From elite athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts, the role of nutrition in performance is undeniable. Sports nutritionist Ankita Patel has made it her mission to help individuals unlock their true potential through the power of food.
In this conversation with Women Fitness, Sports Nutritionist Ankita Patel opens up about her journey, principles of sports nutrition, and what it really takes to fuel performance sustainably.
Ankita Patel on her Path into Sports Nutrition
My career began in the clinical world, supporting patients managing diabetes, hypertension, and kidney conditions. Sports nutrition wasn’t on my radar back then. But when an opportunity arose to work with a local sports organization, I embraced it with curiosity.
That experience transformed everything. Working alongside athletes, coaches, and physiologists, I saw how nutrition directly impacts athletic performance, recovery, and career longevity. Unlike clinical patients aiming to reverse disease, these athletes wanted to optimize energy, endurance, and resilience—a whole new challenge.
I immersed myself in learning, earning certifications in sports nutrition and applying these principles on the field. Today, I proudly bridge clinical nutrition and sports performance, helping both athletes and individuals with medical conditions thrive through tailored nutrition.
Balancing Motherhood and a Demanding Career
As a mother to a lively 1.5-year-old, balancing family and professional life is a daily juggling act. My mornings start early—not with meditation or exercise—but tending to my daughter’s needs. Once she’s settled, I shift focus to my role at a residential sports academy under the Sports Authority of Gujarat.
My day begins by overseeing athletes’ breakfasts—a critical part of their training day. From there, it’s consultations, personalized diet plans, and athlete check-ins. While some days flow smoothly, others require flexibility and strong support from my family to keep everything on track.
Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about adapting, asking for help, and embracing the beautiful chaos of work and motherhood.
Nutritional Challenges Female Athletes Face as Shared by Ankita
WF asked Anikta to open up on the challenges faced by female athletes. To this, she unfolded the unique challenges that can hinder performance and health:
- Low Energy Availability (RED-S): Underfueling leads to hormonal imbalances, missed periods, and weakened bones.
- Iron Deficiency: Menstruation combined with intense training can cause fatigue and poor performance.
- Macronutrient Imbalance: Fear of carbohydrates and fats leads to restrictive eating that harms recovery.
- Ignoring the Menstrual Cycle: Nutritional needs vary across the cycle but are often overlooked.
- Disordered Eating & Body Image: Pressure from societal and sport-specific expectations heightens risk.
Debunking Common Myths in Female Sports Nutrition
- Myth: Eating less improves performance.
Truth: Chronic dieting damages hormones, strength, and endurance. - Myth: Carbohydrates cause weight gain.
Truth: Carbs are essential for energy and hormonal health. - Myth: Menstrual cycles don’t affect training or nutrition.
Truth: Hormonal changes influence energy needs; nutrition should adapt. - Myth: Supplements can replace real food.
Truth: Balanced meals are irreplaceable. - Myth: Male and female athletes can follow the same nutrition plan.
Truth: Women need individualized plans considering hormones and bone health.
Ankita’s Tips for Balancing Performance with Long-Term Health
A successful sports nutrition plan goes beyond immediate performance. Here’s how Ankita Patel approaches it:
- Prioritize sufficient energy for training and recovery.
- Align nutrition with training cycles, increasing carbs on intense days.
- Monitor key health markers such as iron, vitamin D, and menstrual health.
- Avoid fad diets; promote sustainable, whole-food habits.
- Educate athletes about nutrition’s role in both peak performance and lifelong health.
A Success Story: Volleyball Athlete Fat Loss
We asked her to share a success story where your intervention had a significant impact on an athlete. To this, she shared the following experience.
A volleyball player wanted to reduce body fat to improve agility and vertical jump without losing strength.
We designed a calorie-controlled, high-protein diet with nutrient timing around training, alongside strength training and recovery nutrition.
The result? A 5% drop in body fat in just three months, improved speed and jump height, with sustained strength and energy during matches.
Overcoming Barriers to Nutrition Plan Adherence
Common obstacles and how I help clients overcome them:
- Lack of motivation: Set clear, achievable goals.
- Restrictive diets: Offer flexible, enjoyable meal options.
- Time constraints: Share quick and easy recipes.
- Limited knowledge: Provide simple, clear nutrition education.
- Emotional/social eating: Teach mindful eating and coping strategies.
Respecting Culture: Nutrition Tailored for India
Nutrition advice works best when it fits cultural contexts. In India, I:
- Use familiar, local foods.
- Respect dietary customs and religious practices.
- Adapt meal plans to support performance without compromising culture.
- Promote healthier cooking methods and portion control.
Ankita Patel on Preventing Injuries: Key Advice for Athletes
To stay injury-free, athletes should:
- Warm up properly and gradually increase training intensity.
- Prioritize rest and recovery.
- Maintain good technique and listen to their bodies.
Nutritionally, focus on:
- Protein for muscle repair.
- Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish.
- Calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
- Hydration.
Limit processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol to reduce inflammation and speed recovery.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the 2036 Olympics in Gujarat
Ankita Patel, who is a high-performance sports nutritionist, consultant dietitian, Diabetes educator, level 1 anthropometrist, and lead sports nutritionist at the Sports Authority of Gujarat, India, gives her special input on preparations going on for the Olympics 2036:
With the 2036 Olympics expected to be hosted in Gujarat, upcoming competitions such as the National Games and SGFI events will be critical for scouting and preparing athletes. These events provide valuable experience and allow us to fine-tune nutrition and training strategies to ensure our athletes are ready to shine on home soil.
Ankita’s Message for Those Facing Weight, Performance, or Diabetes Challenges
Progress doesn’t come overnight, but it is always within reach. Focus on consistency, not perfection. Embrace balanced, realistic nutrition and training tailored to your unique needs. For managing diabetes, prioritize stabilizing blood sugar through mindful eating and regular monitoring.
Every challenge is a stepping stone. Stay patient, stay committed, and trust the journey—your path to better health and performance begins with a single step.