Class Nutrition and Physical Activity

Appropriate dietary habits can improve physical performance and post-exercise recovery through well-chosen and individually planned nutritional strategies. This curricular unit aims to address these strategies by focusing on basic concepts of food and nutrition, on the calculation of the energy requirements of the individuals, and in the type, amount and timing of nutritional intake and fluids to maintain and promote good health and adaptation to physical training. Myths in the context of food and nutrition and the effects of exercise in behavioral eating regulation (appetite/satiety) will also be addressed, as well as the issue of sports supplementation

Introduction to nutrition: macro and micronutrients and water: basic concepts and
functions/physiological actions in the body.
Food and nutrition for health promotion and disease prevention: food wheel; Mediterranean food pattern; food composition table; food and nutrition labeling; SMART goals in the context of food and nutrition; Myths vs. facts in the context of food and nutrition.
Energy metabolism: sources of muscular energy; energy requirements.
Food and nutrition in physical activity and exercise (recommendations for pre-, during and after practicing exercise).
Exercise and behavioral eating regulation (appetite/satiety).
Supplementation in the context of physical exercise.

It is adopted a theoretical-practical methodology that will focus on discussions within the classroom between students and the teacher, using elements and teaching strategies of theoretical (expository and interrogative methods) and theoretical-practical nature (practical tasks). It will also be used the system of b-learning (moodle) where support materials for each of the classes will be available. The continuous assessment requires an attendance rate of 70% or more and comprises the completion of a critical analysis of a scientific paper plus oral presentation. To be approved, the student must obtain a minimum of 9,5 values. The student can decide to be assessed via a global appeal exam.

Burke, L.M., Castell, L.M., Casa, D.J., Close, G.L., Costa, R.J.S., Desbrow, B., et al. International Association of Athletics Federations Consensus Statement 2019: Nutrition for Athletics. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2019;29(2):73-84.

Programa Nacional para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável. Nutrição no
Desporto. Direção-Geral da Saúde. Lisboa, 2016.

Thomas, D.T., Erdman, K.A., Burke, L.M. (2016). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. J Acad Nutr Diet. Mar;116(3):501-28.

Teixeira, P.J., Sardinha, L.B., & Themudo Barata, J.L. (2008). Nutrição, Exercício e Saúde. Lidel: Edições Técnicas.