# Describing Dietary Habits and Body Composition Among High-Intensity Functional Training Athletes: A Mixed Methods Approach

## TL;DR

This study explores the eating habits and body composition of high-intensity functional training athletes using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

## Contribution

The study provides a mixed-methods analysis of dietary habits and body composition in typical HIFT athletes, not just elite ones.

## Key findings

- HIFT athletes showed a wide range of body fat percentages, with males having 6.5–27.6% and females 10.6–37.6%.
- Most athletes consumed lean meats and home-cooked meals but rarely met recommended servings of dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- 77.4% of athletes used dietary supplements, often to improve health, recovery, or nutrient intake, but some relied on supplements rather than whole foods.

## Abstract

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has grown in popularity in the past several decades, yet previous research has largely focused on the dietary habits and body composition of elite HIFT athletes and utilized only quantitative study designs, potentially limiting our understanding of typical HIFT athletes. This study aimed to comprehensively describe the common dietary habits and body composition of HIFT athletes. Data were only analyzed descriptively. Among 62 HIFT athletes (age: 36 ± 11.7 years), we estimated body fat percentage (BF%) using a Siri 3-compartment model, and we assessed dietary habits, dietary supplement (DS) use, and open-response rationales for DS use/disuse via an online questionnaire. Qualitative data from open-response questions were coded and grouped via inductive thematic analysis. Body composition varied among both male (n = 36, BF% = 6.5–27.6%) and female participants (n = 26, BF% = 10.6–37.6%). Most participants reported regular consumption of lean meats and home-cooked meals, yet few participants (~20%) regularly consumed the recommended twice daily servings of dairy, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Most (77.4%) HIFT athletes reported DS use, with the average HIFT athlete using approximately six DS; dairy protein, creatine, caffeine, and electrolyte drinks were the most reported DS. Improving health, recovery, and nutrient intake were common reasons for using DS, whereas a lack of noticeable results was the most common reason for discontinuation. Some HIFT athletes may rely on DS to address nutrient gaps rather than whole foods.