How Vital is Nutrition for the Fitness Warrior?

We were on our way to Denver, CO and I was sitting next to a guy named Matt who turned out to be a wealth of information in nutrition - not from a sports nutrition aspect, but most certainly from a holistic perspective. It was a meeting that was intended because we were supposed to be in coach on another flight on another day, but because of the severe snow storm on the east coast, we were delayed by 2 days. In addition, my son asked if we could swap seats so he could have the window. As soon as I started putting up my luggage, I looked down to see a Michael Crichton novel called "Next" sitting on the divider. So that became the springboard for further conversation. I don't remember how we got onto the subject of nutrition. I think I started telling him about my daughter Mel and I trying to get certified as personal trainers, and he asked if we were focusing on nutrition in any way.

So we talked about alkaline vs. acidic environments in the body, vitamin depletion, and the importance of drinking a pure source of water. Not your typical sports nutrition conversation. But it really got me thinking. Why is there such a disparity in what is prescribed for athletes via sports nutrition and a more organic holistic approach? I've often seen recommendations to eat white rice, white potatoes, and white flour products, or to take questionable supplements. Here's the bottom line: What is beneficial to the body is based on what is truly of value, and should NOT be based on a skewed perspective. Either a food source is healthy for the body or it isn't. I would be interested in YOUR perspective.

So, it's vital to understand sound nutrition practices regarding macro-nutrients, food sources and effects, and intake timing.