2900007 - Plant-Based Diets for Athletes
Course Description
Many athletes and highly active individuals choose plant-based diets for a variety of reasons—to enhance their health, optimize their body composition, improve exercise and sports performance, and aid in recovery from training.
Examine how plant-based diets impact athletic performance and explore ways to support athletes in meeting their unique nutritional needs through a plant-exclusive diet. Study the latest research to gain a better understanding of the role of specific macro and micronutrients in a plant-based performance diet and delve into the topic of supplementation—which can play a crucial role in optimizing an athlete's intense training, performance, and recovery. Additionally, there will be opportunities for us to engage in discussions about the nutritional differences and similarities between endurance athletes and strength and power athletes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify current practice and research-based evidence in sport nutrition
- Describe the components of a nutritionally complete plant-based diet that can promote well-being and support exercise and performance in athletes
- Explain how plant-based dietary and supplementary requirements may differ between athletes participating in endurance versus strength- and power-oriented sports
- Examine the roles and potential benefits of ergogenic aids to enhance athletic performance in those following a plant-based diet
Course Topics
- Plant-Based Nutrition and Sport Performance
- Nutritional Considerations for Athletes
- Fortified Foods and Sport Supplements
- Meal Planning for Athletes
Job Market Overview
Additional Requirements
- This course is intended for adult learners who are at least 18 years of age.
- There are no prerequisites for this course. It is beneficial to have completed Introduction to Plant-Based Diets before taking this course.
- You may take this as an individual course or choose to complete the certificate.
- You can expect to spend 5-6 hours per week to complete the course material, activities, discussions, and assignments.
- If you are new to online learning, visit the Online learning at U of G page for helpful resources.
Assessment
Each week you will engage in a discussion question that examines evidence-based research and apply what you are learning to diets. The course concludes with a project-based assignment that assists you in the implementation of a plant-based diet.
Through the learning activities and assessments in this course, you will work toward creating a detailed, nutritionally complete 'Two-Day Plant-Based Plan' designed for an athlete of your choice.
Sponsoring Partner
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, College of Applied Human Sciences
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate : Electives
Technical Requirements
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*Course details are subject to change.