Basic principles of nutrition to support physical activity

Understand the Fundamentals of Nutrition & Dietetics

This session provides a comprehensive overview of nutrition, equipping you with the knowledge to guide clients toward optimal health and performance. You will gain a solid foundation in key nutritional concepts and practical application.

Understanding the Digestive System & Nutrition Basics

• Digestive System Overview: Summarize the structure and function of the digestive system.
• Key Nutritional Terms: Define and explain essential terms like diet, healthy eating, nutrition, and balanced diet.
• Macronutrients & Micronutrients: Explain the roles of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) in maintaining health.
• Food Sources: Identify reliable food sources for each key nutrient.
• Caloric Value: Understand and calculate the calorific value of nutrients.
• Nutrition Terminology: Interpret common nutrition terminology, including UK Dietary Reference Values (DRV), Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), and Glycemic Index.
• Food Label Analysis: Learn to accurately interpret food labeling information.
• Healthy Food Preparation: Explain the significance of healthy food preparation techniques.

Professional Boundaries & Nutrition's Impact on Health

• Professional Role: Define professional role boundaries when offering nutritional advice to clients.
• Nutrition, Exercise & Health: Explain the interconnectedness of nutrition, physical activity, body composition, and overall health.
• Energy Restriction & Health: Research and understand the health and performance implications of diets involving severe energy restriction.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Identify clients at risk of nutritional deficiencies.
• Weight Loss Fads: Explain the importance of communicating the health risks associated with popular weight-loss fads and diets.
• Metabolic Hormones: Explain how nutritional intake influences the actions of key metabolic hormones.
• Cultural & Religious Diets: Understand how cultural and religious dietary practices influence nutritional advice.
• Supplement Safety: Describe safety, effectiveness, and contraindications related to protein and vitamin supplementation.
• Disordered Eating: Recognize the signs and symptoms of disordered eating patterns.
• Referral Pathways: Explain when detailed dietary analysis and major dietary changes require referral to a Registered Dietitian.
• Nutrition Professionals: Identify the range of professionals and professional bodies involved in the field of nutrition.

Applying Nutrition to Client Goals

• Nutritional Strategies for Various Goals: Apply key healthy eating advice to clients with specific goals, including:
  • Weight Loss and Health
  • Fat Loss
  • Hypertrophy (Muscle Gain)
  • Sports Performance

The National Food Model & Energy Balance

• National Food Model: Identify the nutritional principles and key features of the National Food Model/Guide.
• Portion Sizes: Define portion sizes within the context of the National Food Model/Guide.
• Reliable Information: Identify reliable sources of nutritional information.
• Energy Expenditure: Identify energy expenditure requirements for:
  • Fat Loss
  • Weight Loss
  • Hypertrophy
  • Sports Performance
• Fueling Exercise: Recognize the nutritional requirements and hydration needs of clients engaged in physical activity.
• Energy Systems: Recognize the role of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as fuels for aerobic and anaerobic energy production.
• Energy Balance Equation: Explain the components of energy expenditure and the energy balance equation.
• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Explain how to calculate an estimate of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
• Energy Requirements: Estimate energy requirements based on physical activity levels and other relevant factors.

Goal Setting, Implementation & Monitoring

• Goal Setting: Access and utilize credible sources to establish realistic nutritional goals with clients.
• Goal Design: Design and agree upon nutritional goals that align with analysis, good practice, and national guidelines.
• Program Integration: Ensure nutritional goals support and integrate with other program components.
• Review Points: Agree on regular review points with clients.
• Client Understanding: Review the client's understanding of how to implement the nutritional advice as part of their physical activity program.
• Progress Monitoring: Monitor, evaluate, and review clients’ progress towards their nutritional goals at appropriate intervals.