In September 2024, the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Anantapur Campus, hosted two pivotal events designed to enhance athletes’ understanding of nutrition and fitness strategies. The first, a pre-workshop session titled “Nutritional Assessment of Young Women Athletes: The ABCD Approach,” was held on September 25. This session addressed the specific dietary and health challenges faced by young female athletes from local institutions. Two days later, on September 27, a one-day National Workshop titled “Achieving Peak Performance: Evidence-Based Strategies in Sports Nutrition & Fitness” brought together experts and students to discuss advanced strategies for improving athletic performance through individualized nutrition plans. Both events underscored the critical role of nutrition in optimizing performance and ensuring long-term health.
The Pre-Workshop, organized in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Physical Education, saw participation from over 100 female athletes. Of these, 30 were from SSSIHL, while the others represented institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) and KSN Government College for Women. The athletes were accompanied by their coaches and physical directors. Alongside expert presentations, participants engaged in hands-on nutritional assessments, and fitness tests, and explored educational posters on topics such as carbohydrate loading, continuous glucose monitoring, and the role of proteins in athletic performance.
The National Workshop, held on September 27, featured several distinguished speakers. Keynote speaker Dr. Geetanjali Bhide delivered an insightful presentation on assessing athletes’ nutritional status, with a focus on dietary intake and biochemical evaluations. Dr. Abhirami Sivaprasad discussed the complexities of Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S), while Ms. Aswiny Mohandas highlighted the vital connection between gut health and athletic performance. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Bhide, addressed the challenges faced by grassroots athletes in India. The workshop concluded with a presentation on holistic health by Ms. Stuti Pahuja and a valedictory address by Dr. Meera M., who emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition plans for achieving peak athletic performance.
The event also featured poster presentations from III BSc FNS students covering topics such as proteins and amino acids, functional foods and nutraceuticals, and the role of AI in sports nutrition.
Additionally, the students showcased a dynamic display of ergogenic aids, demonstrating their innovative research and practical applications in performance-enhancing supplements.
View Detailed Report:
Watch the Recording of the National Workshop:
Session 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFE5k7U-hvA
Session 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lPFWqyBrEY
