Nutrition Study Reshapes Strategies Fo...( within an hour or two of competition i...)

Houtkooper said most of the women and their coaches were skeptical at first. They look at it as more work, and something else to think about, she said. But like other athletes involved in intense competition, they are looking for an edge. And some of the women feel Houtkooper has given them one.

Houtkooper said non-athletes also can benefit from her research. "What we recommend to athletes are the same kinds of things we recommend for the general population to eat.

"The difference is that if you are less active, you should eat smaller amounts of the same types of foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, grains, pasta, cereal, small amounts of low-fat milk and meat, and some foods that make life interesting."