[What is the nutrition regimen followed by athletes after the end of their sporting career?].

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional habits of participants in the research project “CRON -diet as an alternative method for athletes who have completed their sporting career”.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

94 former athletes from Poland participated in this study. A standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire was used for interview. Respondents were interviewed once, during the first visit after inclusion in the study.

RESULTS

Most former athletes had 3 meals per day during the last 12 months (39.4%), not respecting specified consumption hours (44.7%). The most commonly consumed foods are: whole grain bread, fruits and vegetables. Respondents reported the consumption of these foods several times a week. The study revealed a correlation between the consumption of fruit in general and a preference for apples and pears (r = 0.7340; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that former athletes’ diets are quite diversified. It should be mentioned that former athletes’ diets consists of a low number of meals, which are not consumed at fixed times. Respondents were aware that their diet provided too much sugar and fat; some of them declared that they try to reduce the consumption of these products in their daily diet.