Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In the new age busy world, one fine day everything came to halt or rather stand still due to a new species of infectious virus known as Corona Virus Disease 2019 or COVID-19. This unprecedented challenge requires a coordinated global response. The government around the world have taken the route of �Lock Down to Knock Down Corona�. Sports authority of India (SAI) has left no stone unturned for the protection of Elite and non-elite athletes in their centres all over India. For the athlete�s safety Olympic games that were supposed to be held in TOKYO, in July 2020 announced its postponement to August 2021. OBJECTIVE: The study aims at understanding eating pattern of the athletes of different foods before amid during COVID-19 Lockdown. METHODOLOGY: Study was done using a well-planned questionnaire. Study was carried out through filling of google forms due to Social Distancing during COVID-19 lock down. 128 participants were included based on their willingness to participate in the study. The athletes are a part of SAI, NSSC, Bangalore. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Among 128 participants, 67 were men athletes and 61 were female athletes. The participants were between the age group of 20 � 35 years. More than half (54%) n=69 was in lockdown for 16 � 20 days, almost half (43%) n= 55 were in lockdown for 10 � 15 days. Amongst Non-vegetarians, those who consumed once a day had reduced drastically from 33%(n=42 ) to 7% (n=9). Paneer consumption amongst vegetarians showed a decrease in daily consumption. Those who ate paneer twice a week 12%(n=16) had reduced to 5%(n=6). This was done to adjust the protein consumption in reduced training situations. The athletes showed increased weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables though daily cosumption had slightly reduced. Athletes dairy consumption showed marginal changes before and during the lock down period. 50% (n=63) athletes consumed dairy every day before lock down increased to 60% (n=77) athletes during lock down. Snacking amongst the athletes reduced from 61% (n=79) to 43% (n=56). The athletes were aware of the healthy snack options, they were occasionally having junk foods like chats (12%, n=15) where as they mostly preferred healthy options like fruits (46%, n=59), dry fruits (16%, n=21).The athletes presented a low percentage of ordering food from these online delivery apps before (76%, n=19) who ordered once a week and none (0%, n=0) during the lock down even after these companies resumed services. The athletes had active individual training even during the lock down period. To beat dehydration most of them had regular and sufficient water consumption during the lock down. Majority of them 70% (n=89) trained during the unexpected COVID-19 lockdown. Majority of athletes 51%(n=65) had 6- 8 hrs of sleep. 70% (n=90) showed moderate stress and 20%(n=25) showed less stress. Time spent on gadgets were monitored. 53% (n=68) used these gadgets between 2-4 hrs only. Free time in the athletes were effectively utilized 22% (n=28) of them tried some new hobbies like painting, singing etc. 20% (n=25) spent time reading books, a rare one these days. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the athletes were well informed on the nutritional periodisation during a reduced training period or intensity. The athletes were able to manage their eating pattern from home/ hostel to their best. Nutrition education has tremendously helped the athletes to make wise choices of the diet. The athletes must be appreciated for the healthy eating pattern they followed Staying at Home, Staying Safe.