Reference no: EM133387027

Lucas, a Cross-Country Runner

As in previous chapters, a 1-day dietary intake of Lucas, a collegiate cross-country runner, is analyzed. Recall that the appropriate amount of dietary fat for an athlete depends on two factors-overall energy (caloric) need and macronutrient balance. Lucas's need for energy is approximately 3,400 kcal (~54 kcal/kg) daily. Because of the demands of his training (running 75 to 80 miles per week), his daily goal for carbohydrate is 8 g/kg. His daily protein goal is 1.5 g/kg. It is in this context that his fat intake should be evaluated. An analysis of the one-day diet that Lucas consumed is shown in Figure 6.20.

According to the dietary analysis, Lucas consumed approximately 3,418 kcal, 512 g of carbohydrate (8 g/kg), and 132 g of protein (2 g/kg). His fat intake was 102 g or 1.6 g/kg (~27 percent of total energy intake). He met his goals for energy and carbohydrate intake. Lucas exceeded his goal for protein intake, but his intake was within the guidelines for long distance endurance athletes in a high-volume training period. Because of the higher protein intake, he consumed a bit less fat than his original goal. His fat intake allowed him to achieve macronutrient and energy balance. From a performance perspective, Lucas's fat intake was appropriate. An evaluation of Lucas's diet from a health perspective is included in Chapter 13.

It should be pointed out that Lucas included a number of nonfat and low-fat foods in his diet. For example, the smoothie that he had for breakfast was made from nonfat milk and low-fat yogurt. The lunchtime burritos were made from black beans with no added fat, and he added fat-free sour cream. For dinner, he drank nonfat milk and chose roasted turkey without the skin for his sandwich. Because Lucas began running cross country in high school, he had already made adjustments to his diet. Had he eaten full-fat versions of these foods, he would have exceeded his fat and energy goals.

shows the diet of Lucas's alter ego, Samuel. Samuel's intake reflects a typical American diet pattern, which is high in fat and calories. It does not meet the goals of an endurance athlete in training.

1. Collegiate athletes face significant scheduling challenges imposed by the demands of their sport and academic pursuits. How do these scheduling demands affect the nutrition plan for Lucas? Suggest strategies for addressing these nutrition planning issues.

2. The total amount of fat consumed by Lucas is within the recommended guidelines, but the dietary analysis does not give any information about the types of fats consumed. What are recommendations you would make to this athlete as to the sources and type of fats in his diet (refer to Table 4.13 for a description of foods consumed)?

3. Discuss the potential benefits and disadvantages of a "keto" or Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat diet for this athlete.