Foreword

Timing is everything in sporting endeavors, from split-second coordination in disciplines such as gymnastics and figure skating to budgeting of energy reserves in a daylong Ironman competition. Timing is everything from a nutritional perspective as well: Athletes must ensure that their metabolic needs are managed in such a way that performance is optimized. And the timing of the appearance of Advanced Sports Nutrition by Professor Dan Benardot of Georgia State University couldn't be better, either. In 2000 Professor Benardot wrote Nutrition for Serious Athletes, which quickly became a benchmark text for everyone leading a healthy athletic lifestyle. Timing was everything in that text as well. Benardot pioneered the concept that it isn't simply what you eat that is so critical; it's also the dynamic relationship between the timing of ingestion and exercise. In that first book Benardot put the fruits of his original research into practicality for the layperson and educated scientist as well.

Recently some thought was given to producing a second edition. So much has occurred in terms of advances in sports nutrition research during these past five years, however, that a rehash of the old stuff just did not pass muster with Benardot's thinking. After all, in addition to being a professional nutritionist (and a mighty good chef!), Benardot is also a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, given in respect to the quality and quantity of his own cutting-edge nutrition research. In keeping with his academic bent, Advanced Sports Nutrition is a total rewrite, a fresh new book filled with useful references summarizing the literature emphasizing the 2000 to 2005 period. The timing couldn't be better, because there is a great deal of excitement in the field of sports nutrition that needs visibility. It's a delightful read, with a ton of practical wisdom added to the research-based theory, thanks to Benardot's ongoing working relationships with top-level athletes in disciplines as varied as track and field, figure skating, and gymnastics. This new book is truly filled with food for thought!

David E. Martin, PhD, FACSM

Emeritus regents professor of health sciences

Department of cardiopulmonary care sciences

Georgia State University