The British Academy for Training and Development offers this specialized training program in “Sports Nutrition Specialist Preparation”, designed to equip individuals interested in sports nutrition with scientific knowledge and practical skills to work professionally in diverse athletic environments. This course is based on the latest research in sports nutrition sciences, focusing on the nutritional needs of athletes at different training and physical stages.

The program provides participants with a solid knowledge foundation for designing nutrition plans that align with training goals, enhance physical performance, and support proper recovery while considering individual differences and biological variations. It also covers ethical and technical aspects that a specialist should uphold to ensure high-quality and effective nutritional guidance.

Who Should Attend?

• Nutritionists interested in specializing in sports nutrition.

• Sports coaches and fitness professionals.

• Students and graduates of health sciences and sports medicine.

• Staff at sports clubs and rehabilitation centers.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Acquire a comprehensive scientific foundation in sports nutrition principles.

• Design tailored nutrition plans for athletes at various levels.

• Assess the nutritional status and individual needs of trainees.

• Link nutrition to physical performance and recovery.

• Work effectively within integrated sports teams following professional standards.

• Introduction to Sports Nutrition

  • Concept and role of sports nutrition in performance

  • Differences between general nutrition and sports nutrition

  • Evolution of sports nutrition sciences

• Dietary Systems and Types of Athletes

  • Differences among athletes by type and activity

  • General principles of daily nutrition

  • Basic principles of energy balance

• Macronutrients and Their Role in Physical Activity

  • Carbohydrates as a primary energy source

  • Protein in tissue building

  • Fats: vital functions and safe limits

• Water and Electrolytes

  • Importance of hydration before, during, and after exercise

  • Effects of dehydration on performance

  • Sodium and potassium in muscular balance

• Nutrient Timing

  • Importance of meal timing

  • Pre- and post-workout meals

  • Strategies for nutrient supply during activity

• Athlete Needs by Training Stage

  • Nutrition for physical preparation phase

  • Nutrition during competition periods

  • Nutrition for rest and recovery periods

• Dietary Supplements for Athletes

  • Common supplements and their uses

  • Scientific criteria for choosing appropriate supplements

  • Risks of random or improper supplement use

• Regulations in Supplement Use

  • Local and international regulations

  • List of banned substances

  • Role of nutrition specialists in awareness

• Reading Supplement Labels

  • Analyzing supplement ingredients

  • Nutrition symbols and guidelines

  • Distinguishing effective supplements from commercial claims

• Assessing Nutritional Status

  • Dietary interviews and behavior analysis

  • Anthropometric measurements and body composition

  • Basic laboratory tests

• Estimating Individual Requirements

  • Calculating calorie needs based on activity

  • Estimating protein, carbohydrate, and fat requirements

  • Determining appropriate ratios according to goals

• Nutrition Planning for Athletes

  • Designing balanced meals

  • Distributing nutrients throughout the day

  • Adjusting according to performance and training phase

• Nutrition for Different Sports

  • Endurance sports (running, swimming, cycling)

  • Strength sports (weightlifting, bodybuilding)

  • Individual and team sports

• Differences in Nutritional Requirements

  • Adapting nutrition to performance needs

  • Gender differences in response

  • Special considerations for children and adolescents

• Food Sensitivities and Intolerances

  • Common food allergies

  • Impact on athletic performance

  • Managing these conditions in meal planning

• Nutrition and Recovery

  • Recovery nutrition strategies post-exercise

  • Role of nutrition in muscle repair

  • Timing and type of recovery meals

• Antioxidants and Recovery

  • Supporting vitamins and minerals

  • Food sources vs. supplements

  • Potential effects on inflammation and swelling

• Role of Sleep and Nutrition in Recovery

  • Relationship between sleep and nutrition quality

  • Improving sleep through diet

  • Meal timing and its impact on sleep

• Nutrition Across Life Stages

  • Nutritional characteristics of young athletes

  • Adolescents and physical growth needs

  • Differences between adults and older adults

• Sports and Women: Specialized Nutrition

  • Nutritional needs of female athletes

  • Female athlete triad

  • Menstrual cycle and dietary impact

• Pregnancy, Lactation, and Sports

  • Nutrition for active pregnant women

  • Breastfeeding and nutrition planning

  • Safety of supplements during these stages

• Eating Disorders in Sports

  • Common patterns of eating disorders

  • Physical and psychological impact on performance

  • Early recognition of warning signs

• Managing Disorders as a Nutrition Specialist

  • Role in support and prevention

  • Collaboration with treatment teams

  • Promoting a healthy relationship with food

• Preventing Extreme Diets

  • Common fad diets and media exaggerations

  • Risk analysis and unreliable sources

  • Promoting proper nutritional culture

• Preparing Professional Nutrition Plans

  • Designing comprehensive plans by activity type

  • Managing special cases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)

  • Building flexible and practical meal schedules

• Nutritional Consultations for Athletes

  • Communication skills with athlete clients

  • Assessing results and adjusting programs

  • Handling misconceptions among athletes

• Building Effective Relationships with Coaching and Medical Staff

  • Importance of coordination with coaches and therapists

  • Aligning goals within the team

  • Integrating nutrition into the overall training plan

• Professional Aspects of a Sports Nutrition Specialist

  • Ethics in sports nutrition

  • Scope of practice and professional boundaries

  • Independence and transparency in guidance

• Working in Sports Organizations

  • Clubs, national teams, and sports clinics

  • Freelance work and private consulting

  • Administrative and organizational skills for the profession

• Self-Development in Sports Nutrition

  • Keeping up with scientific developments

  • Attending conferences and advanced courses

  • Building a specialized professional portfolio