We recently sat down with our Advanced Sports Dietitian, Ashleigh Brunner, to answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
Q1: How can a sports dietitian help improve my performance?
A Sports Dietitian can help you understand what, when and how much you eat around training and competition. The right individualised nutrition strategy can:
- Boost energy and focus during training which supports skill acquisition and physical stamina
- Improve recovery, reduce fatigue and support back to back training sessions
- Lower risk of injury and illness
- Promote lean mass gains and aid in meeting body composition goals
Health is also paramount to optimal performance. A Sports Dietitian can make sure you are meeting all your macro and micronutrient requirements to prevent deficiencies.
Q2: What can I expect in a consultation?
Your first consultation is all about you – your medical history, training, performance/health goals and current nutrition. From there, I’ll design a personalised plan that’s practical, evidence based and fits your schedule. Follow-ups keep you accountable and allow us to refine your plan as training or goals change. Ashleigh see’s clients in Sydney and via telehealth across Australia.
Q3: Do you only work with elite athletes?
Not at all! I work with a wide range of people – from professional athletes to weekend warriors, gym-goers, and juniors balancing school and sport. If you’re training regularly, struggling with energy, recovering from injury, curious about supplements, entering an event or just want to feel stronger and perform better, a sports nutrition consultation can help.
Q4: How is a Sports Dietitian different from a nutritionist or naturopath?
In Australia, anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist.” Accredited Sports Dietitians, however, are degree-qualified health professionals, credentialed by Dietitians Australia and Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA). With advanced training in sports nutrition and required annual continued professional development, they provide evidence-based, tailored advice you can trust.
Ashleigh’s website: https://www.sportsdietitiansydney.com.au/
Book an appointment: https://the-performance-pantry.au4.cliniko.com/bookings#service