The Art of Eating: Nourishing Instincts and Balancing Intuitive Eating
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.38.58248Keywords
Athletic Performance, Nutrition, macronutrients, micronutrients, glucose spikes, carbohydrate intake, protein intake, sports nutrition, endurance sports, strength training, combat sports, dietary requirements, intuitive eating, mental health, recovery, energy consumption, energy spendingAbstract
This dissertation explores the crucial role of nutrition in optimising athletic
performance. It examines the interplay between foundational nutritional knowledge – as we
know it in science – and the evolving trend of so-called intuitive eating. The fundamental
importance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients for
fuelling training, as well as promoting recovery and preventing injury, is discussed. The topic
of controlling glucose spikes is briefly touched upon, and understanding the specific nutritional
requirements of various sports is emphasised. The dissertation synthesises knowledge of
principles, benefits and potential challenges of intuitive eating with athletes’ needs. Ultimately,
this work highlights a holistic approach, amalgamating both what the scientific world has to
offer and the individualistic liberation that intuitive eating has to offer for achieving peak
athletic performance and psychological well-being.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Natalia Jańczyk, Marlena Jankowska, Karolina Baran, Alicja Winkowska, Karolina Mędrysa, Jakub Jan Pokrzepa, Michał Presak, Gabriela Blecharz, Julia Szwech, Mikołaj Pograniczny
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