The importance of nutrition and diet in sports performance is too often overlooked - just watch what youngsters are eating at any athletics match - and coach, parent and athlete can make a difference by getting this right. 
Senior Club runner and professional nutritionist Pat Niland, Dip.ION, MBANT, trained for four years at the acclaimed Institute For Optimum Nutrition in London. She is also an active member of The British Association For Nutritional Therapists and she has kindly agreed to several useful articles being reproduced here. 
Articles so far are:

Immunity and the Athlete
Vitality Edition 1, Dec 05/Jan 06
Food medicines one, Increase Energy with a Healthy Heart
Vitality Edition 2, Feb Mar 06
Vitality Edition 3, July 06

About Patricia Niland:
After establishing a thriving practice in London, Patricia moved to Southport, Merseyside. She works primarily within the North West of England, but also consults with individuals, groups and companies across the UK. 

"I believe Optimum Nutrition is about YOU! An acknowledgement of your uniqueness, a real tool, which can enable you to truly 'Live Your Life'. We are all individual, with different perceptions, stresses and lifestyles. Optimum Nutrition acknowledges these. It works with your strengths but also acknowledges your weaknesses, ultimately creating a Programme that works with YOU. You deserve the very best of health." 

Patricia has optimised nutrition for athletes from 
o Serpentine Running Club in London 
o Serpentine Triathlon 
o Herne Hill Running Club 
o Dulwich Runners 

You can contact Patricia Niland on 01704 560 733 or nilandnutrition@aol.com or visit her web site at www.nilandnutrition.com A 10% discount is available to Club members.
 

Other useful links to nutritional advice:
Topendsports nutritional advice Brian Mackenzie's Sports Coach