This week, NFCA’s Gluten-Free Lifestyle Webinar Series sponsored by Blue Diamond Growers hosted a free online webinar dedicated to “The Gluten-Free Effect on Athletes.”

Featuring health and fitness guru Erin Elberson, PT, of www.GlutenFreeFitness.com, the hour-long presentation discussed how complications undiagnosed celiac disease or a mismanaged gluten-free diet can impair an athlete’s recovery after training and result in frequent electrolyte imbalances that can cause cramping.

Other highlights included case studies from the Journal of Athletic Training and recent newsworthy performances like those of the Garmin-Transitions Cycling Team, as well as tips for smart and safe nutrition in and out of the sports arena such as:

• Always prepare ahead and overestimate how much food you will need.
• Be on the lookout for nutritious gluten-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, buckwheat and quinoa

…and many, many more!

Elberson encouraged gluten-free athletes to make food choices based on safety, quality, as well as ingredient and nutritional profile. She even provided some delicious, healthy recipe ideas exclusively for webinar attendees!

Erin also entertained participant questions as part of the interactive event and offered a downloadable guide to safe Gluten-Free Energy Products reviewed by NFCA’s “Ask the RD” blog contributor, Nancy Dickens, BS, RD, LDN.

Miss “The Gluten-Free Effect on Athletes: Improving Performance Through Diet”?

You can download the presentation, Gluten-Free Energy Products guide and see all of Erin’s recipes here:

https://www.beyondceliac.org/Events/Free-Webinars/Archived-Webinars/208/