Early Time-Restricted Eating in Young Judo Athletes

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 19-26 years; * male judo players; c) with at least 3 years of judo training experience; * engaged in judo training 5-6 days per week; e) healthy, with no known chronic illnesses or conditions affecting metabolism, mental health, or physical performance; * willing to adhere to a 16:8 e-TRE protocol for the 5-month study period; * non-smokers, as smoking may affect anxiety levels and cardiovascular health; * not using any performance-enhancing drugs or supplements that could interfere with the study's measurements. Exclusion Criteria: * current musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that could limit participation in training or affect muscle damage biomarkers; * diagnosed psychiatric disorders or current treatment for anxiety or mood disorders, as these could interfere with psychological assessments; * use of medications affecting metabolism, muscle recovery, or psychological state (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressants); * prior experience with time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting within the past year, as prior adaptation could impact study outcomes; * dietary restrictions or practices (e.g., vegan or keto diet) that could affect nutrient intake or metabolic markers; * diagnosed sleep disorders or irregular sleep patterns, as sleep quality could impact both muscle recovery and psychological parameters; * inability to commit to the structured training program over the study period.