The “Food Technology Company Meetings – 1 / SSN Sports” event was organized by the Food Technology Department and the Food Club of Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School (SHMYO). The event, which was attended by expert trainers and athletes, drew attention to the importance of sports. SHMYO Director Prof. Dr. Mesut Karahan stated: “In addition to theoretical courses, it is very valuable for professionals to share their experiences…”
REKK Athlete Foods SSN Sports Food Consultant Mete Pakalın, Coach Can Ünal, Dietitian / Sports Nutrition Specialist Derya Deregözü, Personal Trainer / Athlete Mehran Kamyar, Personal Trainer / Athlete Ebrar Vakılzadeh, Trainer / Athlete Simge Amulhan, and Trainer / Athlete Mehmet Kanı attended the event, held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emir Nebi Conference Hall, as guests.
Prof. Dr. Mesut Karahan, Director of Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School, also attended the event.
The “Food Technology Company Meetings – 1 / SSN Sports” event was moderated by Dr. Salih Tuncay, Head of the Food Technology Program at the Health Services Vocational School, and Lecturer Selen Akbulut from the Food Technology Program.
Prof. Dr. Mesut Karahan: “We have a three-module education system”
Prof. Karahan stated; “We are the most comprehensive in Turkey in the health services vocational school group. We have a total of over 7,100 students in the regular education group and second-level education. I am a food technologist. I usually say how important sports are in my life and that nutrition is also on the agenda. Today, a session will be held where both sports and nutrition will be discussed. In our vocational school, we have a total of a three-module education system: theoretical courses, our university's laboratories, and field/vocational training. In addition, it is very valuable for professionals to come and be our guests. We want more programs like this because we will learn that what we thought was right might be wrong, or perhaps what we thought was wrong might be right.”
Dr. Salih Tuncay: “Processed and packaged products are consumed intensively…”
Dr. Salih Tuncay, Head of the Food Technology Program, stated that many people widely consume processed and packaged products today. Tuncay said; “Technicians who ensure that food reaches the end consumer under hygienic and healthy conditions and who are involved in every stage of production are trained within the scope of this program. Today, we will discuss topics related to athlete nutrition and body development. It is extremely important to use healthy, hygienic foods with high nutritional values. Nowadays, many people cannot consume what they produce themselves and widely and intensively consume processed and packaged products. At this point, food additives are indispensable for the food industry. During the processing of natural products, vitamins and minerals in the product composition lose their nutritional value. Food supplements are extremely important for regaining these values. Another point is that each individual's metabolic characteristics differ in the daily lifestyle model. This difference varies according to age, gender, living conditions, exercise performed, and nutritional groups.”
Mete Pakalın: “We are among the top five in the sector”
REKK Athlete Foods SSN Sports Food Consultant Mete Pakalın gave information to the participants about the REKK company. Pakalın stated; “REKK Athlete Foods is a company that has been producing 100% locally certified products in Eskişehir, Turkey, for 9 years. We are among the top five in the sector. We produce our products in-house and do our own packaging. We do not have products made externally in any way. Therefore, we are a 100% halal certified company. We have been standing for 9 years with proper planning and marketing.”
Dietitian Derya Deregözü: “One-size-fits-all diets are not suitable for everyone”
Sports Nutrition Specialist / Dietitian Derya Deregözü pointed out that everyone's metabolism works differently, stating that the nutrients each person needs are different. Deregözü said; “Each individual’s metabolism is affected by a series of factors such as age, gender, genetic structure, lifestyle, and physical activities, and therefore everyone’s metabolism differs. These differences affect a person's energy requirements, nutritional needs, and metabolic processes occurring in the body. Therefore, the nutrients each person needs and the appropriate diet plan may vary according to their personal metabolic characteristics. For this reason, it is important that a one-size-fits-all diet is not suitable for everyone and that individual needs should be taken into account.”
Deregözü: “Proper nutrition is vital when exercising”
Dietitian Derya Deregözü, who stated that proper nutrition is vital when exercising; “A balanced diet provides the body with the energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals it needs. It is important to consume a light meal before exercise, pay attention to fluid intake during exercise, and consume a protein and carbohydrate-rich snack after exercise. Furthermore, it is necessary to adjust the nutrition plan appropriately according to the type, duration, and intensity of the person's sport. Managing nutritional habits correctly enhances athletes' performance while also supporting overall health and well-being.”
During the panel, participants shared their industry experiences and offered important advice to students. At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants by Dr. Salih Tuncay, Head of the Food Technology Program. The event concluded after a group photo session.