event nutrition plans. Having a dietitian present at competition is important to help athletes navigate any external factors like differing climate conditions, pre- competition anxiety or late changes to Thinkstock/marina_ua 22 VOLUME 36 • APRIL ISSUE 2018