An aggressive weight and fat loss nutritional strategy in a male artistic gymnast: a case study.

An aggressive weight and fat loss nutritional strategy in a male artistic gymnast: a case study. Br J Sports Med. 2013 Nov;47(17):e4 Authors: Keil M, Farquarhson R, Little A, Fawcett L Abstract A case study describing the nutritional interventions with an elite artistic male gymnast, whose performance was being inhibited by repeated injury. We aimed to obtain a rapid reduction in body fat (BF) and body mass (BM), to reduce the load through the knee, ankle joints, and connective tissues. Training and nutritional strategies were adjusted to maximise BF and BM loss, whilst maintaining lean mass (LM). A prescriptive nutritional programme was designed which varied each day, to account for changes in daily training sessions. Protein was maintained at 2 g/kg BM, split in to regular 15 g snacks or 25-30 g meals. Calcium was maintained at 1000 mg through low-fat dairy consumption. Omega 3 fats were obtained through a supplement and 30 g portions of mixed seeds. Carbohydrates were obtained through low-moderate glycaemic index foods at all meal times. On rest days, carbohydrates were omitted from the evening meal. Caffeine was used prior to specific training sessions. A maintenance dose of creatine (5 g/d) and branched chain amino acid (5 g/d) supplement was used to help maintain LM. High antioxidant foods were consumed throughout the day to maintain polyphenol intake. Weight was monitored on a weekly basis. Body composition before and after was assessed...
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Tags: Br J Sports Med Source Type: research