Unit 6   Sports Nutrition I

Task 1 Discuss

1.       How does greater physical activity contribute to better overall fitness? Explain the
process.

2.       What do you know about the relationship between nutrition and performance?

Task 2    Nutrition and Fitness: Summary

Complete the text with appropriate verbs from the list. There is one verb you do not need to use.
Change the form of the verb if necessary.

meet     break down     increase      replace      consume     include     restore   recommend
transform       fuel         form

1.       A gradual increase in regular physical activity is ___________ for all healthy persons. A
minimum plan _______ 30 minutes of physical activity on most (or all) days; 60 minutes a day
provides even more benefit, especially if weight control is an issue. An intense program lasting
about 60 to 90 minutes should begin with warm-up exercises to _______ blood flow and warm the
muscles and end with cooldown exercises. Regular resistance activities and stretching add further
benefits.

2.       Human metabolic pathways extract chemical energy from food and _______ it into ATP, the
compound that provides energy for body functions.

3.       In carbohydrate fuel use, glucose is __________ into the three-carbon compound pyruvic
acid, yielding some ATP. This is metabolised further via the aerobic pathway to _______ carbon
dioxide (CO2) and water or via the anaerobic pathway to form lactic acid.

4.       Anyone who exercises regularly should consume a diet that ___ calorie needs and is
moderate to high in carbohydrates and fluid and adequate in other nutrients such as iron and
calcium.

5.       Athletes should consume enough fluid to both minimise loss of body weight and ultimately
__________ pre-exercise weight. Sports-drinks help _______ fluid, electrolytes, and carbohydrates
lost during workouts. Their use is essentially appropriate when continuous activity lasts beyond
60minutes.

6.       Plenty of carbohydrates should be in pre-event meal, especially for endurance athletes.
High-glycemic-load carbohydrates should be _______ by an athlete within 2 hours after a workout to
begin restoration of muscle glycogen stores. Some protein in the meal is also helpful.

Task 3   Passive Voice


Find examples of passive voice in the summary above. Then rewrite the sentences below into passive
voice.

1.       The athlete consults a nutritionist. The nutritionist …………

2.       The athlete is consulting a nutritionist. The nutritionist ………..

3.       The athlete consulted a nutritionist. The nutritionist …………..

4.       The athlete has consulted a nutritionist. The nutritionist ……….

5.       The athlete should consult a nutritionist. The nutritionist ………




Task 4   Listening

Listen to an expert talking about nutrition and take notes to answer these questions:

1.       Do the nutritional needs of athletes differ from non-athletes?

2.       Should I drink water or sports drinks while exercising?

3.       How do I pick the right sports drink?

4.       What are electrolytes?

5.       Is it possible to hydrate too much?

(http://www.videojug.com/interview/fitness-and-nutrition?)


Task 5   Case study


Planning a Training diet


Michael is training for a 10km run coming up in 3 weeks. He has read a lot about sports nutrition
and especially about the importance of eating a high-carbohydrate diet while in training. He has
also been struggling to keep his weight in a range that he feels contributes to better speed and
endurance. Consequently he is also trying to eat as little fat as possible. Unfortunately, over the
past week his workouts in the afternoon have not met his expectations. His run times are slower,
and he shows signs of fatigue after just 20 minutes into his training programme.

            His breakfast yesterday was a large bagel, a small amount of cream cheese, and orange
juice. For lunch, he had a small salad with fat-free dressing, a large plate of pasta with
broccoli, and a diet soft drink. For dinner, he had a small broiled chicken breast, a cup of rice,
some carrots, and iced tea. Later, he snacked on fat-free pretzels.


In pairs, answer the following questions:

1.       Is the high-carbohydrate diet a good idea during Michael´s training?

2.       Are there any important components missing in Michael´s diet? Are missing components
contributing to his fatigue?

3.       Describe some changes that should be made in Michael´s diet including some specific foods
that should be included.

4.       How should fluid needs be met during workouts?

5.       Should Michael focus on fuelling his body before, during or after workouts?