Nutrition Education Curriculum Promotes Adolescent Runners' Self-Efficacy, Knowledge, and Intake of Nutrient-Rich Carbohydrate Foods.

The percent of nutrition knowledge questions answered correctly increased after Lessons 1 and 2 (59.0% ± 20.0% pre- vs. 81.9% ± 22.8% post-Lesson 1; 44.7% ± 13.7% pre- vs. 74.5% ± 17.4% post-Lesson 2, ) and the number of identified nutrient-rich carbohydrate foods (8.7 ± 2.7 vs. 12.4 ± 2.3,  < 0.001). Self-efficacy scores improved after all lessons (). After Lesson 2, 84% ( = 27/32) of runners increased the carbohydrate included in a snack or meal; after Lesson 4, 85% ( = 29/34) added a post-exercise snack. Frequent themes identified from questions addressing dietary changes included increasing quantity and quality of carbohydrates in snacks and meals and being more aware of food choices. Findings suggest that the curriculum enhanced nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, and dietary behaviors related to intake of nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods in adolescent runners.