Question 1

What is caloric periodization and how does it relate to training phase?

Accepted Answer

Caloric periodization matches eating to training phase: off-season (building) = slight caloric surplus (200-500 cal above maintenance) to support muscle growth, paired with strength training; pre-season (refinement) = maintenance calories to preserve muscle while adding power work; in-season (competition) = slight deficit or maintenance to reduce body weight without losing strength, depending on sport demands. A college football player eating 3,500 calories off-season (build muscle) drops to 3,200 in-season (leaner, maintain strength). The athlete feels strong because the deficit is small and paired with adequate protein (0.8-1.0 g/lb). Caloric periodization prevents the plateau of eating the same amount year-round.

Question 2

How do I calculate an athlete's caloric needs?

Accepted Answer

Start with Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): use a DEXA or indirect calorimetry test if available; otherwise, estimate via Mifflin-St Jeor equation (RMR for a 185-lb, 5'10" male = ~1,850 cal/day). Multiply by activity multiplier: sedentary (RMR × 1.2), lightly active (× 1.375), moderately active (× 1.55), very active athlete (× 1.725-1.9). A very-active male at RMR 1,850 × 1.8 = ~3,330 calories/day. Adjust by 5-10% every 2 weeks based on body composition and performance trends. Fuel by weight: a 200-lb athlete needs 200 lb × 0.8-1.0 g protein/lb = 160-200 g daily. Do not guess; use data.

Question 3

What is the carb-to-protein ratio for different sports?

Accepted Answer

Strength sports (powerlifting, football): 3-4g carb : 1g protein (e.g., 240g carb, 80g protein). Endurance sports (running, cycling): 6-10g carb : 1g protein (e.g., 600g carb, 80g protein) because carbs fuel aerobic capacity. Mixed sports (soccer, basketball): 4-6g carb : 1g protein (e.g., 320g carb, 80g protein). Fat fills the remainder (0.5-1g/lb). A 200-lb marathon runner eating 12,000 cal/week (1,714 cal/day) might eat 300g carb, 50g protein, 60g fat. Periodize the ratio: off-season lower carb (building), pre-season and in-season higher carb (supporting performance).

Question 4

How do I coach proper pre- and post-workout nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Pre-workout (1-2 hours before): 1-4g carb per kg bodyweight, low fiber, low fat to avoid GI distress. Example: 70-kg athlete eats 70-280g carb (typically 1-2g/kg = 70-140g), like oatmeal with banana and honey, or rice with chicken. Post-workout (0-2 hours after): protein + carbs to trigger muscle protein synthesis and glycogen repletion. Example: 20-40g protein + 40-80g carbs (aim for 0.3-0.5 g carb/kg), like chocolate milk, a protein shake with fruit, or rice with eggs. Timing matters most within the 2-hour window after strength training or hard cardio; casual exercisers do not need perfect timing.

Question 5

What is periodized hydration and how do I test sweat rate?

Accepted Answer

Hydration varies by sport phase and climate. Off-season: baseline hydration (urine color pale yellow, no 2% bodyweight loss mid-training). Pre-season and in-season: aggressive hydration strategy. Measure sweat rate: weigh nude before exercise, exercise for 1 hour (indoor temperature controlled), weigh nude after (subtract any fluid drunk). A 200-lb athlete losing 3 lb sweat during 1-hour training needs 3 × 16 oz (480 oz total sweat, or 1.5 liters/hour) plus 16-24 oz per 15-minute intensity block. Replace 150% of sweat loss over 4-6 hours post-exercise (if lost 3 lb, drink 4.5 lb fluid = 72 oz). Use electrolytes (sodium 300-600 mg per liter) to drive fluid retention.

Question 6

How do I counsel an athlete with disordered eating or orthorexia?

Accepted Answer

Recognize red flags: obsessive tracking, fear of certain foods, extreme restriction paired with high exercise, or anxiety around nutrition. Do NOT coach nutrition if you suspect a disorder; refer to a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in eating disorders, and loop in the team physician and sports psychologist. Your role is detection, not diagnosis. In coaching conversations, normalize flexibility ('no food is forbidden'), emphasize performance over appearance ('stronger muscle requires fuel'), and watch for language patterns ('if I eat carbs, I'll get fat,' 'I must burn every calorie'). Early intervention prevents a clinical disorder.

Question 7

What is nutrient timing for recovery and adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis peaks 0-2 hours post-workout and remains elevated for up to 24 hours. Daily timing is more important than immediate timing: a 200-lb athlete needs 160-200g protein spread across 4-5 meals (40-50g per meal) to optimize muscle-protein synthesis. Carbs post-workout (0-2 hour window) replenish glycogen fastest; carbs 2+ hours post-workout are still effective, just slower. Micronutrients (zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin D) support recovery and immune function; deficiency impairs adaptation. A simple rule: eat protein + carbs within 2 hours post-workout, maintain daily protein intake (0.8-1.0 g/lb), and ensure whole-food variety (colors, sources) to cover micronutrients.

Region	Junior	Mid	Senior
USA	$38k	$62k	$95k
UK	£27k	£45k	£68k
EU	€31k	€50k	€75k
CANADA	C$45k	C$73k	C$112k

Region	Junior	Mid	Senior
USA	$38k	$62k	$95k
UK	£27k	£45k	£68k
EU	€31k	€50k	€75k
CANADA	C$45k	C$73k	C$112k

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