Why Every Athlete Needs a Sport Dietitian on Their Team

Hi there! I'm Rebekah, Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Certified Diabetes Educator, specializing in sport nutrition. I live and work in Ottawa, Ontario where I help athletes of all ages and abilities hone in their nutrition strategies to improve health and performance.

When it comes to sport performance, athletes often focus on the hours they put in at the gym, the miles they log on the road, or the drills they run at practice. But here’s the truth: if your nutrition game is off, your performance will be too. Fueling your body properly is just as important as your training plan - and that’s where a Sport Dietitian comes in.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t show up to a competition without the right shoes, equipment, or game plan. So why show up under-fueled, over-caffeinated, or guessing about what to eat? Working with an expert takes the guesswork out of fueling so you can focus on what you do best: performing.

The Science Speaks for Itself

Research is clear—athletes who meet their nutrition needs recover faster, reduce injury risk, and perform at higher levels compared to those who don’t (Thomas et al., 2016). Whether you’re a young athlete building a foundation, a weekend warrior chasing a new personal best, or an elite competitor with big goals, nutrition can give you that edge you’ve been looking for.

And let’s be real: there’s a LOT of misinformation out there. One TikTok says to cut carbs, another swears by miracle supplements, and suddenly you’re more confused than ever. A registered dietitian specializing in sport nutrition cuts through the noise with personalized, evidence-based advice that works for your body, your sport, and your goals.

Why Invest in a Sport Dietitian?

Here’s what working with a sport dietitian can do for you:

Maximize energy: Many athletes struggle to fuel enough. Whether it is improving knowledge, helping navigate busy schedules or poor appetites, a sport dietitian can help ensure you meet your energy needs for each practice and competition. No more mid-game crashes or sluggish training days.

Recover Better : With proper nutrition, your body will recover better and faster, allowing you to maintain the expected training schedule.

Reduce injury risk:  Underfueling is one of the top causes of preventable injuries. As mentioend before, many athletes don't realize they are underfueling. My job is to make sure you are getting enough nourishment to help your body thrive. Practical Advice: Many athletes do not have much time to spend preparing and stressing over food - it needs to be easy, convenient and practical. I help athletes figure out what works for them, their body, their lifestyle, and their budget, allowing them to spend less time thinking about fueling up and more time focusing on life and their sport.

Personalized expert advice: By choosing a Sport Dietitian, you are choosing a regulated health professional to work with. Registered Dietitians are required to complete a 4 year bachelor's degree, a 1 year internship from an accredited program, and successful completion of the Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Examination. Most dietitians working in sport also have additional credentials and extensive experience working with athletes. We know the importance of a personalized nutrition plan - one that is built just for you, your life, and your sport.

Confidence on game day – No last-minute panic, no trial-and-error. Just a fueling plan you trust on game day.

Whether it’s building a personalized fueling strategy for your next race, designing team nutrition workshops that empower athletes, or creating practical game-day plans for parents and coaches, investing in a sport dietitian pays back in performance.

For All Athletes, All Levels

One of the biggest myths I hear? “Sport nutrition is only for pros.” Not true. Young athletes benefit from learning fueling habits early, busy parents appreciate simple, practical solutions, and adult athletes see the payoff when training and nutrition finally match up.

If you eat, train, and want to perform better - you’re an athlete who can benefit from sport nutrition.

Ready to Level Up?

You’re already putting time, money, and energy into your sport. Make sure you’re fueling that effort the right way. Investing in a sport dietitian isn’t just about food—it’s about maximizing your performance, health, and confidence.

Are you ready to take the next step in honing in your nutrition strategies for your active lifestyle? Connect with me to book your FREE DISCOVERY CALL and let's get started!

Are you an athlete, parent of an athlete or a coach? Sport nutrition is often a missing piece of the performance puzzle for young, developing athletes. Check out my other biz, BUILT TO PERFORM, and see how we can help you educate and support your team. From nutrition education sessions to being on the ground at training camps and competitions. We are here to help take the guesswork out of nutrition.

Talk soon!

References:

Thomas, D. T., Erdman, K. A., & Burke, L. M. (2016). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(3), 501–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006