Do Student-Athletes Really Know What Should Be on Their Plate? Here’s What a Recent Study Found

What Should Be on Your Plate? Study Shows Student Athletes Don’t Know

When we think about student-athletes, it’s easy to assume they already know how to eat well. They train regularly, push their bodies hard, and are often told that nutrition matters. But a recent study from the University of Connecticut suggests that many high school athletes don’t actually know how to fuel themselves in ways that support their performance or long-term health.

The researchers found clear gaps in both general nutrition knowledge and sport-specific nutrition understanding. On average, students scored around 45 percent on basic nutrition questions and just 35 percent on questions related to sports nutrition. Many athletes underestimated how many calories and carbohydrates their bodies need to sustain training, while overestimating how much protein and fat they should be consuming. This imbalance can affect everything from energy levels during practice to recovery and injury risk.

Another important takeaway from the study is where athletes are getting their information. Social media was one of the most common sources of nutrition advice, despite the fact that much of the content circulating online is not evidence-based. Coaches and family members were also frequently cited, but many coaches do not receive formal nutrition education themselves, which can unintentionally reinforce misinformation.

Healthy eating is largely about access to accurate information. Understanding how to build a balanced plate, one that includes adequate carbohydrates, protein, fats, fruits, and vegetables, and knowing why those components matter, is essential for both athletic consistency and long-term well-being.

For athletes, food shapes performance, recovery, and overall health. Supporting young athletes with better nutrition education can help them make choices that benefit them not only in their sport, but long after their seasons end.