A: It’s a three-step process.
First, you need to build a bridge with the contacts that you already have. What sports have you worked with? What people do you know? What sport does your child or your niece or nephew play? And work that. Build a bridge and start connecting in the sports medicine, strength conditioning, and athletic training space to work on partnership or collaboration opportunities.
Second, get yourself in the right room. It’s all about knowing the right people. You can be a genius in sports nutrition, but if you don’t know the right people, you’ll likely not be able to advance to where you want to go. That might be attending conferences, networking events, and even getting into the right Facebook groups. Getting in the right room is key.
Third, build a growth plan. It is important to have short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals and to check in on whether they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-driven). Creating a plan with measurable steps will help give you a road map to get you where you want to go.

A: The best part of the sports nutrition world is that it is growing and that will continue. While so many young and aspiring sports dietitians think only about working with college and professional sports and athletes, I would argue there are LOTS more growing opportunities in three different areas:

1. High School Sports – High school sports is a mecca land of opportunity. There are hundreds of thousands of athletes all over the country that play school sports, as well as club and select sports. Whether in private practice, or working with a local school in your area, this is a huge opportunity to work with teams, food service, and individual athletes.
   One of my personal career goals, through my RD Internship, is to create opportunities for sports dietitians to work with school districts and individual schools. High schools are by far the most underserved population group in sports nutrition. Check out this interview I did with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harringon and American Entrepreneur on this topic.
2. Fitness Nutrition – While sports nutrition assumes working with athletes, have you looked around at how many recreational athletes there are? From gyms to running clubs, to triathletes, fitness nutrition is a huge opportunity for budding sports dietitians that want to get experience working with active people.
   Consider volunteering to give a talk at your local gym, running club, or similar and then
   Provide an opportunity for attendees to purchase additional services. Be sure to bring your business card, contact information, or have a QR code available for attendees to scan.
3. E-sports – The emergence of specialized nutrition products and plans for e-sports athletes is a new and growing field. As e-sports has gained immense popularity worldwide, there is a growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in enhancing the performance and well-being of esports athletes. Nutrition plays a crucial role in optimizing cognitive function, sustained energy levels, and overall health, factors that are vital for success in the demanding and competitive e-sports environment. Career opportunities in esports nutrition include roles such as esports nutritionists or dietitians who design personalized nutrition plans for players, focusing on energy management, cognitive enhancement, and recovery strategies.

A: My bachelor’s degree is actually in speech communications as I had no idea what I wanted to do, but was always good at memorizing, giving presentations, and being front and center on a stage. I figured you could do that in any field, so I pursued that career path. However, I always had a personal love for exercise and nutrition, so I took a nutrition class, became a group exercise instructor (called aerobics then), a personal trainer, and made my minor in college exercise physiology. As I took those classes, my love for fitness and nutrition grew and I learned about an exercise and sports nutrition graduate program at Texas Woman’s University, just up the road from TCU in Denton, TX. I went to a meeting and walked out knowing I wanted to be a sports dietitian, but oh the path that was ahead.

The goal of becoming a sports dietitian meant finishing my communications degree while taking two nutrition electives, then starting three more years of school to take all the necessary undergraduate nutrition courses (let’s not forget chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology to start!) to be a registered dietitian, all the hours a masters degree in exercise and sports nutrition (basically a double masters with the hours), and a full-time, non-paid 1000 hour, accredited dietetic internship. All this to sit for an exam to become a registered dietitian with an emphasis in sports nutrition.

Little did I know that as hard as it was, that journey would launch my career faster than I could blink my eyes. I worked as a dietitian for Lifetime Fitness as I finished graduate school and then got recommended for a job at a sports medicine facility, which was a part of a major hospital system to be the sports dietitian at my alma mater, TCU. From there, the opportunities came. My roommate worked with a strength coach that was working with one of the top young PGA Tour players in the country, the TCU Baseball athletic trainer recommended me to the Texas Rangers MLB team, I was recommended to work with a high school runner whose dad was the assistant head athletic trainer for the Dallas Cowboys, and opportunity after opportunity came. I would say my consistent “YES!”, and my faith that anything can happen, is what opened door after door. I was able to stand on stages to talk about sports nutrition and utilize my first passion and love for communications, and that opened the door for me to work with brands and do nutrition media. My motto was, “I’m going to say YES to everything so that one day I can say NO to what I want.”

So, with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in exercise and sports nutrition, I was able to marry my two passions together to provide quality, science-based nutrition information to consumers and athletes everywhere through speaking, media, writing, and consulting. Eighteen plus years later, with my own business doing what I love, I would say it’s the career of my dreams and I would have it no other way, the good, the bad, the hard…all of it was totally worth it.

A: For me, the sports I loved working with the most are the ones that worked with me the most. The more time I spent with a team, the more I knew them, the more they knew me, and ultimately the more I could help. I learned very quickly that presence was everything, and the more I could be present with teams I worked with, the more impact I could have. I also learned that the more you are around a sport, the more you know about how that sport operates, what their schedule is like, what the obstacles and challenges are, what the players like, etc. I think one key to successfully working with teams is knowing a lot about that team.

Of all the teams I have worked with, the Dallas Cowboys is the team where I was the most involved day in and day out. Because I was with those players almost every day, lived at training camp with them, traveled periodically with them, went to the team hotel, etc., I knew how everything operated, and that made me more impactful working with the team at large as well as each individual player. The more present I was, the more I knew, so the more of an expert I was with that team and those players.

A: It can be overwhelming to stay on top of all the science. Staying current with the latest research and developments in sports nutrition requires a proactive approach due to the dynamic nature of the field. There are a few strategies that can help make it easier:

• Subscribe to reputable journals: Journals such as the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Sports Medicine, and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics regularly publish research in sports nutrition. Subscribing to these journals or accessing them through academic institutions can provide you with up-to-date information.
• Follow professional organizations: Joining and following professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) can give you access to conferences, webinars, and publications that discuss the latest research in sports nutrition.
• Attend conferences and workshops: Conferences and workshops are excellent opportunities to hear about the latest research directly from experts in the field. CPSDA and SHPN annual conferences are sports nutrition specific and will provide updates to the science and trends we are seeing in the industry. Other events like the ISSN Annual Conference, ACSM Annual Meeting, and AND's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) often feature presentations and discussions on sports nutrition.
• Engage with online platforms: Social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and ResearchGate can be valuable for staying updated. Follow researchers, practitioners, and organizations in sports nutrition to get real-time updates on new studies, trends, and discussions in the field. Sports nutrition organizations like CPSDA also provide monthly research updates to make it easier for busy professionals to stay abreast of the latest science.
• Read blogs and reputable websites: Several reputable blogs and websites focus on sports nutrition and regularly publish articles summarizing and discussing the latest research findings. Examples include Precision Nutrition, Examine.com, Healthline.com, and the Sports Dietitians Australia website.
• Participate in online courses and webinars: Many organizations, institutions, and sports dietitians offer online courses and webinars on sports nutrition topics. These can be a convenient way to learn about the latest research findings and practical applications from experts in the field. Check out our mastermind and on demand courses, The Sports Nutrition Playbook for Professionals.
• Network with peers: Engage with other professionals in the sports nutrition field through networking events, online forums, and professional groups. Sharing insights and discussing research findings with peers can help you stay informed about emerging trends and developments. And online, follow listserv topics and conversations to hear discussions on sports nutrition science and the application of it to athletes and teams.
• Consult with experts: Collaborating with registered dietitians, sports nutritionists, and researchers who specialize in sports nutrition can provide valuable insights and help you stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field. I find a lot of value from connecting and communicating with strength coaches and athletic trainers as well.

A: Sports nutrition is interesting in that you have to know the science to work with athletes and understand all the nitty gritty details to benefit health, performance, and recovery, but the real skill is knowing what level to apply the science at with specific athletes or sports. Many times what’s ideal and what’s realistic are not the same, and as a sports dietitian you have to balance the two to create the best scenario possible. The key is the application of the science.

For example, if I am working one-on-one with a type A endurance athlete, I might teach him/her how to calculate hydration down to mL/kg of body weight. Many of these athletes are interested in the fine-tuned details to enhance performance. On the other hand, if I am working with a football team of 80 guys, I am likely going to teach them to weigh pre and post-exercise and drink 16 oz of fluid, or a “bottle”, for every pound lost, then watch their urine color and keep hydrating until it’s pale yellow to clear. In both cases, I am applying the science, but at a level that is understandable and applicable to that specific athlete.

How do you learn this? Experience. Working with various athletes of various types of sports will help you learn HOW to apply the science. You can also learn from sports dietitians and mentors who have been at their craft for longer than you. Their experiences can help you get there faster and become more skilled at applying nitty gritty science to the world of sports.

Subscribe to reputable journals: Journals such as the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Sports Medicine, and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics regularly publish research in sports nutrition. Subscribing to these journals or accessing them through academic institutions can provide you with up-to-date information.

Follow professional organizations: Joining and following professional organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) can give you access to conferences, webinars, and publications that discuss the latest research in sports nutrition.

Attend conferences and workshops: Conferences and workshops are excellent opportunities to hear about the latest research directly from experts in the field. CPSDA and SHPN annual conferences are sports nutrition specific and will provide updates to the science and trends we are seeing in the industry. Other events like the ISSN Annual Conference, ACSM Annual Meeting, and AND's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) often feature presentations and discussions on sports nutrition.

Engage with online platforms: Social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and ResearchGate can be valuable for staying updated. Follow researchers, practitioners, and organizations in sports nutrition to get real-time updates on new studies, trends, and discussions in the field. Sports nutrition organizations like CPSDA also provide monthly research updates to make it easier for busy professionals to stay abreast of the latest science.

Read blogs and reputable websites: Several reputable blogs and websites focus on sports nutrition and regularly publish articles summarizing and discussing the latest research findings. Examples include Precision Nutrition, Examine.com, Healthline,com, and the Sports Dietitians Australia website.

Participate in online courses and webinars: Many organizations, institutions, and sports dietitians offer online courses and webinars on sports nutrition topics. These can be a convenient way to learn about the latest research findings and practical applications from experts in the field. Check out our mastermind and on demand courses, The Sports Nutrition Playbook for Professionals.

Network with peers: Engage with other professionals in the sports nutrition field through networking events, online forums, and professional groups. Sharing insights and discussing research findings with peers can help you stay informed about emerging trends and developments. And online, follow listserv topics and conversations to hear discussions on sports nutrition science and the application of it to athletes and teams.

Consult with experts: Collaborating with registered dietitians, sports nutritionists, and researchers who specialize in sports nutrition can provide valuable insights and help you stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field. I find a lot of value from connecting and communicating with strength coaches and athletic trainers as well.

A: One of the top questions I get asked is, “How do I become a CSSD?” So, let’s start with the basic requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Initial Certification
  • Current Registered Dietitian status with CDR
  • Maintenance of the RD status, for a minimum of two years from the original RD examination date
  • Documentation of 2,000 hours of sports dietetics practice experience as an RD within the past five years
• Recertification
  • Current Registered Dietitian status with CDR
  • Maintenance of the RD status, for a minimum of two years from the original RD examination date
  • Documentation of 1,500 hours of sports dietetics practice experience as an RD within the past five years

3 categories of experiences count towards obtaining CSSD hours:

• Specialty Practice Hours
• Professional Experiences
• Education

Note that the categories of Professional Experiences and Education (combined) can only account for a total of 500 hours for initial certification or recertification.

So, how do you get those specialty practice hours if you don’t actually work in sports nutrition? To start, the good news is there are a variety of ways to accumulate hours even if you don’t work specifically for a team. I have created a guide with all the details as to what counts:

Steps to Becoming a CSSD

From speaking at local gyms and your nephew’s soccer teams to seeing fitness clients, you can start accumulating hours today! There are also a variety of opportunities you can apply for like the CPSDA and Gatorade Sports Nutrition Immersion Program (SNIP), the My Sports Dietitian Internship Program, and I have The Sports Nutrition Playbook RD Internship that is one year in length. My program offers you the education via an on demand course that provides 40 CPEs, group coaching, and the ability to work virtually with high schools in my sports nutrition program.

The key is to start! Start anywhere you can and be sure to track your hours in a spreadsheet so they are easy to access when time to take the CSSD Exam.

A: Creating a compelling proposal for sports teams seeking nutrition services requires tailoring the content to address the unique needs of the team and clearly presenting the value of your services. It’s also very important to know and understand what the team has done before, what worked, and what didn’t. Here are five tips to help you craft a strong proposal:

1. Understand the Team’s Needs

• Research the Team: Before writing your proposal, gather information about the team, their performance goals, and challenges. Consider their sport, age group, training schedule, and any specific nutritional needs. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand them and can offer tailored solutions. Also, consider talking to other professionals that have worked for similar teams to gather additional insights to potential team needs/wants.
• Identify Pain Points: Highlight the challenges the team might be facing, such as performance slumps, injury recovery, or poor eating habits, and position your services as the solution to these issues.

2. Clearly Define the Services Offered

• Outline the Scope of Services: Be specific about the nutrition services you offer, whether it's meal planning, personalized nutrition assessments, hydration strategies, travel nutrition, or recovery nutrition. Make it clear how these services will benefit the team.
• Customize Service Packages: Offer a variety of packages based on the team’s needs and budget. For example, a basic package might include team nutrition education, while a premium package could offer one-on-one athlete consultations, ongoing support, and regular visits to the facility, etc.

3. Highlight Your Expertise and Experience

• Showcase Credentials: Include your qualifications, certifications, and relevant experience working with athletes or sports teams. Testimonials from other teams, success stories, and case studies can help establish credibility.
• Emphasize Proven Results: Demonstrate how your services have previously led to improved athletic performance, better recovery times, or overall team wellness. Provide data or metrics if available.

4. Demonstrate Value and ROI

• Focus on Outcomes: Explain how your nutrition services will lead to tangible results, such as enhanced performance, fewer injuries, and improved mental focus. Clearly articulate the return on investment (ROI) that the team can expect from your services. Remember, the team does not want your program, they want the results your program provides.
• Cost Justification: Break down the cost of your services and justify them with the value they provide. Compare the potential cost savings from fewer injuries, better recovery, and enhanced performance to the investment in nutrition services.

5. Make the Proposal Engaging and Easy to Navigate

• Use Visuals: Incorporate charts, infographics, and visuals to make the proposal more engaging. Highlight key points with bullet points, bold text, and headings to make the content easily scannable.
• Include a Call to Action: Conclude the proposal with a strong call to action. Make it clear what the next steps are, whether it’s scheduling a meeting, signing a contract, or starting with a pilot program.

By focusing on these elements, your proposal will not only be compelling but also positioned as a strategic partnership that adds real value to the team.

A: Transitioning from clinical practice to consulting for professional sports teams or individual athletes can be an exciting career shift for a registered dietitian. Here are my top 3 tips to make this transition:

1. Specialize and Gain Sports Nutrition Credentials

• Enroll in a mastermind course or training course/program to learn the science side of sports nutrition, as it is more than pre, during, and post-workout fueling. It is important to have the knowledge necessary to work with athletes.
• Obtain additional certifications such as the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), which demonstrates your expertise in sports nutrition.
• Consider getting specialized training or certificates in sports nutrition, physiology, or exercise science. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Diploma in Sports Nutrition is also a respected credential.

2. Build Practical Sports Nutrition Experience

• Volunteer or intern with sports dietitians in your area, as well as with local sports teams, high schools, universities, or athletic organizations to gain hands-on experience.
• Partner with athletic trainers, strength coaches, or fitness centers to work with athletes and understand their nutritional needs during different training phases.
• Engage with recreational or semi-professional sports programs to get familiar with the needs of athletes at different competition levels.

3. Network in the Sports Industry

• Attend conferences such as those organized by the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association (ASPDA) or Sports and Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN) DPG, a practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Connect with other professionals in sports, such as athletic trainers, strength coaches, and sports medicine physicians, to create a network that can help you access opportunities.
• Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to highlight your experience, build your brand as a sports dietitian, and engage with professionals in the sports nutrition community.

Note that it is unlikely to go directly from working at a hospital to working for a professional sports team, but with the proper education, training, and volunteer experiences, you can set yourself up for success as a sports dietitian.

A: Athletes often have interesting beliefs and misconceptions about sports nutrition, whether from what they heard in social media or what someone told them. As a sports dietitian, the the key is to respectfully and effectively debunk the misconception without putting an athlete on the defense where they don’t listen to you. Of my 18+ years as a sports dietitian, here are three of the top misconceptions I hear: 

1. "Carbs Make You Gain Weight"

• Misconception: Many athletes believe that eating carbohydrates leads to weight gain, so they try to avoid them, especially during training.
• Debunking Strategy: Explain that carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for high-intensity exercise and are essential for performance. Compare carbs to gasoline in a car—without them, the body can’t run efficiently. Use examples of carb-rich foods that aid recovery and energy, such as oats or fruits, and emphasize that timing and portion control, not elimination, are key.

2. "Protein Shakes Are Better Than Whole Foods"

• Misconception: Some athletes think that protein shakes are superior to whole foods for muscle building and recovery.
• Debunking Strategy: Emphasize that protein shakes are convenient but should supplement—not replace—a well-rounded diet. Explain the benefits of whole foods, which include not only protein but also other important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help optimize performance and recovery. Encourage athletes to include protein shakes where whole foods are unavailable, such as during travel or intense training periods.

3. "You Need Supplements to Improve Performance"

• Misconception: Athletes may believe that supplements are essential to achieve peak performance.
• Debunking Strategy: Educate athletes about the importance of a food-first approach. Supplements can be beneficial in certain situations, but they are not a substitute for proper nutrition. Explain that a balanced diet can meet most nutrient needs and support performance, while misuse of supplements may have health risks. Providing examples of nutrient-dense foods and the potential for banned substances in unregulated supplements can help athletes see the value of relying on whole foods.

Using simple, relatable analogies and presenting evidence-based information helps athletes understand and apply sound nutritional practices while feeling empowered, not judged, for their misconceptions.

A: For a new entrepreneur starting a sports nutrition practice, prioritizing financial investments can help build a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Here are my top three investments to consider in the first year:

1. Professional Liability Insurance and Legal Support: Protecting yourself with liability insurance is essential in healthcare, especially in a practice where you’ll provide individual dietary guidance. Through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Proliability Powered by AMBA, registered dietitians can obtain professional liability insurance at a reduced cost. If you desire to speaking events, media, or other services where you work with groups or large audiences, it is important to add a Non-Direct Patient Care Addendum to cover these types of activites.

Consulting with a lawyer for initial business setup, contracts, and compliance can prevent costly issues down the road.

1. Practice Management Software or CRM: A good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or practice management system tailored for dietitians will help you organize client information, schedule appointments, process payments, and document sessions efficiently. Automating these processes early will streamline client management, freeing you to focus more on care and growth.
2. Marketing and Branding: Developing a professional website, brand identity, and local SEO can drive traffic and establish credibility. Even a small monthly budget for online ads or social media can help reach clients in your area and showcase your expertise, building an early client base.

While it seems hard to spend money upfront, consider it an investment in your business versus an expense. Investing in these areas can provide you with a secure, organized, and visible practice, setting the stage for future scaling.

A: Mentorship can be a powerful asset for sports dietitians looking to advance their careers and access new opportunities. By engaging with experienced professionals, dietitians can gain invaluable insights, expand their networks, and develop specialized skills that set them apart in the competitive field of sports nutrition. Here are ways to strategically leverage mentorship:

1. Build a Foundation of Expertise and Credibility: Mentorship helps dietitians gain insights into best practices, trends, and innovations in sports nutrition. Working with mentors who have experience in the field offers guidance on developing critical skills, making strategic career moves, and staying updated on the latest research and methods. This mentorship-backed credibility strengthens a dietitian’s professional profile and reputation.
2. Expand Network Connections and Collaborative Opportunities: Mentors often introduce mentees to their professional networks, opening doors to new connections with coaches, sports teams, and other healthcare professionals. This expanded network can lead to job offers, project collaborations, or client referrals.
3. Access Specialized Training and Resources through Organizations:
• American Sports Performance Dietitians Association (ASPDA): ASPDA provides mentorship programs focused specifically on performance nutrition. These relationships allow mentees to learn from dietitians who have experience working with elite athletes and teams. Additionally, ASPDA offers workshops and events that support professional development, helping dietitians stay at the forefront of sports performance nutrition.
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Sports and Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN) DPG: Through the SHPN practice group, dietitians gain access to mentorship opportunities, advanced educational resources, and networking events with established sports nutrition professionals. SHPN also offers an online community where members can seek advice, discuss cases, and explore niche topics within sports nutrition, providing a strong support system as they grow in the field.
4. Enhance Leadership and Communication Skills: Engaging with mentors through structured programs like ASPDA and SHPN helps dietitians refine soft skills crucial for career advancement, including leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. These programs also often include training on how to navigate complex situations with clients, teams, and other healthcare professionals, which is especially valuable in high-stakes athletic environments.

By participating in mentorship programs through ASPDA and SHPN, sports dietitians gain structured support, access to a wealth of resources, and opportunities for meaningful networking, all of which contribute to a stronger career trajectory in sports nutrition.

A: Collaborating with sports professionals or influencers can significantly enhance a sports dietitian’s visibility, both within the profession and on social media. Here are key ways to form impactful joint ventures or partnerships:

1. Co-Create Content on Social Media: Partner with well-known athletes, trainers, or influencers to create joint content, such as recipe videos, workout nutrition tips, or "day-in-the-life" nutrition showcases. Cross-promoting content on each other’s platforms not only expands your reach but also enhances credibility, as your audience sees trusted sports professionals endorse your expertise.
2. Develop Branded Programs or Challenges: Collaborate to design a nutrition and fitness challenge, such as a 30-day meal and workout plan. By incorporating both nutrition and exercise components, you create a more holistic program that resonates with a wider audience. This can be marketed as a downloadable resource, a paid challenge, or a virtual event series, with both you and the influencer promoting it to maximize exposure.
3. Host Joint Live Sessions or Webinars: Host live Q&A sessions on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn where you and the influencer discuss topics like performance nutrition, meal prep for athletes, or recovery nutrition. Live sessions allow real-time engagement with followers, making them a powerful way to connect with your combined audiences and gain new followers.
4. Offer Sponsorships or Product Partnerships: If the influencer has an existing partnership with brands that align with sports nutrition, consider creating joint content featuring these products (like protein powders, supplements, or health foods). Some brands may also be willing to sponsor collaborative projects, giving both of you an added incentive to work together while promoting products you support.
5. Engage in Podcast or YouTube Features: Many sports influencers host podcasts or YouTube channels where they discuss athletic topics. Offer to be a guest or co-host on episodes covering nutrition topics. Sharing these discussions on social media boosts visibility and positions you as a valuable resource in sports nutrition.

By co-creating valuable content, engaging with shared audiences, and leveraging brand partnerships, sports dietitians can significantly elevate their social media presence and professional influence.