Swedish recreational athletes as subjects for sustainable food consumption: focus on performance and sustainability

Abstract

A high food intake can contribute to increased greenhouse-gas emissions, and therefore consumers with a high energy intake are important to include when exploring sustainable foodways. In this paper, semi-structured interviews and a seven-day food record were used to understand the climate impact of food, analyse mundane food practices, and identify sustainable routines among high-energy consumers represented by a group of recreational athletes. Social practice theory and the interdependent relationship between competence, material, and meaning unfold an Athletic performance-related food practice with a focus on performance, time-saving strategies, structured eating, and a possible Climate-conscious athletic performance-related food practice where the food practice also includes important sustainability aspects. The results indicate a high carbon footprint from high energy and dairy and whey protein intake. Some recreational athletes demonstrate an awareness of the climate impact of food, but they need to be convinced that more sustainable ways are possible without jeopardising athletic performance.

Keywords:

• Food consumption
• social practice theory
• protein intake
• climate impact
• recreational athletes
• CrossFit

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study did not receive specific grants from the public, commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.