Nutrition specialty

Sports Nutrition

Fueling plans for training, performance, and recovery, from competitive athletes to people getting back into movement.

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Dietitians for this specialty

Sam

Why It Matters

15–80%

of athletes show signs of low energy availability, depending on the sport.

Recovery

Low energy availability increases injury risk, slows recovery, and disrupts metabolism.

Fueling

Poor fueling can impair focus, sleep, immune health, and training adaptations.

Restriction

Advice to “eat clean,” “cut weight,” or “push through” often leads to restriction and cycles of guilt and overeating.

Could This Be You?

Feel constantly fatigued despite training consistently

Struggle with recovery, soreness, or frequent injuries

Experience GI distress during or after workouts

Plateau in strength, speed, or endurance

Have irregular periods, low libido, or hormonal changes

Train hard but feel “flat,” sluggish, or underpowered

Are unsure how to fuel around practices, games, or long workouts

Feel anxious around food, carbs, or eating enough

Want to improve performance without extreme diets or tracking

Are told to lose weight to perform better, without a fueling plan

Sports We Support

Endurance Sports

Running, cycling, triathlon, soccer, field & court sports

Endurance-based sports place high demands on carbohydrate availability, hydration, and recovery.

How we help

Fueling plans for long workouts, races, and tournaments
Carbohydrate intake that supports performance without GI distress
Individualized hydration and electrolyte strategies
Fewer energy crashes, less bonking, and less chronic fatigue

Strength & Power Sports

Weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, Olympic lifting

Strength and power gains require adequate energy, protein, and recovery, not chronic restriction.

How we help

Macronutrient intake that supports muscle growth and training adaptations
Protein distribution to maximize strength and hypertrophy
Meals and snacks that support long training sessions
Body composition goals without compromising health or performance
Micronutrient guidance to reduce injury and overtraining risk

Team Sports

Football, basketball, lacrosse, hockey, volleyball, baseball/softball

Team sports demand a fueling approach that supports energy, endurance, and recovery across long seasons.

How we help

Realistic fueling strategies around practices, games, and travel
Balanced meals that support endurance, speed, and power
Pre-, during-, and post-activity meals and snacks for performance and recovery
Address inconsistent intake and underfueling

Acrobatic & Aesthetic Sports

Gymnastics, diving, cheer, dance, figure skating, acrobatics

These sports place unique physical and psychological demands on athletes, often emphasizing leanness, aesthetics, and early specialization.

How we help

Protect energy availability during high training volumes
Diet quality that supports growth, bone health, and injury prevention
Address food rules, restriction, and body image–related performance anxiety
Support hormonal health and menstrual function
Performance fueling without body shame or weight focus

Athletes with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, or Underweight

Athletes in any sport can experience underfueling, eating disorders, or weight suppression that affects health and performance.

How we help

Compassionate, non-judgmental nutrition support that never trades health for performance
Care that understands the needs of a competitive athlete struggling with restrictive eating
Restore adequate energy intake and weight safely when indicated
Support hormonal health, bone density, and metabolic recovery
Coordinate care with therapists, physicians, and athletic trainers
Address fear foods, rigid food rules, and body image–related performance anxiety

Not sure where you fit?

Our Practice Administrator can match you with the dietitian who specializes in your sport and goals.

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How We Help

Adequate Energy Intake

Ensure sufficient calories to support training, recovery, and metabolic health.

Macronutrient Strategy

Optimize carbohydrates, protein, and fats based on sport demands and training load.

Performance Fueling

Pre-, during-, and post-workout fueling tailored to your schedule and GI tolerance.

Recovery Optimization

Support muscle repair, glycogen replenishment, and nervous system recovery.

Hydration & Electrolytes

Hydration strategies that match sweat rate, climate, and training intensity.

GI Support

Reduce bloating, cramping, and race-day GI distress through food timing and composition.

Hormone Protection

Prevent low energy availability and REDs by aligning fueling with training volume.

Injury Prevention

Support bone health, connective tissue, and immune function through nutrition.

Body Composition Support

Address goals safely without compromising performance or health.

Mindset & Relationship with Food

Reduce food fear, rigidity, and performance anxiety around eating.

Supplement Guidance

Evaluate evidence-based supplements without unnecessary protocols.

Session Topics & Timeline

Visit 1

Full Clinical & Performance Assessment

Your sport, training volume, season schedule, and goals
Injury history, recovery, sleep, and any GI symptoms
Your current fueling, hydration, and supplement use
Hormonal health and menstrual history, if applicable
Your relationship with food and past dieting

Visits 2–3

Foundations of Fueling

What energy availability is and why it matters
Your carbohydrate, protein, and fat needs by training type
Pre- and post-workout fueling basics
Why hunger and appetite shift with training, and why that’s normal

Visits 4–5

Performance Fueling Strategies

Fueling before workouts and competition
Fueling during workouts, when needed
Post-training recovery nutrition
Strategies to avoid GI distress

Visits 6–7

Hydration, Electrolytes & Recovery

Hydration needs based on your sweat rate and climate
How electrolytes work and when you need them
Nutrition that supports sleep
Anti-inflammatory recovery foundations

Visits 8–9

Training Load, Stress & Hormone Protection

Fueling through heavy training blocks
Preventing underfueling and burnout
How stress affects performance
Menstrual cycle considerations, if applicable

Visit 10

Evidence-Based Supplement Review

Which supplements, if any, make sense for performance, recovery, or deficiencies
Safety, dosing, and timing
A food-first approach

Visits 11–12

Food Relationship & Body Image Support

Less food fear and rigidity
Managing performance anxiety around eating
Confidence fueling in real-world settings
Flexible strategies for travel, events, and competitions

Visits 13+

Long-Term Performance & Longevity

Sustainable fueling habits
In-season vs. off-season adjustments
Injury prevention and recovery planning
Support through transitions: post-season, retirement, or changing goals

Visit timing is a guide. Your dietitian adjusts the pace to your needs.