[Answered]: The Case: June is a mixed martial arts athlete…

The Case: June is a mixed martial arts athlete preparing for a big competition this coming Saturday. Up until this point, June has been handling her weight cutting strategies with her coach, in the form of reducing total food volume and limiting/restricting fluids in the days leading up to the competition. Below you will find the plan that she uses to make weight. As her new sport dietitian, this is your opportunity to assess her current regimen and provide alternative suggestions that will safely support her performance for the match. Objective: To provide your evidence-based opinion on the following plan for the athlete to make weight in time for the competition. To develop suggestions for post-weigh in recovery before the match begins. Athlete profile: Age: 21 Height: 5’9” Current weight: 215 lbs Target weight: 205 lbs Weigh In: Saturday morning Recovery: 2 hours before match Athlete’s Plan to make weight: Wednesday: Low fiber staring Wednesday morning Thursday: Low sodium starting Thursday morning Reduced fluid Thursday night after training Friday: Woke up 211lbs Consumed 150mL (5 oz.) coffee for breakfast, almost no fluid until weigh-in (<100mL, 3.5 oz.) High energy, low weight food all day (protein bars, pancake, fried eggs) Light training Friday evening to sweat Saturday: 15-minute jog on treadmill with extra layers; 204.5lbs Still 2 h until weigh-in, 0.5lb under weight Breakfast; protein/CHO bar (65g) + 2 pieces of bread with butter & honey ( ͂110g) Approximately: 120g CHO (~1.2g/kg), 30g pro, 700kcal Answer the following Questions: Why is June put on low fiber intake in the several days before the weigh in? What is the purpose of sodium and fluid restriction? Why would an athlete in this situation want high energy, low weight foods? Do you think the match day breakfast is appropriate? Why or why not? What adjustments should be made if it is not appropriate?