How can a sports dietitian help you?

Hello! I’m happy you’re here!

My name is Shelby Naughton and I’m a registered dietitian with a certification in sports nutrition. I spent 9 years in the Navy and am now working as an informatics dietitian at a local hospital while running my own private practice. 

You can read more about me on my get to know me page. 

This is my first blog post in a series I hope to share every week.

Today, I thought I’d explain how a sports dietitian can help you. 

If you’re thinking, “I’m not a serious athlete” or “I only workout to keep my heart healthy so I don’t need a dietitian to tell me what to eat,” I’d like for you to take a few minutes to let me explain. Of course, it means keeping me in business, but there’s much more to it. 

From weekend warriors to the pros, everyone can enlist the assistance of a sports dietitian. If you move your body on purpose, you are an athlete and athletes need proper nutrition to keep their body in tip top shape and moving forward. Proper nutrition will give you the energy you need for exercise, can help with recovery, prevent injuries and even help you sleep. 

There’s also the common notion that all dietitians do is tell people what to eat and make meal plans which is far from true. We are not the food police. I am a compassionate, judge-free provider who wants to help you feel your best. 

Some things you can expect in a counseling session with me: We’ll discuss your goals, lifestyle, training and current eating habits. We’ll also review any symptoms (low energy, gut issues, frequent injuries, muscle cramps, etc) and formulate a strategy that is personalized and easy to execute. This typically means taking baby steps for lasting changes. Sports RDs can help with what to eat while traveling, what to eat before, during and after exercise or competition, hydration and supplements. I’ll be your guide to optimal performance and health. If you have more questions on how I can help you or if I’m the right fit for you, send me a message and we can schedule a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your goals.