If you're a serious athlete, you may have considered speaking with a sports nutritionist or dietitian to make sure you're getting the right nutrients to fuel your performance. Nutritionists can help you excel, but working with one isn't as simple as picking a name out of a phone book.
About Nutritionists and Sports Nutritionists
Nutritionists are health professionals who work with hospitals, clinics, sports teams or individuals to promote optimum health through diet, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Training includes at least a Bachelor's degree in dietetics or a related field of study, reports the Bureau. A sports nutritionist is a nutritionist who specializes in sports nutrition; they are trained to assess individual needs and help you create a nutritional program tailored to meet them, reports the National Association for Sports Nutrition.
Benefits of Working with a Nutritionist
Working with a nutritionist can help you achieve better performance in your sport by helping you select the right foods to fuel your specific athletic endeavors. This is especially important if you're an endurance athlete such as a bi-athlete, triathlete, or marathon runner, since different performance peaks require different fuel in the form of nutrition. Fitness magazine recommends consulting a nutritionist if you're a distance runner in order to ensure the proper mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
Finding a Nutritionist
Finding a nutritionist can be tricky. The requirements for who can call himself a "nutritionist" vary by state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Katherine Tallmadge, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, quoted by Money Magazine, recommends looking for a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, or a person with a Ph.D. in nutrition. You can find a list of nutritionists in your area by visiting eatright.org, the official website of the United States Dietetic Association.
Considerations
Working with a nutritionist isn't like seeing a doctor and getting a prescription. A nutritionist is more like a coach, a person who can show you how to reach your goals, but can't do the work for you. You'll need to put in time, effort and often money in order to reach your goals, reports Money Magazine. Remember, you are in charge of your nutritional goals just as you are of your general health and training schedule.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics : Dieticians and Nutritionists
- National Association of Sports Nutrition : What is Human Sports Nutrition and How is it Applied?
- Fitness Magazine: Fuel your Run, Nutrition for Training and Racing
- Money Magazine: 10 Things Your Nutritionist Won't Tell You, # 1
- Money Magazine: 10 Things Your Nutritionist Won't Tell You, # 8
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