Validation of food consumption by CrossFit® athletes
Abstract
CrossFit® has gained worldwide popularity through its high-intensity training programs and emphasizes nutrition as a foundational pillar. owever, many of its practitioners fail to adhere to appropriate dietary practices. This cross-sectional, quantitative study aimed to assess caloric intake and macronutrient consumption among amateur CrossFit® athletes. The sample consisted of 45 male and female participants, with a mean age of 31 years, residing in Itajaí and Bombinhas, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data collection occurred between July 2022 and February 2025, using a habitual dietary recall, later analyzed with the WebDiet® software. Energy requirements were estimated using the average values from the Harris-Benedict, FAO, and Henry, Rees equations. Results indicated that 80% of participants exhibited a caloric deficit, averaging 305 kcal/day. Regarding carbohydrate intake, only 33.3% met the recommended levels, with a mean consumption of 2.7 g/kg/day for men and 2.2 g/kg/day for women. Protein intake was within recommended levels for 62.22% of individuals, averaging 1.75 g/kg/day for men and 1.73 g/kg/day for women, while 37.78% exceeded recommended values. Lipid intake was considered adequate for 73.33% of the sample, with mean values of 0.72 g/kg/day in men and 0.67 g/kg/day in women. The study concludes that a significant proportion of CrossFit® practitioners demonstrate nutritional inadequacies, particularly in relation to energy and carbohydrate intake, which may negatively impact athletic performance and overall health.
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