Foundation in Sports Nutrition

Foundation in Sports Nutrition

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    • Non-member - $89.95
    • Member - $59.95
    • Student - $59.95
    • Certified Student - $59.95
    • Retired - $59.95
Fueling. Recovery. Performance.

Build a practical, evidence-based understanding of fueling, hydration, recovery, supplements, body composition, and sustainable nutrition strategies for athletic performance.

Continuing Education
6.0 Category A CEUs
Course Level
Essential
BOC Domain
Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy
Access Period
12 Months From Purchase

Course Overview

Practical Sports Nutrition

Build the knowledge to support athlete fueling, performance, recovery, and health.

This course gives Athletic Trainers an evidence-based foundation for guiding athletes through everyday nutrition decisions while recognizing when referral to a sports dietitian is appropriate.

Fueling & macronutrient timing
Hydration & electrolytes
LEA & REDs
Recovery nutrition
Supplements & safety
Scope of practice & referral

About This Course

Athletic Trainers are frequently the first sports medicine professionals athletes consult regarding daily energy, hydration, and nutritional strategies. This comprehensive course equips ATs with foundational, evidence-based sports nutrition principles necessary to guide athletic performance, body composition goals, and injury recovery.

Clinicians will examine macronutrient timing, energy availability concepts, micronutrient optimization, and fluid replacement guidelines tailored to varying training loads and athletic environments. The curriculum details the physiological role of nutrition in muscle protein synthesis, glycogen replenishment, and systemic inflammation reduction during acute and chronic injury rehabilitation.

Additionally, the course provides practical guidance on evaluating dietary supplements, recognizing red flags for relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and practicing within the ATC scope of practice while effectively collaborating with registered dietitians. Athletic Trainers will complete this course ready to deliver sound, practical nutritional advice that enhances athletic resilience and fueling strategy.

Rather than promoting restrictive dieting or performance shortcuts, the course emphasizes balanced nutrition, adequate fueling, recovery support, hydration, and critical thinking around supplements and marketing claims.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

Analyze macronutrient requirements and optimal fueling timing strategies relative to athletic training volumes and intensity.
Calculate fluid and electrolyte replacement needs to prevent dehydration and heat-related illness during athletic competition.
Evaluate the physiological consequences of Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) in male and female athletes.
Apply evidence-informed dietary strategies to support soft-tissue repair, bone healing, and inflammatory control during injury recovery.
Critique third-party testing and safety profiles of common dietary and ergogenic supplements to protect athlete health and eligibility.
Establish appropriate referral criteria and clinical boundaries for athletic trainers working alongside board-certified sports dietitians.

What You Will Learn

Learners will gain a clearer understanding of how nutrition influences training adaptation, performance, recovery capacity, body composition, and long-term health.

Performance Fueling

Understand how energy intake supports training, performance, and recovery.

Carbohydrates & Glycogen

Explore the role of carbohydrates in endurance, high-intensity exercise, and glycogen replenishment.

Protein & Recovery

Learn how protein supports tissue repair, adaptation, and training consistency.

Hydration Strategies

Understand hydration, electrolytes, sweat loss, and fluid balance.

Supplements & Evidence

Evaluate supplements, marketing claims, and evidence-based decision-making.

Body Composition & Athlete Mindset

Support sustainable nutrition, healthy performance goals, and long-term wellbeing.

Course Content

The course combines practical sports nutrition principles, recovery strategies, hydration education, supplement awareness, body composition considerations, and real-world nutrition guidance.

Module
Focus
Foundations of Sports Nutrition
Core principles of fueling, recovery, performance, and athletic health.
Fueling for Training & Performance
Energy intake, carbohydrates, glycogen, and exercise demands.
Protein, Recovery & Adaptation
Supporting tissue repair, training adaptation, and long-term consistency.
Hydration & Electrolytes
Fluid balance, sweat loss, hydration planning, and recovery support.
Supplements & Critical Thinking
Understanding evidence, marketing claims, and responsible decision-making.
Sustainable Athlete Nutrition
Balanced approaches to body composition, performance, recovery, and wellbeing.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suitable for athletic trainers, massage therapists, manual therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation professionals, sports therapists, fitness professionals, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, sports massage therapists, active individuals, and recreational athletes.

It is especially valuable for professionals working with runners, athletes, active clients, and anyone seeking a clearer, more balanced understanding of sports nutrition without needing an advanced nutrition background.

Included With This Course

Video Tutorials

Professionally presented video lessons with Steph Hnatiuk.

Course Lessons

Extended lesson notes, reflective learning prompts, and integrated summaries.

Supplemental Textbook

Supporting materials designed to reinforce learning and practical understanding.

Final Assessment

Comprehensive multiple-choice assessment included for course completion.

Certificate

Downloadable certificate following successful completion of the requirements for 6.0 Category A CEUs.

Course Access & Expiration

This course must be completed within 12 months from the purchase date. For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page .

Topics Covered

Sports Nutrition Macronutrient Periodization Hydration Strategies Exercise Metabolism Performance Supplements Muscle Protein Synthesis Recovery Nutrition
Foundations in Sports Nutrition course graphic
Stephanie Hnatiuk, RD, CSCS

Stephanie Hnatiuk, RD, CSCS

Steph Hnatiuk, BSc RD, is a seasoned Registered Dietitian and Fitness Coach with over 10 years of experience. Her expertise has positively impacted countless individuals, improving their running performance, body composition, and fostering a healthier relationship with food and exercise. Currently, Steph is focused on creating specialized NAT courses for runners and professionals working with runners. These courses aim to enhance understanding of nutrition's role in performance, health, and rehabilitation. With evidence-based practices and personalized coaching, Steph equips participants with the knowledge and tools to optimize their athletic potential while promoting sustainable and balanced nutrition and exercise practices. Join Steph Hnatiuk on a transformative journey to unlock your running potential and gain insight into how nutrition impacts your overall well-being. Her guidance empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices, overcome challenges, and cultivate a positive and nourishing connection with their bodies.

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