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Sports Nutritionist
Designs eating plans to optimize athletic performance — from pre-game meals to recovery nutrition.
Did you know?
The story that swimmer Michael Phelps ate 12,000 calories a day is a myth. Phelps himself says the number was exaggerated.
How subjects help
- Biology: Explain how the body stores energy in muscles and uses it up during a long race.
- Chemistry: Understand how carbohydrates, proteins and salts are broken down to fuel exercise.
- Food Science: Plan snacks and drinks that are easy to digest just before a big game.
- Sports Science: Match an eating plan to the training of a sprinter, a swimmer or a footballer.
A famous name
Louise Burke: Headed sports nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport (1990–2018) and advised five Olympic teams.
Try it yourself: Pack a match-day lunch
- Plan a lunch for a young footballer with a match in the afternoon.
- Check it against the guide: is every food group there?
- What snack and drink would you pack for half-time?
- Why might someone eat differently on a rest day?
Sports nutritionists help athletes plan food around training and matches, fitting each person rather than giving one diet to everyone.
Also try: Train one skill for five days.
Known for it in
USA, Australia, UK, Germany, Japan