Fueling Strategies for the Young Athlete: “The Winning Edge” Tanya Williams MS, CSSD, RD, LDN Clinical Dietitian & Sports Nutrition Specialist Energy “Where Does it Come From?” • Young athletes require high-quality fuel and a lot of it! • For young athletes to grow properly, play seriously, and to stay healthy, they need the right types of food in the right amount. • Eating properly for a specific sporting event is as important as the training itself…if not more important. • Food is the body’s fuel (energy) supply. • The human body, requires a certain amount of fuel (energy) to fuel normal body functions (breathing, pumping blood, etc.) – Males (11-14) = 2,500 kcals and Males (15-18) = 3,000 kcals – Females (11-14) = 2,200 kcals and females (15-18) = 2,500 kcals Calorie “A Unit of Dietary Energy” • “A calorie is an unit of measure for the amount of energy released when the body breaks down foods.” • An athlete’s caloric need is dependant on: – Age, gender, fitness level, activity type, position played, weight or fitness goals, duration of activity, & intensity of activity. • Most macronutrients* contain calories; therefore contributing to the body’s fuel supply. – 1 gram of carbohydrate = 4 calories; 1 gram of protein = 4 calories; 1 gram of fat = 9 calories, & 1 gram of alcohol = 7 calories • Micronutrients such as vitamin & minerals do not contain calories. * Note: Water is the only macronutrient that does not contain calories Caloric Expenditure “Based on the Duration of Exercise” Event Energy Required Exercise < 45 minutes > 18 kcal/min Exercise of 1 H 14-18 kcal/min Exercise > 2H 5-7 kcal/min (low to mod intensity) Exercise > 2H 7-10 kcal/min (mod to high intensity) Ultra Endurance 10-14 kcal/min (Ironman or a Tour de France stage) Jeukendrup, 2010 The Diet Basics for Athletes Food is a combination of many nutrients. Each nutrient has a specific job in fueling the athlete. The key nutrients found in food are carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, & water. An athletes diet should be about • 50% carbohydrate • 20% protein • 30 % fat THE ATHLETE’S FUELING GUIDE: CARBOHYDRATES, PROTEIN, & FAT Sources of Dietary Energy “Carbohydrates (CHOs): Premium Fuel Supply” • CHOs are the body’s first preferred source of fuel for all athletes. • CHOs provide immediate energy and can be stored (as glycogen) as a reserved source of energy. • CHOs are important for: – delaying fatigue, improving performance, & maintaining blood glucose & glycogen storage levels • Simple CHOs taste sweet and are quickly digested and provide short term energy (~ 30 minutes). • Complex CHOs are “starches” and are digested slower and provide longer term energy (~ 3 hours). • Good sources of CHOs include whole grain breads & cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, dairy products, & vegetables. Food Sources of Carbohydrate Athlete’s Estimated Need = 5 to 7gm of CHOs/kg of BWT/day or 7 to 10gm of CHOs/kg of BWT/day Food/Beverage Serving Size Amount of CHO (gm) Banana 1 medium 25 Apple 1 medium 20 2% Milk 8 ounces 12 Fruited Yogurt 8 ounces 50 Baked Potato 1 large 50 Rice (cooked) 1 cup 40 Spaghetti (cooked) 1 cup 40 Baked Beans 1 cup 50 Lentil Soup 12 ounces 33 Bagel 1 57 English Muffin 1 25 Oatmeal (instant) 1 packet 30 Gatorade® 8 ounces 14 (Burke et al. 2001; ACSM 2000; Clark 2003.) Sources of Dietary Energy “Proteins: Muscle Enhancing Fuel Supply” • Protein is the body’s third source of fuel & is not an immediate source of energy. • Fuel used for muscle repair after exercise. • Fuel used to “increase muscle mass, strength, & power” in strength/power athletes. – Eating large amounts of protein does not give an athlete bigger muscles. • Athletes need more protein than non-athletes and these needs change throughout the season. • Sport played, athlete’s age, condition of the athlete, low total caloric intake (“making weight”), & timing Sources of Dietary Energy “Proteins: Muscle Enhancing Fuel Supply” • Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, soybeans, tofu, milk, yogurt, & cheese are excellent sources of highquality protein. • Beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, & some grains (quinoa) provide a lower-quality protein. • Vegetarian athletes can meet their protein needs via plant-based foods. • An assortment of foods of plant foods (nuts, seeds, legumes, & grains) must be consumed throughout the day to meet nutritional needs. • Protein requirements of vegetarian athletes are higher than those “meat-eating” athletes. Food Sources of Protein Athlete’s Estimated Need = 1.2 to 2.0 gm/kg of BWT/day Food/Beverage Serving Size Amount of Protein (gm) Chicken Breast (skinless) ½ breast (3 ounces) 26 Canned Tuna 1 small can (3 ounces) 22 Skim Milk 8 ounces 8 Vanilla Yogurt 6 ounces 9 Egg 1 6 Cottage Cheese ½ cup 14 Sirloin Steak 6 ounces 51 Peanut Butter 2 tbsp 8 Black beans ½ cup 5 Tofu ½ cup 20 Pasta 1 ½ cup 10 Hamburger 4 ounces 33 PowerBar® 1 bar 10 (ACSM 2000; Phillips 2006; Campbell et al. 2008; Litt 2006) Sources of Dietary Energy “Fats: Reserve Fuel Supply” • Fat is needed for energy & is the body’s second source of fuel. • Most plentiful source of potential energy. • Fat in the body is necessary to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, protect internal organs, and to keep the athlete’s body warm. • Choose heart-healthy fats, such as canola oil, olive oil, seeds, tuna, salmon, avocado, nuts, & nut butters. • Fat requirements of athletes vary depending on the sport – – – – Endurance athletes 27-35% of total kcals Rowers, Skiers, & B-ball athletes 30-40% of total kcals Figure skating & gymnastics 15-31% of total kcals Wrestlers 1gm/kg BWT Food Sources of Fat Athlete’s Estimated Need = 1.0gm/kg of BWT/day (at least 15% of total kcals) Food/Beverage Serving Size Amount of Fat (gm) Salmon (baked) 3 ounces 5 Tuna (water packed) 3 ounces 7 Almonds (whole) 1 ounce 15 Peanuts 1 ounce 14 Soy Nuts 1 cup 10 Sunflower Seeds 1 ounce 14 Peanut Butter 1 tablespoon 8 Tofu 1 piece (2 ½ “ by 2 ¾” by 1”) 5 Miso 1 cup 13 Avocado 1 whole 30 Olive Oil 1 tablespoon 14 Corn Oil 1 tablespoon 14 Safflower Oil 1 tablespoon 14 (ACSM 2000; Phillips 2006; Campbell et al. 2008; Litt 2006) Estimated CHO, Protein & Fat Needs Calorie level CHO (gm) 55-65% Protein (gm) 15-20% Fat (gm) 20-25% 1500 206/244 56/75 33/42 1800 248/293 68/90 40/50 2000 275/325 75/100 44/56 2200 303/358 83/110 49/61 2500 344/406 94/125 56/69 2800 385/455 105/140 62/78 3000 413/488 113/150 67/83 3200 440/520 120/160 71/89 3500 481/569 131/175 78/97 3800 523/618 143/190 84/106 4000 550/650 150/200 89/111 Stephenson, Jane and Bader, Diane. Health Cheques™: Sports Nutrition Guide. Mankato, Mn: Appletree Press, 2005. Vitamins & Minerals “The Body’s Sparkplugs” • Vitamins and minerals are small yet powerful nutrients. • They do not contain calories, but help to unlock energy stored in food. • Their job is to protect the body against disease, and to build strong, healthy bones. THE ATHLETE’S FUELING GUIDE: FLUIDS & WATER The Importance of Hydration Fluid is the most important nutrient for young athletes. Fluid is essential for: • Digestion & absorbing food; removing metabolic waste products; keeping joints lubricated, keeping normal plasma electrolyte levels, & cooling the body Many factors contribute to the amount of fluid your body loses • weather conditions; type, intensity, & duration of the exercise; level of conditioning; sweat rate, and clothing/equipment Learning how much to drink, what to drink, and when to drink it directly influences an athlete’s performance. Ignoring the proper guidelines impairs performance, and might even create dangerous, possible life-threatening situations. Fluid need for Athletes: 2.7 L/day for women & 3.7 L/day for men* (Institute of Medicine, 2004) Dehydration: “The Signs & Symptoms” % of Dehydration Symptoms 0 to 1% Thirsty 2 to 5% Headache, fatigue, impaired performance, nausea, dry mouth, chills, & clammy skin 6% Increased body temperature 8% Increased body temperature, dizziness, & weakness Over 8% Heat stroke- sweating stops, high temperature, disorientation, & death Litt, 2006 Choosing the Right Type of Fluid Exercise Conditions Drink Exercise lasting < 30 minutes Nothing, water ≤ 1 H of low to mod-intensity exercise Water < 1 H of high-intensity exercise Hypotonic or isotonic sports drink > 1 H of high-intensity exercise Hypotonic, isotonic sports drink or glucose polymer drink Hypotonic Drink: “sports water,” 4 gm of CHO/100 ml Isotonic Drink: “sports drink,” 4-8 gm of CHO/100 ml Hypertonic Drink: “soft drinks & fizzy drinks,” > 8gm of CHO/100 ml The Athlete’s Fluid Regime Fluid Regime: Pre-exercise • Goal: To normalize fluid & electrolyte levels prior to any type of activity/training. • Athletes need ~80 to 96 ounces of fluid/day • In general, 2 hours prior to exercise drink 16 ounces of fluid. • Consume water-containing foods at meals such as grapes, water-melon, apples, celery, peaches, lettuce & cucumbers. Fluid Regime: During Exercise • Goal: To prevent dehydration & changes in electrolyte levels • During practice, an athlete should keep a fluid bottle and drink ½ cup (4 oz.) every 15 to 20 minutes. • 1 gulp = 1 oz. • Obtain a weight before & after practice, drink ~ 3 cups (24 oz.) of fluid for every pound lost THE ATHLETE’S FUELING GUIDE: REFUELING/RECOVERY CHO & Protein Refueling “Recovery from Extensive Exercise” 1. After practice or competition it is essential to replenish the muscle(s) with CHOs & protein lost during exercise Liquids (sport drinks), “Food” (high CHO choices) or Solids (sport bars & gels) 2. Pattern for Repletion: ~1.2 to 1.5gm of CHO/kg of BWT & 0.3-0.4 grams of protein/kg of BWT within 30-45 minutes after exercise. Follow up with more CHOs over the next several hours. Recovery Fuel Chart Beverages/Shakes Calories CHOs (gm) Protein (gm) Boost High Protein (8 oz.) 360 45 14 Cytomax sports drink (1 scoop) 90 22 0 Cytomax recovery drink (12 oz.) 348 18 26 EB Whey Juice (16.9 oz.) 210 40 15 Eight Ball Nutrition Gator Whey (1 scoop) 80 14 6 Endurox R4 (12 oz.) 270 52 13 Ensure High Protein (8 oz.) 250 42 9 Ensure Plus (8 oz.) 350 51 13 Gatorade Nutrition Shake (11 oz.) 370 54 20 Gatorade Recovery Drink (8 oz.) 60 7 8 Muscle Milk RTD Collegiate (11 oz.) 250 28 18 PowerBar Recovery (12 oz.) 135 30 4.5 Rockin’ Refuel (12 oz.) 280 45 20 Performance Nutrition for Football, Lisa Dorfman Recovery/Electrolyte Foods “Recovery from Extensive Exercise” When you sweat, you lose not only water, but also some minerals (electrolytes) such as potassium, sodium, calcium, & magnesium that help your body function normally. Electrolyte Average of Amount/2 lbs. of Sweat Food Comparison Sodium 800 mg (range 200-1600 mg) 1 qt. of Gatorade = 440 mg of Sodium Potassium 200 mg (range (120-600 mg) 1 med banana = 450 mg of Potassium Calcium 20 mg (range 6-40 mg) 8 ounces of yogurt = 300 mg of calcium Magnesium 10 mg (range 2-18 mg) 2 Tbsp. of PB = 50 mg of magnesium (Clark, 2008). You can easily replace the loss by eating and/or drinking after training: Potassium: potatoes, yogurt, OJ, bananas, pineapple juice, raisins, cran-apple juice, or Gatorade® Sodium: chicken noodle soup, pretzels, cheerios, bread, pizza, mac & cheese, bagels, or add salt to your food Magnesium: whole grains & whole-grain breads, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, beans, avocados, bananas, & dairy products Calcium: dairy products, broccoli & dark green, leafy vegetables, soy foods & foods fortified with calcium (OJ & cereal) Food Sources for Fighting Inflammation Food Blueberries Pineapple Inflammation Fighting Compound Tips Add blueberries to your cereal, to yogurt, or to a smoothie Anthocyanins Drink a glass of pineapple juice at breakfast, add a fruit cup to lunch or snack time, or add to a smoothie Bromelian Add to a meal or snack, to smoothies, cereals, and salads; use tomato sauce on pastas and meats, add dark cheery juice to smoothie or drink alone after a training session Apples, Apple Juice, Citrus, Cranberries, Raspberries, Tart Cherries, & Tomatoes Quercetin Watermelon Vitamin C & Beta Carotene Papaya Papin & Chymopapain Ginger Extract Gingerols, shogals, paradols & zingerone Hot Peppers Capsaicin Add to meals or snacks Add to salads, smoothies, or yogurt Add 1 tsp (2gm)/1 Tbsp fresh/2mls to smoothies, dressings, or other juice blends Add to sauces, soups, or vegetable juices Performance Nutrition for Football, Lisa Dorfman THE ATHLETE’S FUELING GUIDE: THE GAME DAY PLAN The Plan 30 minutes Pre-Workout Meal Morning Workout (See “Pre-Training Meal”) 35 minutes (See “During Training Fuel”) Breakfast (CHO*, Pro, Fat, Fluids, See “Recovery Sheet”) 2-3 H Afternoon Workout 30 minutes (See “During Training Fuel”) Pre-Workout Meal 2-3 H (See “Pre-Training Snack”) Lunch (See “Pre-Training Meal”) 35 minutes Dinner (See “Recovery Sheet & Post-Training Meal”) 2-3 H Snack/Late Night Breakfast (CHO*, Pro, Fat, Fluids) Meals: CHO choices should be comprised of complex CHOs, should include lean protein choices, a moderate amount of fat, & plenty of low-calorie fluids. Snacks: CHO choices should be comprised of simple CHOs, should be low in protein & fat, & need to include a sports drink. The Value of Pre-Training/Performance Meals • Pre-training/performance meals are those meals consumed 3 to 6 hours before “activity.” • The purpose of this meal “is to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range (stabilize energy) and to add to the existing stored energy (glycogen) so that an athlete has the maximum amount of fuel before the event.” • A pre-training/performance meal usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to digest. • A pre-training/performance meal should contain a carbohydrate source, a fat source, and a protein source. The Value of Pre-Training/Performance Meals • A pre-training/performance meal should always be a meal “known” and “tolerated” by the athlete (do not introduce new foods). • A pre-training/performance meal should not contain large amounts of fiber or fatty/fried foods. • A pre-training/performance meal should taste good. Sample Pre-Practice/Training Meals Meal Type Amount of CHO (gm) Meal One 1 cup of cranberry juice 2 Belgian waffles w/syrup 1 yogurt smoothie 1 medium banana 2 cups of coffee 33 126 44 28 0 Totals: 221 2 cups pasta w/1 cup red sauce 1 cup veggie salad 1 medium orange 1 multigrain roll 1 cup of low-fat milk 116 14 15 14 12 Totals: 171 1 chicken sandwich (on wheat bagel) 1 cup pasta primavera ¼ cup raisins 2 cups of water 58 52 33 0 Totals: 143 Meal Two Meal Three Nancy Clark, 2006 The Value of Pre-Training/Performance Snacks • Pre-training/performance snacks are those consumed 15 minutes to 1 hour before “activity.” • The purpose of this meal is to “further fuel the athlete right before the event.” • A pre-training/performance snack usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to digest. • A pre-training/performance should contain a carbohydrate, and avoid protein, fiber, and fat. • A pre-training/performance snack should always be a meal “known” and “tolerated” by the athlete (do not introduce new foods or products). • A pre-training/performance snacks should taste good. High CHO Drinks Beverages Calories CHOs Protein Fat (gm) (gm) (gm) Accelerade (20 oz.) 180 36 9 0 Accelerade (1 scoop) 120 21 5 1 All Pro Science Recovery (1 scoop) 118 21 7 1 Boost High Protein (8 oz.) 360 45 14 14 Cytosport-Cytomax Collegiate (11 oz.) 90 22 0 0 EB Whey Juice (16.9 oz.) 210 40 15 0 Ensure High Protein (8 oz.) 250 42 9 6 Ensure Plus (8 oz.) 350 51 13 11 Eight Ball Nutrition Gator Whey (1 scoop) 80 14 6 0.5 Eight Ball pre-packaged (11 oz.) 220 35 15 2 Gatorade Nutrition Shake (11 oz.) 370 54 20 8 Mix 1 Recovery Drink (11 oz.) 200 29 15 2.5 Muscle Milk Collegiate (11 oz.) 250 28 18 8 Rockin’ Refuel (12 oz.) 280 45 20 4 Performance Nutrition for Football, Lisa Dorfman High CHO Bars Beverages Calories CHOs Protein Fat (gm) (gm) (gm) Balance Big Bar 200 17 22 5 Boulder Bar 220 42 10 2-5 Builders Bar 270 30 20 8 Cliff Bar 250 51 5-12 2 Eight Ball Nutrition Recovery 192 26 11 4 Kashi Go Lean Bar 290 53 11 5 Ironman 230 24 16 8 EAS Myopex Lite 190 27 15 4.5 Muscle Milk Light 170 18 15 6 PB & Whey 140 14 10 5 Power Bar Performance 210 42 6 3.5 Power Bar Protein Plus 300 38 23 6 Power Bar Harvest 240 45 7 4 SOYJOY Bar (blueberry) 130-140 17 4 5-6 Performance Nutrition for Football, Lisa Dorfman The Value of During Training/Performance Snacks • During the event snacks are those consumed during breaks of activity. • The goal of this snack is to “keep the athlete from depleting his/her energy store so as to prevent them from hitting the wall.” • A during the event snack should be an easy to digest carbohydrate-rich beverage or food. • A during the event snack should occur every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the intensity of the activity. • A pre-training/performance snack should always be a meal “known” and “tolerated” by the athlete (do not introduce new foods or products). • A during training/performance snack should taste good. Nutrient Timing During Training Fuel “Goal 30-60 gm CHO/H” Food or Drink Portion required to provide Portion required to provide 30 gm CHO 60 gm CHO Sports Drink 500ml 1000ml 250 ml 500ml Energy Bar ½ - 1 bar 1-2 bars Diluted Fruit Juice 500 ml 1000ml Raisins 1 handful (40gm) 2 handfuls (80gm) Cereal or Bar 1 bar 2 bars Energy gel 1 packet 2 packets Bananas 1-2 med. 2-3 med. (w/6gm CHO/100ml) Soda (w/12gm CHO/100ml) (1:1) The Value of the Recovery Meal • Recovery snacks/meals are those meals that are ingested after training/performance. This small meal is the MOST important and MOST unrated part of an athlete’s training. • Recovery eating is essential for “reloading the muscle with store energy (glycogen).” • Within 15 to 30 minutes after exercise the muscle are like sponges and are ready to be refilled with carbohydrates. • If an athlete does not replete the stores within this time frame, he/she will have miss the opportunity to “refuel” him/herself for tomorrow’s training session (leading to a sluggish, lazy, and even sore feeling). • A carbohydrate to protein ratio of 4:1 has been proven to be most effective for recovery. • If an athlete cannot eat anything after training/performance, then drinking a beverage is appropriate if the 4:1 ratio is maintained. Post-Workout CHOs Beverages Calories CHOs (gm) 2 oz. dry cereal 220 46 2 slices toast 140 24 SOYJOY Breakfast/snack bar 140 17 Plain mini bagels 160 31 12 saltine crackers 150 27 2 cups rice 440 92 2 cups pasta 320 68 1 blueberry muffin (low-fat) 130 20 1 fig cookie 53 11 1 small bag of baked chips 140 24 1 oz. pretzels 106 21 2 cups of orange juice 240 52 1 banana 105 27 20 oz. fruit smoothie 375 84 Performance Nutrition for Football, Lisa Dorfman Sample Post-Exercise Meals Meal Type Amount of CHO (gm) Amount of Pro (gm) 4 oz. Grilled salmon 1 lg. baked potato 1 slice French bread 2 cups broccoli 1 ½ cups cantaloupe 12 oz. lemonade 0 63 15 16 20 39 Totals: 153 29 7 1 8 2 0 Totals: 47 4 oz. BBQ chicken 1 cup pasta salad 1 medium corn cob 1 cup of carrots 1 cup frozen yogurt 2 cups Gatorade 2 28 28 16 34 32 Totals: 140 27 4 4 2 6 0 Totals: 43 1 Garden burger (on a roll) 1 cup asparagus 1 med. Sweet potato 1 cup fruit salad 1 cup skim milk 29 28 33 26 12 Totals: 143 18 4 3 2 8 Totals: 35 Meal One Meal Two Meal Three Nancy Clark, 2006 The Winning Edge “Fueling for Peak Performance” • Healthy Athletes need to know that elite performance requires an elite approach to both nutrition & training. • Healthy athletes need to consume a proper mix of the key 5 nutrients regularly in order to help their body to perform & recover in an appropriate manner. – Calories, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, & Water • Healthy athletes must be taught to understand: – – – – the value of using food as “fuel” what types of fuels are available to them how & when the fuel should be used in training & recovery how much fuel they needed daily to support their healthy training regime “ The most basic, and safe training tool for any athlete looking to achieve strength, power, and performance is the food that they eat.” - John Ivy, Ph.D. & Robert Portman, Ph.D. References • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Abrahams, Peter. Physiology: All you need to know about how your body works. London: Amber Books, 2007. Bean, Anita. The complete guide to sports nutrition. London: A & C Black Publishing, Ltd., 2010. Benardot, Dan. Advanced Sports Nutrition: Fine-tune your food and fluid intake for optimal training and performance. Champaign Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2006. Burke, Louise & Greg Cox, The Complete guide to food for sports performance: peak nutrition for your sport. Crows Nest NSW: Allen & Unwin, 2010. Burke, Loiuse & Deakin, Vicki. Clinical Sports Nutrition, 3rd ed. Australia: McGraw-Hill Ltd., 2006. Burke, Lousie & Deakin, Vicki. Clinical Sport Nutrition, 4th ed. Australia: McGraw-Hill Ltd., 2010. Campbell, Bill & Spano, Marie. NSCA’s guide to sport and exercise nutrition. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2011. Clark, Nancy. The Athlete’s Kitchen: How to eat and win. New York: Bantam Books, 1981. Clark, Nancy. Sports Nutrition Guidebook, 3rd ed. Champaign Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2003. Clark, Nancy. Sports Nutrition Guidebook, 4th ed. Champaign Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2008. Dunford, Marie, editor. Sports Nutrition: A practice manual for professionals, 4th ed. Chicago, Illinois: American Dietetic Association, 2006. Jeukendrup, Asker. Sports nutrition from lab to kitchen. UK: Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2010. Litt, Selkowitz Ann. The College Student’s Guide to Eating well on Campus. Tulip Hill Press; Bethesda Maryland, 2000. Litt, Selkowitz Ann. Fuel for Young Athletes: Essential foods and fluids for future champions. Champaign Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2004. Mahan, LK and Escott-Stump S. Krause’s Food 10th Edition, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy. New York: W.B Saunders Company, 2000. Ryan, Monique,. Sports nutrition for endurance athletes , 2nd ed. Bolder, Co: Velo Press, 2007. Seehobar, Bob. Nutrition periodization for athletes: taking traditional sports nutrition to the next level , 2nd ed. Bolder, Co. Bull Publishing Company, 2011. Sports Nutrition Workshop: Nutrition & Exercise Conference, Philadelphia, PA 2006. Stephenson, Jane and Bader, Diane. Health Cheques™: Sports Nutrition Guide. Mankato, Mn: Appletree Press, 2005. Professional Bio Tanya L. Williams MS, CSSD, RD, LDN Clinical Dietitian & Sports Nutrition Specialist Tanya Williams is a clinical, licensed dietitian and sports nutrition specialist with over eleven years of experience in the field. She obtained her bachelor's of science degree in chemistry from The State University of New York at Geneseo and her master’s degree in nutrition sciences from The Pennsylvania State University at State College. After completing her clinical residency with Geisinger Health System; she began her career with the Susquehanna Health System at the Williamsport Hospital, specializing in cardiac, rehabilitation, and pediatric nutrition. Three years out of residency, Tanya started her own practice focusing her skills in the treatment of eating disorders and sport-specific nutrition therapy. In addition to treating patients privately; Tanya’s practice contracts Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services to Bucknell University, Susquehanna University, other area colleges (the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, and Lock Haven University), The Outreach Athletic Training Team of Sports Medicine Department of Susquehanna Health System, and local area high schools, clubs, and organizations. She has also have served as nutrition counsel for the Eastern Lycoming YMCA and Bethesda Path Healing and Treatment Center. The Nutrition Specialists * The Williamsport Building, Suite 212 * Williamsport, PA 17701 * 570.745.3776 * www.THENUTRITIONSPECIALISTS.com