BYU Cougars fans have long marveled at the team’s endurance, explosive energy, and razor-sharp focus during games. What’s the secret to their stellar performances? While raw talent, rigorous training, and strategic coaching are obvious factors, there’s another crucial ingredient that often flies under the radar: nutrition.
To uncover the science fueling BYU’s athletes, we sat down with Dr. Jamie Caldwell, the Cougars’ head sports nutritionist. With a Ph.D. in Nutritional Science and years of experience working with elite athletes, Dr. Caldwell is the architect of the team’s dietary strategies. Here’s what she had to say about the role of nutrition in the Cougars’ success.
A Game Plan That Starts in the Kitchen
“Nutrition is like a playbook,” Dr. Caldwell begins. “Just as the team needs a strategy on the field, their bodies need a strategy to perform at their best.” According to her, the Cougars’ nutrition regimen is carefully calibrated to support intense training, quick recovery, and optimal performance.
Breakfast: The day often begins with a nutrient-dense breakfast tailored to fuel morning practices. “We focus on complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, like oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and fresh fruit,” she explains. “Protein is equally important, so eggs, Greek yogurt, or protein shakes are staples.”
Pre-Game Meals: Leading up to game time, the emphasis shifts to easily digestible carbs and lean protein. “We avoid foods high in fat and fiber right before a game to minimize digestive discomfort,” Dr. Caldwell says. Meals typically include options like grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, rice, and steamed vegetables.
Hydration: Proper hydration is another cornerstone. “We don’t just focus on water,” she emphasizes. “Electrolyte balance is key, especially at high altitudes.” Players are provided with customized electrolyte drinks throughout practices and games.
The Role of Recovery Nutrition
Recovery nutrition is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining peak performance throughout the season. “What an athlete eats in the 30 minutes after a game can determine how they’ll feel the next day,” Dr. Caldwell explains.
After games, players are given recovery shakes containing a precise ratio of carbs to protein—usually around 3:1. “This helps replenish glycogen stores and kick-start muscle repair,” she notes. Players also consume antioxidant-rich foods like berries, spinach, and nuts to combat inflammation.
Customizing for Individual Needs
No two athletes are the same, and Dr. Caldwell works closely with each player to tailor their diet. “We perform regular body composition assessments, blood tests, and even genetic screenings to identify individual nutritional needs,” she says. For instance:
- Linemen often require higher calorie intakes due to their size and energy expenditure.
- Sprinters and wide receivers focus on foods that support explosive energy and agility.
- Injured players are given anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s and vitamin C to accelerate healing.
Game-Day Superstitions vs. Science
Every team has its quirky traditions, and BYU is no exception. Dr. Caldwell laughs as she recounts one player’s pre-game ritual: eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at exactly 2 hours before kickoff. “As long as it fits within their nutritional needs, I say go for it,” she jokes. “But the science comes first.”
Addressing the Challenges of High Altitude
BYU’s home turf in Provo, Utah, sits at over 4,500 feet above sea level—a factor that poses unique challenges. “At high altitudes, athletes can dehydrate faster and feel fatigued more quickly,” Dr. Caldwell explains. To counteract this, she implements high-altitude nutrition strategies:
- Iron-Rich Foods: Oxygen delivery to muscles becomes more challenging at altitude, so players are encouraged to eat iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, and fortified cereals.
- Increased Carbohydrates: Carbs are the body’s most efficient energy source, especially in oxygen-limited environments.
- Hydration Schedules: Players follow strict hydration schedules, starting days before a game, to ensure they’re fully acclimated.
Mental Performance Through Food
Athletic success isn’t just physical—it’s mental, too. Dr. Caldwell emphasizes the link between nutrition and cognitive performance. “Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, support brain function,” she explains. “We also include foods rich in magnesium and B vitamins to help with focus and stress management.”
Before games, players are encouraged to snack on nuts, bananas, or dark chocolate. “These foods can improve mood and provide a quick energy boost,” she adds.
The Future of Sports Nutrition
As sports science evolves, so does Dr. Caldwell’s approach. She’s currently researching the potential of personalized supplements and wearable technology to monitor players’ hydration and nutrient levels in real time. “The goal is to stay ahead of the curve,” she says. “The more we can fine-tune nutrition, the more competitive we’ll be.”
The BYU Difference
So what sets BYU’s approach apart? “It’s the holistic focus,” Dr. Caldwell says. “We’re not just feeding athletes—we’re educating them. By teaching them how to fuel their bodies properly, we’re setting them up for long-term success both on and off the field.”
From the science-backed meal plans to the individualized care, it’s clear that the BYU Cougars’ performance is as much a testament to their plates as it is to their playbooks. And with Dr. Caldwell and her team leading the charge, the Cougars are primed to stay a step ahead—on game day and beyond.