Overview

By the end of this course, you will (1) apply evidence-based nutrition principles to athletic training and (2) design tailored fueling strategies to enhance performance and recovery. Taught by Stephanie Hnatiuk, RD—Registered Dietitian and Performance Nutrition Expert—this course provides a practical foundation in macronutrients, hydration, supplementation, and meal timing. You’ll learn how to assess individual needs and adjust nutrition plans for varying training loads, body composition goals, and sport demands. Video lectures, applied examples, and resources translate complex science into actionable strategies for real athletes and clients. What makes this course distinct is its integration of nutrition and performance, giving health and fitness professionals the tools to guide clients toward sustainable results and peak function.

Syllabus

Sports Nutrition Background

Every athlete wants to train harder, recover faster, and perform at their best—but without proper nutrition, even the best training plan can fall short. In this essential course, Stephanie Hnatiuk, Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and Performance Nutrition Coach, shares her proven, evidence-based approach to fueling for performance and recovery. Designed for trainers, coaches, massage and athletic therapists, and healthcare professionals who work with active clients and athletes of all levels, this course introduces the Performance Nutrition Hierarchy—a clear, practical model for building a complete and sustainable nutrition plan. Through clear explanations and real-world examples, Stephanie breaks down how to assess and meet energy needs, balance macronutrients, optimize micronutrient intake, and time meals for both performance and recovery. She also explores the role of supplements, hydration, and energy availability, and explains how chronic low energy intake can lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)—a major barrier to performance and health. Throughout the course, participants will learn to apply flexible, personalized nutrition strategies that fit real-life training environments—from recreational athletes to elite competitors. The course also examines current research on carbohydrates, protein timing, healthy fats, hydration, and alcohol, highlighting how each affects training outcomes and long-term athlete wellness. By the end of this course, you’ll have a complete framework for assessing and improving the nutrition of athletes and active clients, allowing you to better support their endurance, strength, and recovery goals through practical, science-driven strategies.

Nutrients and Supplements

This module breaks down the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and supplements in athletic performance, recovery, and long-term health. Learners will explore how fueling choices influence muscle adaptation, immune function, and injury risk. Practical guidance is provided on optimizing nutrient timing, identifying critical deficiencies, and determining when evidence-based supplements may be beneficial.

Nutrition Planning

This module focuses on applying performance nutrition principles into practical, individualized plans. Students will learn how to structure daily fueling strategies, balance training demands with recovery needs, and adjust intake to support changes in intensity, volume, and athletic goals.

Reflective Assignments

This module gives learners the opportunity to apply course concepts through brief, scenario-based tasks. These activities reinforce real-world decision making, communication skills, and professional confidence when working with clients.

5. Final Reflective Exam

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.