Sports Dietitians are lifetime learners and we’re always looking for ways to help our athletes improve by improving our messaging and approach. Here are some important lessons athletes taught me this year about being a more effective sports dietitian. 1. Connection Matters More Than Credentials Athletes seek advice from people they trust, who consistently show up for them, or who are charismatic and convincing. Your credentials won’t matter if you can’t connect. Building trust and showing you’re in their corner is how you compete. 2. Taste > Macros Macros and micros are important, don’t get me wrong…but in a world of options, if it doesn’t taste good, it doesn’t matter how nutrient dense and optimal it is, they probably won’t eat it. Meet them halfway and don’t assume just because you’ll eat bland food for the benefits that they’ll make the same compromise 😜 3. Keep It Easy and Accessible While discipline and effort matter, athletes—especially student-athletes—are juggling academics, training, and life. The simpler and more accessible your recommendations and interventions are, the more likely they’ll stick to them. 4. Adapt Communication and Education Styles Athletes learn in different ways and often have short attention spans. Be concise, creative, and flexible with how you educate and communicate. Some athletes prefer texts, others like FaceTime, and many respond best to in-person conversations. 5. Repetition Is Key Learning and adopting new habits takes time. Athletes need consistent exposure and regular reinforcement to truly understand and implement new concepts. And as a bonus—positive energy is contagious, so spread it generously. Athletes feed off your passion and attitude, reflecting the energy you bring to them. What is something you learned this year that has helped you professionally?
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