Does the 2019 Canada's Food Guide meet the needs of young athletes?. Issue 3 (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heidl, Alexandra J.; Litzenberger, Kathleen; Cohen, Tamara R.; Plourde, Hugues
• Is Part Of: Nutrition and health. Volume 28:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Canada's Food Guide -- young athletes -- nutrition -- guidelines -- energy requirements; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1177/02601060221093430
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-1060

Abstract

Background: The Canada's Food Guide (CFG) encourages Canadians to consume a balanced plate. However, this recommendation may not meet the nutritional needs of young athletes who have increased nutritional requirements.Aim: To evaluate how the 2019 CGF can be used to meet the nutritional needs of young athletes.Method: Five menu scenarios were created using the CFG's balanced plate and recipes from Health Canada. Each menu was analyzed to compare nutrient and energy needs of an index athlete (15-year-old male, 71 kg). Estimated energy requirements were based on nutrition guidelines set by National and International sports-nutrition position statements.Results: The adjusted CFG balanced plate plus an energy dense beverage at every meal was the closest to meeting the index athlete's nutrient requirements.Conclusion: The 2019 CFG's balanced plate needs to be adjusted to meet the nutritional requirements of individuals with active lifestyles.