HEA 138 - Nutrition for Fitness and Sport

1 credit hour - One hour of lecture weekly; one term.
Introduces the student to current dietary guidelines appropriate for a healthy and physically active lifestyle. Explores the nutritional needs of physically active individuals, including recreational as well as competitive athletes. The role of each nutrient is reviewed, with emphasis on their utilization during exercise and recovery. Dietary modifications to optimize performance during different types of physical activity also will be discussed. A brief review of scientific data regarding ergogenic aids also will be presented.

Crosslisted: Also offered as BIO 138 ; credit is not given for both HEA 138 and BIO 138 .

Location(s) Typically Offered: Online (OL)

Term(s) Typically Offered: Fall and spring

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Describe current guidelines regarding the intake of nutrients and performance of physical activity.
- Describe current USDA guidelines for dietary intake
- Describe current ACSM guidelines for exercise and fitness
Differentiate between functions of the energy nutrients vs. functions of macronutrients.
- Identify the six classes of nutrients
- Categorize macro and micronutrients
- Compare general functions of energy nutrients vs micronutrients
- Evaluate the major nutrients and food groups in terms of impact on health.
Contrast the body’s use of fuel at rest, during aerobic activity and during anaerobic exercise.
- Identify the main sources of fuel available to the body
- Explain changes in ratio of fuel utilization during rest, aerobic activity and anaerobic activity
- Identify strategies for replacing spent fuel sources in the body after exercise and during recovery
Explain the importance of proper hydration during exercise and recovery and detail strategies to achieve optimal hydration.
- List the functions of water in the body.
- Describe routes of intake and loss that determine fluid balance in the body.
- Detail approaches to achieve and maintain optimal hydration before, during, and after exercise.
Construct diet plans appropriate for different types of athletes
- Calculate energy and nutrient needs of a variety of athletes
- Elaborate eating plans to meet a variety of athletes’ nutritional needs.
- Identify and include dietary components that are required for specific athletes’ recovery needs.
Evaluate the effectiveness of selected ergogenic aids on athletic performance. Construct diet plans appropriate for different types of athletes
- Identify some of the most popular ergogenic aids used by recreational and elite athletes.
- Gather reliable information on the effects, safety and recommended use of ergogenic aids.
- Assess the utility of these types of aids for general use.