Honors Theses

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Open Access
Timing the bite: nutrient timing strategies for athlete success
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Zembeck, John, author; Gentile, Chris, advisor; Burke, Colleen, committee member; Carlson, Charlotte, committee member
This thesis integrates evidence-based sports nutrition with culinary application to empower athletes through strategic nutrient timing and accessible meal preparation. Drawing on current research and personal experience in athletics and culinary science, it addresses common barriers to optimal fueling such as time constraints, cost, knowledge gaps, and psychological stress. This will also offer practical solutions tailored to collegiate athletes. The framework centers on four critical fueling windows: breakfast, pre-workout, post-workout, and before bed, each supported by physiological rationale and targeted recipes. Emphasis is placed on calculating energy and macronutrient needs using methods such as the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and activity multipliers, while highlighting the importance of consistent eating patterns, micronutrient adequacy, and individualized experimentation. Recipes are designed to be nutrient-dense, budget-conscious, and performance-enhancing, with adaptations for varied schedules and training loads. By merging scientific insight with culinary creativity, this resource aims to foster sustainable fueling habits that enhance performance, recovery, and long-term athlete health.