SPORTS NUTRITION CONSULTATION
Why is it important to see a registered dietitian?
If you eat food, good nutrition advice is helpful- go figure. In terms of diet quality and long term health, a diet consultation can be as important as spring cleaning, a financial assessment or annual physical exam. If you have any of the following goals for yourself: altering body composition, increasing quality of life, warding off illness, picking healthier snacks, finding proper fueling while maintaining weight loss, performing or racing and meeting your hydration needs, a nutrition consultation is well worth the expense. How much do you spend on new running shoes, a new bicycle or wetsuit? Proper nutrition can make just as big a difference in performance as any new piece of equipment.
Nutrition guidance is especially important if you are feeling lethargic or exhausted, finding yourself slipping in old habits, becoming tired of the same food every day, or staring blankly at the open refrigerator trying to figure out what to eat. All of these point to a breakdown in your nutrition regimen and are likely to result in diminished health and performance outcomes. Seek nutrition help at regular intervals and commit to sticking to a nutrition plan.
It is not uncommon for individuals to seek nutrition advice from alternative outlets in order to enhance their body composition, achieve more weight loss and meet their performance goals. The problem is —at every turn there is a well-intentioned (or not so well-intentioned) individual giving nutrition recommendations that may not be qualified. Nutrition information, like fast food, is everywhere; it’s persuasive, appealing, and full of promises, but what is appropriate for one person may not be for the next, especially considering age, gender, activity level, sport specific needs health history and other variables.
Like finding a healthy meal instead of fast food, finding solid nutrition advice requires going to a reputable, practiced expert. Your best source is a registered dietitian, experienced in metabolic needs, weight management and exercise science. Registered dietitians (RD), like medical doctors, are upheld to national standards of education, ethics and practice. The RD credential ensures that you are speaking with an individual that has completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and supervised practice before sitting for the national registration exam. In addition, this individual is required to maintain a record of continuing education and professional objectives—all while sticking to the scientific facts when practicing.
In addition to seeking the nutrition advice of an expert, some may want to take it one step further and see a sports nutrition specialist. The premier certification for this specialization is the CSSD. The CSSD is designed as the premier professional sports nutrition credential in the United States. Board Certified Specialists in Sports Dietetics are registered dietitians with a minimum of two years experience in sports dietetics who apply evidence-based guidelines in sports nutrition. They assess, educate, and counsel athletes and active individuals. They design, implement, and manage safe and effective nutrition strategies that enhance lifelong health, fitness and optimal performance. Athletes looking for one of the 110 certified specialists in the country can go to the CDR website (http://www.cdrnet.org/PDFs/Total%20Sports%20by%20State%203-5-07.pdf) and review the list by state.
Brandon is a registered dietitian, board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics with B.S. degrees in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Kansas State University. In addition to over 10 years of experience in sports nutrition, clinical nutrition and medical weight management programs, Brandon served as the training table coordinator for the Kansas State University Athletic Department. He works with the novice as well as the competitive athlete wanting to take their sport to the next level. He has been a competitive endurance athlete for several years & is always “tri-ing” to help others reach their personal best. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Brandon at 702.245.7789 or e-mail vegasdietitian@embarqmail.com
