Advanced Sports Nutrition

First and foremost, this exceptional book is not a "one stop reference"; thats an idea that people often look for in a book, that probably doesn't really exist. Quality books should be added to your library, taken for what they are and what they offer, and compared to other similar books to create a bigger picture or understanding as it applies to you...there is no single perfect "way" when it comes to nutrition, much like training for your chosen sport. This book is no exception, it is well researched and exceptionally useful, written by an author that applies what he knows to Olympic athletes. As a strength athlete most interested in powerlifting and strongman types of lifting and competition, the chapters referring to this type of training directly are limited and mostly bunched up with wrestlers, etc. under "power athletes", so it isn't exactly what I was looking for, but it still fits the bill in alot of ways as the info is there just not set out by itself under that title. Advanced Sports Nutrition covers a broad range of sports and has tons of useful information on everything nutrition that can be useful to just about anyone. It covers alot of unique as well as general topics. Join it up with a few more books like Nutrition Almanac and you'll be on your way to having whatever you need at your fingertips. This book is worth your time and money, although like myself, you might not realize the extent if its usefulness until you open it up and start putting things together. Organization and topics: Part I Nutritional Sources for Athletes -energy nutrients, vitamins/minerals, fluids/electrolytes, and ergogenic aids Part II Nutritional Aspects of Optimal Performance -timing, absorption, oxygen, and inhibitors Part III Factors Affecting Nutritional Needs -travel, altitude, gender/age, and body comp/weight Part IV Nutritional Strategies for Specific Energy Systems -Metabolism for endurance/power (anaerobic/aerobic), and needs for both Part V Nutritional Plans for Specific Sports -Power/speed sports, endurance sports, and combined power/endurance sports.

Anyone concerned with proper nutrition should read this up-to-date reference guide. Both the beginning and advanced athlete will find much to learn.

Dr. Benardot's Advanced Sports Nutrition is both scientific and extremely practical, a rare and refreshing combination. This book is not only up to date with the latest research (fully referenced), it is also very progressive for an academic and science based text. Dr. Benardot's information on within day energy balance is must-read material; a valuable guide for coaches, fitness/nutrition professionals and athletes alike.

I have a challenge triathlon this summer with someone 20 years my junior and need all the help I can get! I am already using Dr. Benardot's advice in my training. After becoming frustrated with the plethora of books written by wannabes, I found it quite refreshing to read a factual, evidence-based sports nutrition book written by someone with Dr. Benardot's education and experience.

Great read and reference. Provides the right kind of authoritative benchmark behind the "whys" in planning nutrition for sports and then takes things a step further looking ahead to support planning the how and when to eat for peak performance. Detailed enough for the serious elite athlete yet even without having the science at my finger tips it provides an understandable base line for the weekend jock planning specific sports activity and wanting to do the correct thing...Ties together all those helpful "coach-isms" we all heard over the years and dispells several that were not afterall in our best interest. I'd like to have Dr. B available as my personal trainer.