Theme | Key findings |
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Theme 1: Importance of Food Habits | - Highlighting the significance of proper food habits for sports performance and overall well-being - Emphasizing pre-training meals, a variety of foods including sandwiches, buns, bananas, and milk tea were highlighted - Noting a lack of knowledge on portion sizes and timing before training - Underscoring the importance of meals during and after training, with post-training meals predominantly starchy - Recommending early post-training meals with both carbohydrates and proteins, as advised by coaches |
Theme 2: Beliefs about Sports Supplements | - Reporting positive effects by some, while others expressed doubts about their efficacy - Pointing out instances of adverse effects and improper usage - Noting that many obtained supplements without proper medical advice - Commonly mentioned supplements included whey protein, creatine, and pre-workout products |
Theme 3: Opinions about Hydration | - Recognizing the importance of hydration for performance and recovery - However, reported firsthand other experiences of dehydration during training and competition - Identifying various strategies to overcome dehydration - Using different methods such as urine colour and weight measurement to identify dehydration. |
Theme 4: Perceptions about Other Habits | - The majority discouraged alcohol consumption, and smoking was universally rejected - Nevertheless, alcohol consumption among elite athletes was not uncommon - Emphasizing adequate sleep for recovery, despite reported poor sleeping habits |
The additional Theme | - Attributing poor dietary habits to a lack of knowledge and practical difficulties - Mentioning factors such as a lack of suitable places to eat, economic crises, and food insecurity as the barriers to getting an appropriate meal |