CONCLUSIONS • Mean energy availability is moderate but suboptimal o Only few individuals have optimal EA ("geen light") o Some individuals have significant difficulties o Athletes have more optimal eating practices at camp where meals were served from buffet in prescheduled times • Protein and fat intake are in line with the recommendations, but adequate carbohydrate intake is a major challenge • Adequate energy and carbohydrate intake may help to maintain performance and avoid overreaching during hard training periods o Note! Low hearth rate and blood lactate are not automaticly a good sign ? important to consider in relation to the feelings of an athlete o Maintaining adequate neuromuscular capasity during training camp is important as it is needed for high quality cross-coutry ski training • Adequate nutrition knowledge and arrangements that reduce athletes own responsibility to plan, schedule and prepare the meals may help young athletes to meet recommended levels of energy availability and carbohydrate intake Education! Conclusions (from single observations) 1. Young female skiers seem to spontaneously periodize their energy and macronutrient intake between macrocycles with different energy requirements. o EA and CHO intake were at a suboptimal level in most of the athletes 2. Higher CHO intake across the training year and lower fat percent and body weight may be beneficial for competition performance in cross-country distance events 3. Athletes with higher body weight and fat tended to have lower EA and carbohydrate intake o cause-and-effect relationships? o restricting dietary intake is clearly not a good way to modify body composition in young athletes
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