Resonating even today – this programme explains how to resolve the 'energy in' and 'work out' equation in athletes as well as the rest of us

This 1986 programme, primarily aimed at sports students, explores the relationship between food and energy by asking a variety of questions. These are discussed by a group of sports science students, the Olympic athlete, Sarah Rowell, a nutritionist, Dr Steve Wootton and a dietician, Dr Anne de Looy. Food, as the source of energy, is the first topic under discussion. Drs Wootton and de Looy explain the processes that convert food into energy and how different types of foods vary in the amount of energy they can deliver and why. They advise varied rather than balanced diets and suggest that athletes should consume more starchy foods like pasta and potatoes because they provide a good supply of energy than other food types. Training schedules, Dr de Looy advises, should make allowances for rest days and for eating - since this is when the body's reserves of glycogen, the substance that delivers the energy required, are topped-up. The Olympic marathon runner, Sarah Rowell, talks about her varied diet which does not change for any particular event. Mistaken ideas like 'instant energy' drinks or glucose tablets are shown to impair rather than enhance sporting performance, being more a testament to the persuasiveness of advertising. Dietary supplements are also discussed and both scientists say 'look to your diet' rather than spend considerable amounts of money on heavily advertised products - often with endorsements from celebrity athletes. Dr de Looy posits that if all athletes took supplements they'd all be winning gold medals. She adds that the recommendations presented in the programme can have long-term health benefits, not only for athletes but everyone in the population, even non-sporty types. The programme ends with a summary of the key points and a montage of food and sporting activity images.