It is my belief that every person is or can be an athlete. From the professional athlete to the brand new fitness fanatic, every person can benefit from sports nutrition.
A registered dietitian is the food and nutrition expert who has met the following criteria:
- Earned a bachelor's degree with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association)
- Completed an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community group or foodservice corporation
- Passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Completes continuing professional education to maintain registration
- Not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. While some states have licensure laws defining the range of practice for the term "nutritionist", other states allow this for anyone regardless of training. Be sure to research who you choose as your source of quality information.
Sports nutrition integrates nutrition with physical activity and sport. Strengths of a sports dietitian include: a strong base in clinical nutrition, exercise science and counseling. Many also hold the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential meaning they have been a registered dietitian for 2 years with 1500 hours of sports specific experience. For more information on this credential, click here.
A sports dietitian can help you with:
- Body composition including weight gain or loss
- Improving energy levels
- Meal planning around a training or competition schedule
- Nutrition while traveling on the road
- Hydration
- Safe supplements
- Strategies for active people with nutrition-related disease complications
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