The Effect Of Nutritious Food On Students Enthusiasm And Activeness In Sports Activies

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of nutritious food consumption on students’ enthusiasm and activeness in sports activities at SD Negeri 101818 Pancur Batu. Adequate and balanced nutrition is widely recognized as a fundamental determinant of children’s physical performance, cognitive focus, and motivational readiness during physical education. The study employed a quantitative descriptive design with a survey approach involving 29 third-grade students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing dietary habits and perceptions, as well as direct observations of students’ engagement during Physical Education (PE) sessions. The findings indicate that students who regularly consume balanced meals—including carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and sufficient water—demonstrate higher levels of enthusiasm, sustained energy, and active participation during sports activities. These students showed better physical endurance, attentiveness to instructions, and motor coordination. In contrast, students with inconsistent nutritious food intake appeared more easily fatigued, less focused, and less engaged in physical tasks. Conceptually, these results align with contemporary evidence that proper macronutrient and micronutrient intake supports metabolic efficiency, oxygen utilization, and cognitive functioning, which collectively enhance physical activity performance and intrinsic motivation in school-aged children. In conclusion, nutritious food has a positive and meaningful influence on students’ enthusiasm and activeness in sports activities. These findings highlight the importance of integrated nutrition education involving schools and families to promote sustainable healthy eating behaviors that support both physical and academic success.