Development of a sports nutrition education program for student-athletes: ‘Eat to Win’

Development of a sports nutrition education program for student-athletes: ‘Eat to Win’

The ‘Eat to Win’ program is a critical component of the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Student-Athlete Empowerment Project ‘2WIN Series,’ which provides a holistic approach to the education and development of student-athletes. Developed to address the nutrition knowledge gap among high school student-athletes, ‘Eat to Win’ specifically targets the dietary behaviours often seen in this group, such as skipping meals and training without adequate nutritional support. These behaviours can negatively affect both health and performance, stemming from a lack of awareness about the unique dietary needs of student-athletes. The ‘Eat to Win’ program seeks to improve student-athletes' nutrition knowledge and behaviours by promoting healthier food choices, supporting optimal energy availability, and enhancing overall healthy, well-being and performance. Delivered through a three-part educational series, covering sports nutrition fundamentals, meal planning, and practical cooking skills—the program provides student-athletes with the tools needed to make informed food choices that directly impact their health and performance. The program integrates technology-enhanced learning, giving participants access to digital resources that reinforce key concepts and enable the tracking of their nutritional habits. An important focus of ‘Eat to Win’ is on the significant role nutrition plays in both sleep and athletic performance. Proper nutrient intake, including sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and micronutrients, helps regulate energy levels and recovery, which are closely linked to sleep quality. For athletes, poor nutrition can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns, resulting in impaired recovery, reduced cognitive function, and diminished physical performance. Conversely, a well-balanced diet that supports energy availability can enhance sleep quality, improve recovery times, and promote sustained athletic performance. The program emphasizes the need for consistent fuelling, both pre- and post-competition, as well as during training periods, to help prevent fatigue and support the physiological processes that underpin high-quality sleep and overall well-being. Practical cooking workshops further equip student-athletes with the skills to prepare nutritious meals that not only meet their nutritional needs but also support their demanding training schedules and sleep quality. Key learning outcomes of the ‘Eat to Win’ program include (1) Gain insights into the unique nutritional needs of student-athletes; (2) Apply practical strategies for optimizing nutrition in sports performance; and (3) Understand how nutrition affects sleep, recovery, and athletic performance. By addressing student-athlete nutrition habits and behaviours by providing targeted, actionable education, ‘Eat to Win’ empowers young athletes to make healthier food choices.
In doing so, the program contributes to the broader ‘2WIN’ initiative, supporting the holistic development of student-athletes at UniSQ, ensuring that they are better prepared for the physical, cognitive, and emotional demands of their sport.

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