Sports Nutrition Episodes
Learn about supplements, protein and electrolytes.
June 3, 2026
158 | The Nutrition Mistake Every Injured Athlete Makes
Injured Athletes Still Need Fuel. When an athlete gets injured, the instinct is often to eat less. But according to sports dietitian Emily Barnhart, recovery still requires fuel. In this episode, we talk about how nutrition needs change after injury, surgery, ACL repair, stress fractures, and periods of immobilization. Emily explains why under-fueling can delay healing, how to think about protein during rehab, and what clinicians should know before recommending supplements for injury recovery...
April 22, 2026
153 | Teen Sports Nutrition: Adult Nutrition Rules Don't Work
Teen Athletes Need Different Fuel. What happens when well-meaning parents apply adult nutrition rules to teenage athletes? You get under-fueled kids, missed performance potential… and a whole lot of confusion in the exam room. In this episode, I sit down with sports dietitian and former D1 athlete Maria Vallasciani to break down what teen athletes actually need and why most of them aren’t getting it. From skipped breakfasts to overhyped protein powders, we unpack the real drivers of performan...
Feb. 4, 2026
142 | Marathon Nutrition After 35: Preventing Injury Through Fueling
If you’ve ever had a patient training for a marathon (or you are that patient) this episode will change how you think about fueling, injury risk, and longevity in running. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why runners over 35 are uniquely vulnerable to injury, even when they "eat healthy" Why so many runners under-consume carbohydrates (and how to explain carbs without triggering fear) How inadequate fat intake may increase injury risk High-yield screening questions clinicians can ask runners i...
132
Nov. 5, 2025
133 | Creatine Isn’t Just for Athletes: The Evidence for Brain, Bone, and Muscle Health
Creatine isn’t just for athletes. In this episode, Dr. Scott Forbes joins Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, to unpack the latest research on creatine safety, dosing, timing, and real-world use. Plus who should (and shouldn’t) take it. This one supplement can support muscle, bone, and brain health and has over 600 clinical trials backing its safety. Too good to be true? Nope. That’s creatine. Dr. Forbes shares the latest research, safety data, and practical recommendations for using creatine across the ...
105
April 2, 2025
105 | Eating for Endurance: Guide Your Patients to Race Day Success
Ever felt unsure how to support patients chasing the marathon dream—or maybe you're even training for one yourself? Whether they're seasoned runners or beginners just lacing up, this episode might be the inspiration (and information!) you've been waiting for. I'm joined by Starla, a registered dietitian and accomplished marathoner who breaks down the nutrition essentials for marathon runners, from training to race day and recovery. You'll walk away with: Clear guidelines on carbohydrate intak...
Jan. 17, 2025
93 | Contaminated Protein Supplements!? An Expert Weighs In on the Truth
Have you seen the headlines about disturbing levels of heavy metals in protein powders? If you're panicking about whether your shake is safe, take a breath. In this episode, we tackle the fear head-on and uncover what’s fact, what’s hype, and how to make informed decisions about your supplements. What We Covered: Understanding supplement regulation: Learn how the FDA and third-party testing actually work, and why regulation might be better than you think. Heavy metals in context: Why chocolate...
75
Oct. 9, 2024
75 | Are Your Patients Taking Too Many Supplements? (and Don’t Even Know It)
Send Colleen a Text Message Is turmeric the anti-inflammatory miracle it’s hyped up to be? Should vitamin D be on your radar for more than just bone health? Are probiotics worth the price tag, or are they just a trendy gut-health fad? And what about athletic greens—are they the magic bullet for optimal nutrition, or just an expensive daily habit? You’re going to walk away with answers to these questions and learn what to ask your patients before they reach for the next “miracle” supplement. I s...
73
Sept. 25, 2024
73 | Is That Supplement Worth It? A Clinician's Crash Course in Supplement Regulation and Safety
Send Colleen a Text Message Can you confidently answer your patient when they ask if that greens powder or multivitamin they’re taking is worth it? If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. We didn’t learn about supplements in school That’s why I’m so excited to have Dr. Douglas Kalman on the show today. He’s a Registered Dietitian and a leading expert in supplement science and regulation. We’ll break down what every clinician needs to know to confidently recommend—or steer clear of—certain p...
72
Sept. 18, 2024
72 | Popular Diets and Supplement Science: Build Muscle, Lose Fat, and Stay Fit
Send Colleen a Text Message In this episode, we unpack adult sports nutrition with my friend Erik Bustillo, a leading sports dietitian and performance coach. Having known Erik since our undergrad days at FIU in Miami, it’s exciting to bring his expertise to our listeners. Since we’ve recently covered sports nutrition for teens and young athletes, today’s focus is on adults looking to optimize their fitness journey. Grab the FREE Sports Nutrition Cheat Sheet In This Episode, You'll Learn: Macro...
71
Sept. 11, 2024
71 | Sports Nutrition Hot Topics: Sugar, Sports Drinks and Fueling for Performance
Send Colleen a Text Message Ready to level up your teen athletes’ game? In this episode, we’re busting some of the biggest sports nutrition myths that could make or break their performance. If you caught Part 1, you know how vital carbs, protein, and fats are for fueling young athletes. This time, we’re diving into the burning questions parents and athletes have been asking—and we’re giving you the straight answers you need. Don't forget to snag your free download: The 4 P's to Picking a Protei...
70
Sept. 4, 2024
70 | Optimizing Athletic Performance: The Role of Nutrition and Hydration
Send Colleen a Text Message In this episode of the Exam Room Nutrition Podcast, I sit down with Amy, a leading sports dietitian and host of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, to unpack the essentials of sports nutrition. You'll learn the essential aspects of nutrition before, during, and after exercise, strategies for kids with low appetite, hydration tips, and simple snack ideas. Plus, you'll also hear Amy's take on what advice clinicians should never give to young athletes, and why carbohydrates ...
63
July 10, 2024
63: Summer Shorts | How to Choose a Protein Supplement
Send Colleen a Text Message Should I take a protein supplement? Which one do you recommend? Welcome to Exam Room Nutrition's Summer Shorts - bite-sized nutrition science delivered in less 15 minutes, so you can stay sharp without sacrificing those summer barbecues. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, because today Colleen is teaching you a simple framework for helping your patients choose the best protein supplement. The four P's of picking a protein supplement : purpose, profile, preference, a...
62
July 3, 2024
62: Summer Shorts | Are Bovine Colostrum Supplements Worth It?
Send Colleen a Text Message Colostrum supplements are gaining popularity, but are they worth it? Welcome to Exam Room Nutrition's Summer Shorts - bite-sized nutrition science delivered in less 15 minutes, so you can stay sharp without sacrificing those summer barbecues. Grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, because today Colleen unpacks the science behind bovine colostrum supplements and explores: The potential benefits for adults (including gut health and immune function) The current research ...
32
Feb. 6, 2024
35 | Game On! Nutrition Tips for Athletes
Send Colleen a Text Message If you work with young athletes, this episode is for you! I'm joined by sports dietitian, Jessica Ashton, RD, to help you know exactly what your athlete should eat before, during, and after exercise and how to nurture healthy habits that ensure a lifetime of peak performance. Key Points: Understand Macronutrients: Learn the difference between carbohydrates, protein and fat and the role each of these plays in an athlete's body. Pre-Exercise Fueling: Learn about the ...
15
Oct. 10, 2023
15 | Fueling Your Workout: Sports Nutrition Tips for Plant-based Eating
Send Colleen a Text Message Join Colleen as she chats with Natalie Rizzo, leading sports dietitian and author of Planted Performance. Today's discussion gives you everything you need to know about sports nutrition and how to perform at your best on a plant-based diet. Whether you're an athlete, considering a plant-based diet, or a healthcare professional seeking reliable nutrition information, join us in this impactful journey through sports nutrition. What we cover: Learn the role of carbohyd...