Nutrition played a key role in performance and overall health, affecting the body whether individuals participated in sports or exercised recreationally. Students and faculty said nutrition influenced physical performance, recovery and mental focus. Despite differing goals, many agreed food served as fuel.
Nutritional needs varied based on personal factors such as upbringing, activity level and athletic background. As a result, diets and workout routines differed from person to person, reflecting how individualized nutrition had become.
Some individuals said they understood the benefits of proper nutrition, while others said they continued learning how food affected their health as they grew older.
Dr. Jeffrey Mooney, a Christian studies professor, said his perspective on nutrition stemmed from his upbringing in the South, where his family regularly ate whole foods.
Mooney said he rarely consumed processed foods and primarily ate homegrown vegetables and meat. He said his diet remained similar today, with an emphasis on balanced meals.
“I still eat pretty clean and I’m not too crazy about processed sugar and foods,” Mooney said.
He said maintaining balance mattered and allowed room for occasional treats.
“I love the occasional Reese’s Pieces and coffee,” Mooney said.
Mooney shared that food should nourish both the body and spirit and encouraged gratitude for what was provided, while avoiding excess.
“Anyone who knows me knows I love life. And so I eat really good and I think enjoying that is part of the Christian posture towards life,” Mooney said.
Mooney said learning about nutrition over time changed how he approached meals and snacks.
“Simple and complex carbs are different. I had no idea and thought one should avoid carbs entirely,” Mooney said.
He said misconceptions about nutrition remained common and emphasized the importance of education and informed dietary choices.
At the CBU Recreation Center, students shared how nutrition influenced their fitness routines. Thomas Siroki, sophomore mechanical engineering major, said his eating habits aligned closely with his workouts.
Siroki said he followed personal guidelines as a gym-goer and Fortuna Bowl athlete, particularly regarding carbohydrate intake.
“I wouldn’t eat a bunch of bad carbs, particularly in the middle of the day. It slows me down and makes me tired,” Siroki said.
Siroki said timing carbohydrate intake helped maintain balance and energy.
“I like to have carbs just before I work out. The CBU [cafeteria] provides a lot of options for that,” Siroki said.
Students said campus dining options supported a variety of nutritional needs. Carolyn Louis, freshman pre-nursing major, said she balanced her diet differently depending on her sport while competing in high school.
“As a multi-sport athlete, it differed. Before track, I would have protein. Before cheer, I liked to have more sugar and fruits,” Louis said.
Louis said she often drank Celsius energy drinks to stay energized and hydrated.
“Celsius is my favorite and my go-to,” Louis said.
Louis said she preferred eating before workouts, following common nutritional guidance that emphasized fueling the body ahead of physical activity.
Students and faculty said nutrition influenced both physical performance and overall well-being. While dietary habits varied, many emphasized the importance of food as fuel for the body and nourishment for the soul.
