On a cold November night, ANA members and friends joined at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, to listen to Julie H. Burns, MS, RD, CCN.  Her lecture was titled: Using Nutrition to Optimize Performance and Health in Athletes.  Even more watched via a live webcast.

Prior to the lecture, attendees were treated to a complimentary tasting of lush and tasty foods prepared by Chef Fred, flavored coconut water and more, provided by Eat Like the Pros, a meal delivery services founded by Julie.

Julie is one of probably less than 100 in the US who are both a RD (Registered Dietician) and CNN (Certified Clinical Nutritionist).

Her current and former clients, including elite athletes and most major Chicago professional sports teams, have extraordinary nutrition needs.  She stressed the nutrition must be individualized, taking into account the athlete's specific biochemistry, as well as the demands of the specific sport.  Hockey players need nutrition that supports shorts intense bursts of energy, high concentration and quick response times, which is very different than the needs of a marathon runner or triathelete.

Surprisingly, many athletes suffer from conditions common to the general public, such as insulin resistance.  They suffer for the same reasons most do, a deficient diet containing too much sugar, highly processes carbs and a lack or imbalance of key nutrients.

Our diet has changes drastically, in less than 100 years, from what our bodies have evolved to thrive on for thousands of years.  In the early 1900s, typical sugar consumption might be about 2 pounds annually.  The average American now consumes over 165 pounds a year.  Similarly, refined carbohydrates, chemical additives, pesticides, hormones and more replace what used to be the nutrient dense fuel our bodies are designed to thrive on.

Julie spoke of taking well known Chicago athletes to the supermarket to teach them what to buy, only to find out in some cases, they didn't even own pots and pans.  This illustrates her point that even small steps that help move a diet in the direction of increasing nutritional benefit can be important. 

Attendees received a variety of handouts:

• 4700 calorie sample meal plan (for professional athlete)
• Building a Recovery Drink
• Food Selection Guide
• Using Nutrition to Optimize Performance and Health in Athletes
• Julie's slides presented during lecture

This event, sponsored by Midwest Nutritional Services, representing Standard Process,  and Eat Like the Pros, was professionally recorded.  A DVD of the lecture is available for sale through the ANA.  Please email us to order your copy.