Sustainable sport nutrition behaviors, mental resilience, and perceived athletic performance in competitive athletes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Sustainable dietary practices may influence athlete health, recovery, psychological stability, and environmental responsibility; however, evidence regarding their relationship with mental resilience and perceived athletic performance remains limited. Objective This study investigated associations among sustainable sport nutrition practices, sustainability awareness, recovery quality, mental resilience, and perceived athletic performance in competitive athletes. Methods A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted over 8 weeks. Of 300 invited athletes, 230 agreed to participate and 202 completed the full survey. Participants completed self-report measures assessing sustainable sport nutrition practices, sustainability awareness, recovery quality, mental resilience, and perceived athletic performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 survey completers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data were examined using reflexive thematic analysis and integrated through a joint display. Results Sustainable sport nutrition practices were positively associated with mental resilience ( r = 0.47, p < 0.001), recovery quality ( r = 0.43, p < 0.001), and perceived athletic performance ( r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Sustainability awareness was associated with sustainable nutrition practices ( r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that sustainable sport nutrition practices (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), recovery quality (β = 0.29, p < 0.001), and sustainability awareness (β = 0.21, p = 0.003) were positively associated with mental resilience, which was associated with perceived athletic performance (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings indicated that structured nutrition routines supported mental preparation, recovery confidence, emotional regulation, and training discipline. Conclusion Sustainable sport nutrition behaviors were associated with improved recovery quality, mental resilience, and perceived athletic performance. Findings should be interpreted as associations due to the cross-sectional design and self-report measures. Sustainable sport nutrition should emphasize performance compatibility, adequate energy availability, and sufficient protein intake rather than restrictive approaches.
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition
Authors: Fan Xitong, Miao Cheng
Institutions: Soochow University, Soochow University
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7220694132