Maintaining proper nutrition is essential for optimal performance in high-performance sport. However, ensuring consistent nutritional adherence among athletes can be challenging. This study aimed to explore athlete perspectives on the enablers and barriers to nutritional adherence in high-performance sport. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of elite athletes from various sports disciplines. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes related to nutritional adherence. The findings revealed several key enablers of nutritional adherence, including personalized nutrition plans, access to expert guidance, peer support, and convenient access to nutritious food options. Conversely, several barriers to nutritional adherence were identified, such as conflicting information, limited time and resources, travel and competition demands, and social pressures. Understanding athlete perspectives on these enablers and barriers is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote nutritional adherence in high-performance sport. Coaches, nutritionists, and support staff can utilize these insights to tailor interventions and provide the necessary resources and support to enhance athletes' nutritional practices, thereby optimizing their performance and overall well-being.
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Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies received 1022 citations as per Google Scholar report
