Level 3 Sports Nutrition Diploma

This course emphasises the importance of good nutrition in relation to sport, catering to individuals involved in exercise, fitness, coaching, or aiming for peak performance. Topics include performance enhancers, meal planning, and coaching young athletes. Practical activities are integrated to reinforce learning and facilitate application for clients.

This course is thoughtfully structured into ten manageable units, each exploring key aspects of the field.

Level 3 Sports Nutrition Diploma Entry Requirements
All students must be 16 years of age and above to enrol into our Level 3 Sports Nutrition Diploma course.

Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.

Course Study Hours
Approximately 20 hours per unit.

Assessment
Optional coursework and final examination.

Enrolment
Please note that you can enrol on this course at any time.

Course Length
1 Year.

Endorsed By
Students have the option to choose the awarding body of their course.

This course has been endorsed by :
Quality Licence Scheme: https://qualitylicencescheme.co.uk/
Or
Accord: https://accord.ac/

These courses’ awarding bodies are recognised for their high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example, progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Quality Licence Scheme website or the Accord website

Additional Recommended Text:
Nutrition, Health and Sport by Tutor Argon

Progression
This Level 3 Sports Nutrition Diploma course can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.

Course Content

Module 1 – Dietary Nutrients

Learn the essentials of good nutrition, including an understanding of healthy food choices, concepts like ‘Energy Balance,’ ‘Body Mass Index,’ and ‘The Harris-Benedict Equation.’ This course emphasises the importance of control, balance, and moderation, even when enjoying treats. Detailed explanations of key dietary nutrients—carbohydrates, protein, fats, and oils—shed light on their functions in the body and their impact on sporting performance. Explore topics like the Glycemic Index and ways to achieve a healthy fat intake while ensuring dietary variety.

Module 2 – Performance Enhancers

Explore the complexities of sports nutrition in this module, delving into the effectiveness of performance enhancers and supplements. Questions about the value of these products, their impact on competition, and potential health risks are examined. The Reference Nutrient Index (RNI) is introduced as a guide, emphasising the importance of avoiding excessive vitamin intake. The module explores the roles of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in promoting health and performance. It critically evaluates a range of sports products, including foods, gels, bars, and supplements, addressing their claimed benefits and potential legal issues in the sporting arena.

Module 3 – Fluid Management

Recognise the importance of proper fluid intake for health and athletic performance. This module discusses the signs of dehydration, emphasising the impact on well-being and performance. It explores the amount of fluid needed to stay hydrated, issues associated with dehydration and heat stress, and various types of sports drinks. The differences between hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic drinks are investigated, along with their benefits compared to plain water. The module also considers other non-alcoholic drinks, such as diet, carbonated, and caffeinated options, and examines the role of alcohol in the life of athletes, highlighting potential problems related to its consumption.

Module 4 – Weight Management

Weight management is a concern for various individuals, including athletes who may need to meet specific weight requirements for their sport. Athletes aim to shed body fat rather than muscle protein for optimal performance. This module covers healthy weight-loss strategies, including a weight-loss eating plan and tips to boost metabolic rate for successful and safe weight management.

Module 5 – Managing Body Composition

Explore the vital link between diet and exercise, understanding that an imbalance can lead to excess energy stored as fat. This module delves into managing body composition after reaching the target weight, emphasising the connection between body fat and performance. Learn effective ways to measure body fat distribution and gain weight through muscle gain, avoiding excess body fat that can hinder performance. Discover successful weight-gain strategies, including a weight-gain eating plan and tips for maintaining, repairing, and regenerating muscle through a well-designed diet and exercise regime.

Module 6 – Women Athletes

Explore diverse dietary and exercise needs to be tailored to individual requirements in the following modules. A detailed examination of eating disorders and disordered eating helps distinguish between them. Key terms like ‘Amenorrhoea’ and ‘Osteoporosis’ are clarified, shedding light on their impact on women’s sports. Special attention is given to the risk women face in not consuming enough iron for training, limiting anaemia and fatigue. Learn essential iron intake methods through diet. The modules also address women-specific concerns, including pregnancy, premenstrual tension, and menopause, examining their general implications and impact on athletic performance.

Module 7 – Young Athletes

This module is crucial for parents and coaches of young athletes, addressing various factors impacting their health and performance. It explores the challenges young athletes face, such as a lack of maturity in managing their diet. The module discusses why young athletes are more susceptible to dehydration and emphasises the importance of encouraging them to consume adequate fluid. It delves into the distinct fluid, energy, protein, and carbohydrate needs of young athletes compared to adults, highlighting the significance of meal timing. Responsible adults overseeing their training must ensure young athletes receive sufficient fluid and food, especially when constantly on the go.

Module 8 – Before, During and After Exercise

As sporting participation grows, from fun runs to demanding marathons, this module thoroughly examines nutritional needs before, during, and after exercise. Detailed assessments guide the best food and drink choices at specific times, including recommendations for competition times. Explore the concept of ‘carbohydrate loading’ for events requiring extra energy. The module equally emphasises the importance of recovery and injury prevention, incorporating dietary strategies to maintain health and optimise athletic performance.

Module 9 – Meal Planning

Put theory into action with the creation of a personalised nutrition program, tailored to the individual athlete and their specific sport goals. Whether for personal use or coaching, the plan incorporates detailed considerations of the athlete’s personal details. It provides numerous meal suggestions, emphasising the critical role of what athletes eat and drink at different times of the day for success. Special attention is given to preparing healthy meals for vegetarian athletes, offering alternatives to address nutrient needs. The nutrition plan also focuses on enhancing immune function through specific foods and drinks to minimise the risk of illness, such as coughs and colds.

Module 10 – Sports Nutrition for Different Sports

The concluding module features case studies from four diverse sports, illustrating how nutritional needs vary within and between them. Running, with its three event types (long distance, middle distance, and sprinting), is explored in terms of nutritional requirements. Other sports include swimming, cycling, and team sports like football, rugby, and hockey. The module details the characteristics of each sport, offering sample menus for different athletes and using case studies to identify individual problems. It also investigates how nutritional requirements differ between tournaments and individual sporting events, especially for prolonged events.