I put out a survey to about 30 athletes who all competed at the college level or higher. This is a summary of their responses and what you and I can take away from them.
What Sport did you play?
What level did you compete at?
When you competed did you have a regular menstrual cycle?
71.9% yes
28.1% no
When you competed did you ever lose your menstrual cycle for 3+ months?
18.8% yes
81.3% no
Losing your menstrual cycle for 3+ months is a sign of amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is caused by an imbalance of energy expended to energy intake. It is a part of the Female Athlete Triad and a sign of poor nutrition and personal care.
Learn more about the importance of a regular menstrual cycle here.
Did you know any teammates with eating disorders?
59.4% yes
40.6% no
This shows how prevalent eating disorders are. According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) 27% of female athletes have an eating disorder.
Learn more about eating disorders in athletes here.
What did you know about nutrition when you were a competitive athlete?
Many of these answers revealed that athletes had general knowledge about protein, carbs, fat, and calories. They knew general information but the majority did not know the specifics of how to utilize this knowledge or what it actually looked like in practice. They understood that athletes needed carbs and protein in differing amounts depending on their sport. They also understood the importance of replenishing calories burned and that hydration was good.
From the answers it appeared that there was a lack of comprehensive understanding so that athletes could make informed decisions about what to eat and when to. Some athletes had access to a nutritionist or classes but that was not the normal.
From this information and experience I would say that athletes are still lacking in education and knowledge about proper nutrition. Because of this I personally spend a lot of time talking to my coaches about proper nutrition.
If you feel lacking in information about nutrition, timing, and hydration I would recommend doing research at credible sources, cross-check information, talking to coaches, and people more experienced in your sport.
What do you know about nutrition now?
The answers show that experience is valuable. Many said that they know more now about what and how to eat. They have become more conscientious about what is good for their body and what makes them feel the best. The answers show an understanding that the importance of what you eat is as much a factor as how much you eat. From this you can gather that nutrition is partially knowledge but also experience. As you continue with your athletic journey you can test your knowledge to figure out what is best for you.
Did you ever feel the need to lose weight to be a better athlete, if so why?
62.5%- yes
37.5%-no
Those who said yes said the cause was pressure from coaches or parents, and to gain a competitive edge to perform better. On the other had some mentioned that they felt a need to gain weight because they didn’t eat enough to compensate for the energy expended. One mentioned that a coach’s comment to lose weight caused someone lifelong trauma. This is one major issue among female athletes and can cause serious mental disorders and physical problems. If you are a coach take away this, comments like that might seem harmless but to female’s especially they can cause lifelong trauma and health implications. All athletes are different and do not fall into the stereotypical body types for that sport. That is not a reason that that athlete may not succeed.
Resource for talking about weight and nutrition.
What caused the most stress in athletics?
Many responded about the desire to be the best, be perfect as a major stressor. The worry for a spot on the team or even personal expectations causes a lot of stress, particularly in female athletes. Females tend to be perfectionists but this tendency can lead to the development of mental disorders. Some stress is good to bring out the best in us but prolonged stress is harmful to the body’s physical, mental, and emotional health. From this I see a pattern in high-level athletes. Most have the desire to be the best and work for it, that is why they have come so far.
Did you place your identity in athletics and how did you move on?
81.3%- yes
18.8%- no
Many responded that they moved on by physically and mentally moving on through a move and job. This gives a new focus and purpose to a person whose previous focus and purpose might have been only in performing and being an athlete. Many responded that they still are active either in the sport or in a new area or exercise.
From this you can realize that your identity is not in athletics. No matter how good you are it will end but that is not the end. Your role will be ever changing and if you don’t have your identity rooted in something stronger, steadfast, then you will be constantly searching and losing your identity.
Click here to learn about rooting your identity.
What was the athletic environment like when you were an athlete?
The responses revealed a variety or experiences from competitive to hostile to supportive. The variety shows the differences in people, communities, and personalities. No environment will be the same and no person’s experience will be the same. As you go into each environment have an open mind and depend on God.
Is there any extra advice you would give young athletes?
- Your identity is more than the athlete that you are.
- It is going to be hard work, work hard in athletics and academics.
- Take care of your body, nutrition and physical health.
- Stay true to your identity, don’t compensate.
- Enjoy the experience.