ESTADO NUTRICIONAL E INGESTA ALIMENTARIA EN ATLETAS DE ALTO RENDIMIENTO DEL CLUB FORMATIVO QUINES

Abstract

The present study examines the link between dietary habits and the physical condition of elite athletes belonging to the Club Formativo Quines, considering that proper food intake is essential for body growth, muscle recovery, and athletic capacity. Therefore, the primary goal of the research was to assess the nutritional parameters of these young athletes to determine if their daily meals meet international sports requirements, aiming to formulate improvement alternatives to maximize their on-field performance and overall health. The methodology employed in the project was based on a quantitative and descriptive design, meticulously examining eating habits and the daily intake of required nutrients. For this purpose, various data collection tools were applied directly to the club's competitors; additionally, a comprehensive measurement of their body proportions was carried out, thus defining their actual dietary profile with high accuracy for subsequent review. Upon reviewing the data obtained, several fluctuations were found regarding the intake of various macro and micronutrients, noting instances where consumption levels either exceeded or fell short of the amounts established by international sports health organizations. Similarly, the assessment of physical measurements facilitated the recognition of alterations in the participants' body mass, suggesting the existence of dietary imbalances capable of negatively affecting their performance during intense physical activity. Finally, the findings derived from this research demonstrate the urgent need to enhance education on healthy eating, along with the implementation of appropriate dietary strategies aimed at improving the nutritional quality of the competitors' meals. This would ensure optimal physical health while supporting the continuous progress of their athletic ability throughout their developmental trajectory.