The Northern Illinois University Sports Nutrition Program is dedicated to optimizing the health, performance, and well-being of our student-athletes through evidence-based nutrition strategies and personalized support. We empower athletes with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve peak performance and promote lifelong wellness. By integrating cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, we aim to be a leader in sports nutrition and contribute to the overall success of our athletic programs.
Goals
- Enhance Athletic Performance: Provide tailored nutrition plans and strategies to optimize performance and recovery for each athlete, ensuring they reach their full potential in their respective sports.
- Promote Health and Wellness: Support the overall health and well-being of student-athletes by addressing their unique nutritional needs and encouraging healthy eating habits that contribute to long-term wellness.
- Educate and Empower: Offer educational resources and presentations to athletes, coaches, and staff on nutrition principles, dietary strategies, and the role of nutrition in sports performance.
- Support Injury Prevention and Recovery: Develop nutrition interventions that aid in the prevention of injuries and support effective recovery and rehabilitation processes.
- Foster Collaborative Relationships: Work closely with athletic trainers, coaches, and other support staff to integrate nutrition into the broader athletic training and performance programs.
- Advance Research and Innovation: Stay at the forefront of sports nutrition research and incorporate the latest evidence-based practices to continually improve and adapt our nutrition strategies.
- Encourage Lifelong Healthy Habits: Inspire student-athletes to adopt and maintain healthy eating habits that extend beyond their athletic careers, contributing to a lifetime of well-being.
Services
One-On-One Nutritional Consults
- Personalized position, sport and training phase
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Food allergy aid
- Injury and post surgery nutrition
- Competition nutrition- pre, during and post meals
- Hydration plans
Team Education
- Topics can include fueling, hydration, performance plates, female specific nutrition education and more
- Grocery store tours
- Dining hall education
Supplement Evaluation
- Ensures compliance with NCAA regulations
- Education on supplement use, safety, and effectiveness
Nutrition Center
- Bridge the gap between meals and practices with a variety of snack choices
- Pre and Post Fueling food/snack options
- Educational opportunities such as “Try It Tuesdays”
Location
We are located in the
Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Nutrition Center, inside the Yordon Center.
Instagram | @ niu_sportsnutrition
