Lisa Sutherland and Kerry Otto are the resident nutritionists at the VIS. Nutrition services are available on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.

Private clients are able to access this service. Complete assessment is given for a dietary plan designed to the athletes/clients needs and are usually monitored monthly by the nutritionist. A shopping service is available on request should an athlete/cleint need assistance in selecting the correct foods etc.

What is a Healthy Diet?
All VIS athletes follow a healthy eating plan. This plan ensures that the athletes eat nutritious foods that are high in energy, minerals and vitamins, helping them through hard training sessions and weeklong competition programs.

Who works out an Athlete's Eating Plan?
A dietician, who is a nutrition expert, works out an athlete's food plan. The dietician and the athlete sit-down and work out what and how much food should be eaten. The amount and type of exercise will guide the food selection. Usually very active people need more food for energy compared to less active people. For example a long-distance runner will need more food for energy than a gymnast.

The Healthy Eating Plan
The healthy eating plan is a useful guide when trying to work out the amounts and kinds of foods that you need each day. You should eat a variety of foods including plenty of plant foods such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles vegetables, legumes and fruit. Moderate amounts of animal foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, meat, fish, poultry and eggs. Consume very small amounts of foods which contain oils and fats such as butter, margarine and takeaway foods and most of all drink plenty of water.

Exercise and Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the major factors which influence the body's ability to perform athletically. Fuel supplies for muscle can be directly related back to macronutrients in the diet, and of these carbohydrates are the most important for endurance. Protein requirements for athletes are often increased, and vitamin and mineral supplements are commonly used. Experienced athletes will alter their diets leading up to major competitions, in order to ensure that nutritionally, their body is in peak condition and is high in carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Obviously, different sports require different dietary adjustments leading up to competitions, depending on whether it is a power or endurance orientated event, and the time for which they will be competing.