Abstract:
Athlete nutrition has evolved through the course of human history, shaped by environmental, cultural, and biological factors. During the Paleolithic era, humans led a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, relying on a diet rich in protein and natural foods. This nutritional model supported the high physical activity levels required for survival. However, the limited consumption of carbohydrates posed challenges for sustaining endurance-based activities. The Agricultural Revolution marked a significant shift in dietary patterns, with grains and legumes becoming staple food sources. This transition increased carbohydrate intake, providing athletes with a valuable energy reservoir. In Ancient Greece and Rome, athletes adopted more conscious dietary practices to enhance performance, with a focus on protein, olive oil, and other energy-dense foods. These developments laid the foundational principles of modern sports nutrition. With the Industrial Revolution, the science of nutrition became more analytical, leading to a deeper understanding of energy balance and the role of macronutrients in athletic performance. By the 20th century, individualized approaches to athletes’ energy and nutritional requirements became standard, tailored to specific sports and individual needs. From an evolutionary perspective, modern athlete nutrition combines the protein-dense dietary patterns of the Paleolithic era with the carbohydrate-rich strategies introduced during the Agricultural Revolution. This integration forms the basis for contemporary practices that optimize endurance, strength, and recovery processes. Today, sports nutrition emphasizes personalized strategies that consider genetic and metabolic variations among athletes. This historically informed approach continues to be a critical element in maximizing athletic performance while addressing the diverse physiological demands of different sports disciplines. In light of this information, the purpose of the research is to examine sports nutrition from a historical perspective.
