GCSE PE Nutrition Talk with Sasha Gibbs, Holroyd Howe Nutritionist
Our GCSE PE pupils recently took part in an engaging sports nutrition talk delivered by Sasha Gibbs, a specialist in sports nutrition, recipe development and performance catering. Sasha brought a wealth of industry knowledge and practical experience to the session.
Students gained valuable insights into effective nutrition and hydration strategies for both training and competition. The session built on their existing GCSE PE knowledge, helping pupils develop a deeper understanding of how to apply nutritional principles to enhance their sporting performance and support their athletic goals.
Key and interesting takeaways from the session included:
• Edamame contains more protein than baked beans.
• Caffeine can remain in the body for up to 8 hours – useful when considering the timing of tea or coffee.
• White rice is one of the lowest-fibre, easiest foods to digest before a long endurance session (ideally eaten at least 2 hours beforehand).
• For those following a plant-based diet, combining protein sources helps ensure a full range of essential amino acids for complete protein intake.
• Adding vitamin C (such as lemon juice) to leafy greens like kale can help improve iron absorption.
Overall, the session was both informative and practical, giving pupils clear strategies they can apply in their own training and competition. It was an excellent opportunity to bring classroom learning to life and further encourage students to take a proactive approach to their health, nutrition, and sporting performance.
