Acknowledgments

As I set out to develop a practical sports nutrition text containing all of the necessary scientific background paired with easy-to-digest and apply information, tools, and resources, I had no idea of the magnitude of such a project. I am grateful for the many people who helped me over the past four years to turn this vision into this completed sports nutrition text. Without them, there is no way that I would have come to this point in the process, in expressing my heartfelt thanks for a project completed.

First, to Cedric Bryant, the Chief Science Officer at the American Council on Exercise, who nominated me for such a project and had faith in my abilities to convert complex scientific information into an easily digestible and practically useful text for students. I hope that this text has lived up to that vision. Also, to Quincy McDonald at F.A. Davis, who believed in me and offered me the great privilege to author my first textbook. Thank you for taking a chance on me.

No words can adequately express my gratitude to Pat Gillivan, my developmental editor, who so beautifully edited this text, coordinated contributors and reviewers, assured quality of the information, and gently nudged me to stay on track through a long and laborious process that at times felt overwhelming. I am grateful for her countless hours, energy, and commitment to this project.

I am grateful to the contributors who helped to enhance the chapters’ content and readability and ensured the accuracy and quality of the content. These contributors graciously lent their insights and skills to enhancing the value of the text to students. My sincerest appreciation to Diana Castellanos, PhD, RD, who contributed to Chapters 1 and 2; Michelle Futrell, MA, ATC, SCAT, who contributed to Chapter 3; Dana Angelo White, MS, ATC, RD, who co-authored Chapter 5; Michelle Murphy Zive, MS, RD, who contributed greatly to the text with her help for Chapters 4, 6, 7, 8, and 12; Monica Grages, MS, RD, LD, who authored Box 9-1; Sabrena Merrill, MS, who authored the multiple choice questions for Chapters 3, 4, and 9–16; and Bethany Pianca, BS, RD who helped with several features and sample answers for much of the text.

A special thank you to the external reviewers who assured the accuracy and quality of the information. They carefully evaluated each chapter and provided extremely valuable feedback and recommendations to improve the quality of the text.

Finally, thank you to my husband, Bob, and my children, Thomas and Mariella. They have continued to show support, patience, and ongoing sacrifice through the entire process from vision to publication of this project. I thank them for the many free nights and spare moments they uncomplainingly allowed me to finish just one more feature, work on that final chapter, tie up loose ends, and otherwise nurture this project to completion.