The determinants of food choice in Gaelic football athletes

Purpose: Many factors have emerged as influential to athletes’ dietary decisions, yet no evidence is available on the determinants of Gaelic football athletes’ food choice. This study examined the most influential determinants of their food choice and established whether different factors affect males and females; elite and sub-elite; and different aged Gaelic football athletes. Methods: Gaelic football athletes were invited to complete an online survey. Gender, age, competition level, and location in which they play Gaelic football were recorded. Participants were asked to rate 32 items from the Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire (AFCQ), 11 additional factors and record any supplementary items that influence their food intake. Results: Three hundred and thirteen adult Gaelic football athletes completed the survey. Performance, food and health awareness, sensory appeal, daily schedule, eating location, food availability, convenience and hunger were ranked most influential; whereas emotional influence, food values and beliefs, medical condition and food allergies were ranked least influential. Younger athletes were more influenced by cost and teammates; yet elite athletes valued performance and what teammates are eating higher than sub-elite athletes. While males placed greater emphasis on weight control, females rated emotional influences higher, and described the impact of the menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Gaelic football athletes’ food choices are influenced by many variables; thus, no factor should be considered in isolation when examining their determinant profile. While further research is recommended to uncover explicit determinants applicable to specific cohorts of Gaelic football athletes, interventions should consider the significant factors outlined above to assist both practitioners and athletes themselves in better fueling training and performance.