Program Rationale

Adolescent female athletes face unique nutritional challenges that impact their athletic performance, recovery, and long-term health. Despite their increased energy and nutrient needs, many adolescent athletes lack the education and support necessary to make informed dietary choices, leading to suboptimal performance and heightened risk of injury or burnout (Mountjoy et al., 2018). Proper nutrition is essential for fueling training, enhancing cognitive focus, and preventing injuries, yet research highlights significant gaps in nutrition knowledge among this population (Smith et al., 2021).
 

The NextGen Nutrition Program aims to address these challenges by providing targeted nutrition education tailored to the specific needs of adolescent female athletes. The program uses a combination of in-person lessons, interactive online resources, and parent/caregiver engagement to foster sustainable dietary habits. By leveraging the Social Cognitive Theory, the program emphasizes skill-building, self-efficacy, and social reinforcement, creating a supportive environment for behavior change (Bandura, 1986).
 

This program is particularly relevant for Blair High School, as schools play a crucial role in shaping adolescent health behaviors. By equipping student-athletes with the knowledge and tools to optimize their nutrition, the program not only enhances athletic performance but also contributes to lifelong health benefits. Moreover, engaging parents and coaches ensures a holistic approach to nutrition education, fostering a network of support to sustain these changes.
 

References

Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice Hall.

Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., Ackerman, K. E., Blauwet, C., Constantini, N., Lebrun, C., Meyer, N. L., Sherman, R. T., Steffen, K., & Budgett, R. (2018). The IOC consensus statement: Beyond the Female Athlete Triad—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(11), 687–697. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099193

Smith, A. B., Jones, L., & Taylor, C. (2021). Nutrition education interventions for adolescent athletes: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(4), 669–678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.11.014