A sports nutritionist works with bodybuilders, sports athletes, and other fitness enthusiasts on how to optimize their performance on the field or the court while improving their health with nutrition. There is a growing trend towards the embracing of preventative care techniques that help optimize the quality of life. And, a corollary of this rising trend has been a growing demand for sports nutritionists in India. Indeed, the salary of a sports nutritionist is a testament to the importance of this profession in contemporary, urban India.
Primarily, sports nutrition can be described as the practice of consuming a nutritious diet that enhances an athlete’s overall performance. Whether it is cricket or weightlifting, wrestling or swimming, sports nutrition helps in maintaining a proper intake of required minerals, vitamins, proteins, fats, etc. to help the athletes stay in shape. To become a certified sports nutritionist, one must follow set guidelines.
Who is a Sports Nutritionist?
Sports nutritionists work with their clients to assess their lifestyle, identify their goals, and create a plan to attain those goals. Typically, sports nutritionists work with professional athletes, school athletes, competition athletes, sports models, and fitness enthusiasts to help provide them with a nutrition plan that will help them increase their endurance and stamina. The nutrition plan is also designed to help the individual recover as quickly as possible following a game, competition, or workout.
For creating an effective nutrition plan, the sports nutritionist must first take a look at a typical day in the life of the athlete, their lifestyle, watch their eating habits, get familiar with their training schedule, and ask about the supplements or medications that they take. The athlete may have their own short-term and long-term goals and it is the job of a professional nutritionist to let their client know which goals are attainable and which are not. It is also the responsibility of the nutritionist to create a plan that is medically safe.
How to Become a Certified Sports Nutritionist
A certified sports nutritionist is a popular career option for Nutrition and Dietetics graduates. The certification implies that you have achieved an advanced level of expertise and experience in the field. All professional sports nutritionists online are certified. The certification aims to improve the conceptual knowledge of the students towards Nutrition. Successful performance in the certification exam implies that the participant has in-depth knowledge and a clear understanding of nutritional issues and health needs.
Find a dietician near me to help you learn more about nutrition.
Requirements for Certification in Sports Nutrition
In order to become a certified sports nutritionist, one must pursue a Bachelor's degree like B.Sc (Food Science and Nutrition) in dietetics or nutrition. A few other basic requirements of a sports nutritionist include:
- Knowledge of eating disorders and disordered eating signs and symptoms
- Knowledge to measure physical attributes including height and body weight
- Capability to keep precise time management, record keeping skillset
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently
- Basic knowledge of the nutritional value of different foods
- Knowledge of how to calculate body mass index using the client's body weight, fat content, and muscle count
Individuals who wish to pursue a career in sports nutrition, after graduating high school, preferably in the Science stream, need to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or in Dietetics. There are entrance examinations to be cleared if one wishes to get themselves admitted to reputed institutes in India (see list).
List of a Few Entrance Examinations in India for Sports Nutrition Education
- University of Mumbai Master of Science in Dietetics Entrance Examination
- M.Sc. In Dietetics and Applied Nutrition Entrance Examination of Manipal University.
- IGNOU Master of Science in Dietetics and Food Service Management Nutrition Biochemistry Examination
- Osmania University Entrance Examination
- National Institute of Nutrition M.Sc. Entrance Examination
Once the degree of diploma course has been completed, there is a wide scope of work opportunities for sports nutritionists in the fitness and sports industry. Sports nutritionists can opt for jobs in both government and private organizations. They can also add a Master's degree to their resume which will further expand their job scope.
List of a Few Institutes Offering Courses in Sports Nutrition
- Lady Irwin College, New Delhi
- Public Health Foundation of New Delhi, Delhi NCR
- All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health
- Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon
- Manav Rachna International University, Faridabad
- Institute of Life Sciences, Ahmedabad University
Salary of a Sports Nutritionist in India
The minimum salary of a sports nutritionist in India ranges between INR 11,000/- and INR 16,000/- per month. This range goes up if you accommodate home visits and personally help clients keep track of their health status. Sports nutritionists can earn between INR 50,000/- and INR 2,50,000/- per month, depending on one's dedication. Getting yourself certified as a sports nutritionist greatly boosts your chances of earning higher and higher!
Top Sports Nutrition Courses in India
There are incredible career opportunities for professionals with a sports nutrition certification or a sports nutrition degree. Moreover, with the availability of online sports nutrition courses, it has become even easier to carve a niche for yourself in this field. Become the top result on Google the next time someone searches for a certified sports nutritionist near me.
You can find amazing nutrition courses online through Superprof!
Institute of Sports Science and Technology: Diploma in Sports & Exercise Nutrition
Any professional nutritionist can apply for a Diploma in Sports & Exercise Nutrition at ISST. The course adopts a scientific approach to sports education. This Diploma is designed to provide students with a theoretical understanding of nutrition for sports and fitness performance. It introduces students to the general principles of sports nutrition and helps develop the ability to apply sports nutrition theories to daily life.
Course Structure
- Exercise physiology
- Introduction to sports nutrition
- Physiology of digestion
- Carbohydrates, alcohol
- Proteins
- Fats
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Energy balance and energy systems
- Fluid balance/ Hydration status
- Nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids
Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India
IGMPI offers the opportunity to become a Certified Sports Nutritionist for those who understand that people are more conscious and concerned about their health to play sports well. Any graduate in Science/Pharma/Medical/Biomedical/Biotechnology/Microbiology/Food Science & Technology/any Engineering & related disciplines & Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification exam or awaiting their results are eligible to apply.
Find out how to become a professional nutritionist without a university degree in Nutrition.
Certified Study Resources
- Introduction to Basic Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, and Health
- The Basics of Dietary Supplements
- Introduction to Workload and Intensity
- Pre and Post-Workout Nutrition for Athletes
- Diet Plan for Weight Loss or Gain for Athletes
- Yoga, Aerobics and Exercise Techniques
- Nutritional need for competition preparation
- Macronutrients and their importance to Athletes
- Glycogen Loading (Super Compensation)
- Special Concerns of Athletic Females
- Food Allergies and Injury Prevention Management
- Introduction to Protein, Their Supplements & Myths Related to Protein
Assessment & Certification
All the participants are expected to appear for an online assessment. After successfully clearing the examination, the participants will be awarded the professional certification of Certified Sports Nutritionist by IGMPI. Elaborate study resources, assessment test papers, and case studies are provided by the Institute from time to time. The certification will be awarded after the required levels of knowledge, skills, professionalism, and attitude are assessed through the IGMPI assessment process.
Fitness Cravers Academy: Certification in Sports Nutrition (CSN)
Join the certification course in sports nutrition at Fitness Cravers Academy and enjoy the following benefits:
- Access to theory sessions at the Academy for 1 year after the successful completion of the course
- Student online job portal
- Study material
- Small batches of not more than 20 students to ensure quality education
- 23 theories of 2 hours each
- Flexible fee payment options including education loan facility
- Free updation classes every 6 months to keep up with advances in the food industry
- 100% job placement assistance from FCA placement cell
By research estimates, the global sports nutrition market is poised to grow from $28.37 billion in 2016 to $45.27 billion by 2022. And, the market is especially rosy in India, where it is worth a whopping INR 1,376 crore and expected to grow at 22.8% CAGR by the year 2023. It’s not just sports teams and athletes who are leveraging the benefits of sports and exercise nutrition, but also gyms, fitness apps, and fitness centers that provide a holistic well-being plan to customers, a large part of which is based upon nutrition. Add to that, the commercial side of sports nutrition, too, is expected to open up lucrative career opportunities for nutrition professionals.
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