SPORTS NUTRITION SYMPOSIUM 7.0
A free symposium with an all star list of speakers
that will help you bridge the gap between science and practice!
June 19th to 23rd
All Live Sessions Are FREE to Attend
Opportunity to purchase CDR and BOC continuing education credits available AFTER registration for ON-DEMAND content.
We also plan to send you emails with helpful info about products and resources. If you register you're giving us express consent to send helpful types of emails - Yay!
Symposium Co-Partners
Begins June 19th @ 12pm CST
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Who is this Symposium for?
- Dietitians and Dietetic Students
- Athletic Trainers and Athletic Training Students
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Physical Therapists
- Sports Scientists Researchers
- College Faculty
- Sports Medicine Students
- Sports Medicine Clinicians
- Personal Trainers
- Sports Medicine Physicians
Topic and Speaker Lineup
Plant Based Diets and Athletic Performance
Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN
Monday June 19th @ 12pm CST
Athletes, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation
Kevin Chapman, PhD, A-CBT
Monday June 19th @ 7pm CST
Nutritional Armor: Focus on Long-chain Omega-3 Supplementation
Jeff Heileson, PhD, RD, CSCS
Tuesday June 20th @ 12pm CST
From Science to Simple: Making Nutrition Science Accessible and Practical
Susan Kundrat, MS, RD, LDN
Tuesday June 20th @ 7pm CST
Sports Nutrition Principles for Gymnasts
Jana Heitmeyer, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, SCCC, CSCS
Wednesday June 21st @ 12pm CST
Fueling Athletes on Popular Diets
Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD LD
Wednesday June 21st @ 7pm CST
Dangers of Energy Drinks for Athletes
John Higgins, MD, MBA, FACC, FACP
Thursday June 22nd @ 12pm CST
Role of an Olympic Sports Dietitian
Rikki Keen, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS
Thursday June 22nd @ 7pm CST
Nutrition Strategies to Maximize Mitochondrial Function for Health and Performance
Emily Werner, PhD, RD, CSSD
Friday June 23rd @ 12pm CST
Supplement Fundamentals for Athletes
Brady Holmer, BS, PhD(c)
Friday June 23rd @ 7:00pm CST
“The Eat 2 Win Sports Nutrition Symposiums give me a convenient way to keep current in my private practice in a remote location. The information is cutting edge and immediately applicable to my clients.”
Kathleen Searles, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD
Private Practice
“I have attended all of the sport nutrition symposiums and have found the information well prepared and very beneficial for improving my skills as a sports dietitian. The symposiums provide a wide array of topics. The symposiums' have been well worth my time. I grabbed a VIP Pass and I would say the amount of CEU's you get for the price is a steal.”
Christina Kilton, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian at High Energy RD
Meet our Presenters
Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN
Leslie J. Bonci , MPH,RD,CSSD, LDN, FAND is a registered dietitian, board certified specialist in sports dietetics and is the owner of Active Eating Advice- be fit, fed, fearless- a nutrition consulting company and co-founder of Performance365- a sports nutrition consulting company. She is currently the sports nutrition consultant for the 2020 Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Her company, Performance 365 provides sports nutrition services for the XFL and is the sports nutrition provider for the FCFL/FCBL league and the USFL. Leslie is an adjunct instructor in the school of dental medicine at the University of Pittsburgh , also teaches in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Pitt and the Athletic training program at Duquesne University. Leslie received her undergraduate degree in Biopsychology from Vassar College, her Masters’ in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh and completed her dietetic internship at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Leslie was the director of sports nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine for 16 years.Leslie is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker presenting on topics such as nutrition misinformation, the Combating Misinformation, the Winning Plate and the Fuels of Engagement. She focuses on client centered care with an emphasis on listening, meeting clients where they are and realistic recommendations over idealistic expectations. She is a 2021 recipient of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Medallion Award.
Kevin Chapman, PhD, A-CBT
Dr. Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is an internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Additionally, Dr. Chapman serves on the Editorial Board for the Oxford University Press Treatments That Work treatment series, which includes evidence-based treatment protocols for training mental health professionals and treatment workbooks to assist clients throughout treatment. Dr. Chapman is also known for his expertise as it relates to the intersection of multiculturalism and mental health. Similarly, Dr. Chapman has published numerous papers in scientific journals and has written several book chapters. Dr. Chapman is a Faculty member for the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves on its Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board. Along these lines, Dr. Chapman is also on the Psychology Expert Media Panel for the Coalition for the Application and Advancement of Psychological Science (CAAPS). Most recently, Dr. Chapman was the Program Psychologist for Seasons 1 and 2 on A&E’s hit documentary 60 Days In. Dr. Chapman has been featured in US News and World Report, USA Today, NBC Health, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Men’s Health, and numerous other outlets including the Nick News documentary Worried Sick: Living with Anxiety, a feature on adolescent anxiety. Dr. Chapman also serves as the Team Psychologist for the Louisville City Football Club (USL) and the Racing Louisville Football Club (NWSL). Dr. Chapman previously served as an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Chapman completed a BS in Psychology from Centre College, a MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville. Dr. Chapman was a two-sport collegiate athlete (track and field, football) and was inducted into the Centre College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.
Jeff Heileson, PhD, RD, CSCS
Jeffery L. Heileson has been a registered dietitian since 2010 and recently graduated from Baylor University with a Ph.D. in nutrition and exercise science. His research primarily focused on the application of long-chain omega-3 supplementation on head trauma, functional musculoskeletal outcomes, and recovery. He currently serves as the research director in nutrition for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and an Assistant Professor and Graduate Faculty Member in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University.
Susan Kundrat, MS, RD, LDN
Susan Kundrat, MS, RDN, LDN is a Clinical Professor of Kinesiology with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an Adjunct Instructor with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Walla Walla Community College. Her teaching focuses on nutrition communication, nutrition for health and well-being, food security, and sports nutrition. She has spent over 30 years as a sports and wellness dietitian working with athletes and active people to enhance sports performance and foster personal well-being. Susan was hired as the first Sports Dietitian with the University of Illinois -Urbana Champaign from 2009-2012 and has been a consultant Sports Dietitian with the Milwaukee Bucks, US Speedskating, Northwestern University, the University of Evansville, Bradley University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is the founder of Eat Move Groove, LLC (www.eatmovegroove.com). Susan will launch her new book for consumers and build around simple, accessible ways to maximize health and well-being in 2023.
Jana Heitmeyer, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, SCCC, CSCS
Jana Heitmeyer, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, is a highly accomplished and experienced sports nutritionist and strength and conditioning specialist. With a strong background in exercise science and nutrition, Jana has dedicated her career to helping athletes optimize their performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies and comprehensive training programs. Jana holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition, which has provided her with a deep understanding of the physiological and nutritional demands of athletic performance. As a Registered Dietitian (RD), she has undergone rigorous training and has acquired an in-depth knowledge of human nutrition and its application to sports performance. Jana's expertise extends to the field of sports nutrition, where she has obtained the prestigious Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential, further solidifying her status as a leading authority in the field. With her comprehensive expertise, Jana has become a trusted resource in the world of sports nutrition and strength and conditioning. She has been featured in various media outlets, including podcasts, magazines, and online platforms, where she shares her insights and provides practical advice on optimizing performance through nutrition and training.
Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD LD
Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian and consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with an emphasis in overall health, wellness, and sports nutrition. She has over sixteen years of experience and has worked with Ben Hogan Sports Medicine, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and their minor league affiliates, Texas Christian University Athletics, FC Dallas Soccer, the NBA G League, the Alliance of American Football League, many PGA Tour players, as well as with many middle school, high school, and endurance athletes. She also works with the everyday exercising population to improve health and wellness. Amy is a media spokesperson with over 1400 media placements in a variety of media outlets locally and nationally. As a veteran on-air nutrition expert, she works with RDTV to leverage multi-platform media opportunities on broadcast, digital and social media nation-wide. Amy is on the Medical Expert Board for Eat This Not That and an ambassador/speaker for the American Heart Association, National Dairy Council, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a speaker for Gatorade Sports Science Institute, and is a partner with Natural Delights Dates and Texas Beef Council. In collaboration with Texas Beef Council, she is the creator of the Sports Nutrition Game Plan, a free sports nutrition program for Texas high schools. She also consults for Catalyst Training Lab where she provides international education and training for dietitians in five Middle Eastern countries. She also speaks at a variety of nutrition, athletic training, and coaching conferences in addition to providing health and nutrition presentations to various businesses and companies. Amy is the owner Amy Goodson RD Courses, a business providing education resources and courses to help dietetic students, interns, and registered dietitians determine and take the steps necessary to reach their dream career.
John Higgins, MD, MBA, FACC, FACP
Dr. John P. Higgins is a renowned Professor of Medicine at UT McGovern Medical School, a distinguished Senior Cardiologist at LBJ Hospital, and a leading figure in the field of sports cardiology. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dr. Higgins has made significant contributions to the medical community through his expertise in cardiology, exercise physiology, and research on athlete screening, energy drinks, and smartphone apps. Dr. Higgins' professional achievements are vast and diverse. He served as the Chief of Cardiology at LBJ Hospital from 2008 to 2020, demonstrating exceptional leadership and fostering advancements in cardiovascular care. His expertise also extends to the world of sports medicine, where he holds the position of Director of Exercise Physiology at the Memorial Hermann Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance. Additionally, he serves as a Sports Cardiologist for esteemed organizations such as the Houston Rockets and Rice Athletics, contributing to the health and well-being of athletes at the highest level. Dr. Higgins is a prolific author with a focus on cardiology and health-related topics. He has authored and co-authored several publications, including the well-regarded books "Cardiology Clinical Questions" (McGraw-Hill, 1st ed. 2011, 2nd ed. 2016), "Smartphone Apps for Health and Wellness" (Elsevier, January 2023), and the upcoming book "Energy Drinks: Composition, Consumption, and Cautions" (Elsevier, 2024). Through his research and written works, Dr. Higgins aims to enhance knowledge and understanding in the areas of athlete screening, energy drinks, and the impact of smartphone apps on health and well-being.
Rikki Keen, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS
Rikki joined USOPC in August 2022, as a Senior Sports Dietitian, working alongside Alicia Glass. Rikki is a Registered Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She has been working in the nutrition field for over 20 years. Prior to USOPC, Rikki was the Director of Performance Nutrition for Orlando City Soccer Club (MLS, NWSL teams). Rikki has also served as the sports dietitian for the Oakland Raiders, US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), and with Tom Shaw Performance at ESPN Wide World of Sports. In addition, she was an adjunct professor for 10 years, teaching nutrition courses at the University of Alaska and served as the Assistant Coordinator in the Human Performance Lab. Rikki is based out of Orlando, Florida.
Emily Werner, PhD, RD, CSSD
Dr. Emily Werner, PhD, RD, CSSD holds a PhD in Kinesiology, is a registered dietitian (RD) that is a Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics (CSSD) and has over seven years of experience working with athletes in different capacities including individual consultation, research, academia, and the team sport setting. She is in her third season as the Team Dietitian for the Philadelphia 76ers, her second year as Nutrition Affairs lead for Timeline Nutrition, and owns a private practice, Eat Elite Performance Nutrition LLC. Her expertise is in the assessment of sport nutrition knowledge and behavior, as well as the application of sport nutrition for health and performance.
Brady Holmer, BS, PhD(c)
Brady Holmer is an accomplished writer and researcher with a passion for unlocking the secrets of optimal health and well-being. With a deep understanding of nutrition, exercise, and supplements, Brady's expertise lies in analyzing and synthesizing scientific evidence to provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations. Currently serving as a writer/researcher at Examine.com, Brady is at the forefront of the latest advancements in the field. He meticulously examines scientific studies, distilling complex information into digestible content that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Through his work, Brady strives to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday practicality, helping people navigate the ever-changing landscape of health and wellness. Brady's academic journey has provided him with a solid foundation for his career. He holds a Bachelor's degree in exercise science, which has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the human body and the physiological responses to exercise. Building upon this knowledge, Brady is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in applied physiology, delving deeper into the intricate mechanisms that underlie human performance and well-being. Through his work, Brady empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ultimately helping them unlock their full potential for optimal living.
“I have been an athletic trainer for over 20 years and this is one of the best symposiums I have attended. The information shared was excellent and left me wanting more. I have already shared several things with my student athletes. I find it important as an Athletic Trainer that we have the best sports nutrition information to share with them.”
Ron Hutchins, ATC
Athletic Trainer
“Going into the symposium I was unsure of what to expect but after the first seminar, I knew I made the right decision to attend! Not only were the presentations great, but the Q and A sessions at the end of each were just as impressive!”
Jeremy Gricar, RD, LDN
Prairie Ridge High School
Learn more about each session....
Plant Based Diets and Athletic Performance
Athletes are turning to plant-based diets for performance, physique and health. The increased antioxidant intake on plant based diets may be of benefit to athletes, nutrient composition must be evaluated for adequacy, efficacy and practicality. As sports dietitians we need to help our athletes strategize their macros, micros, hydros and phytos with inclusive, accessible, affordable food guidance.
Athletes, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation
The presenter will explore the emotional experience known as anxiety as well as "its" disorders. The pervasive nature of anxiety and how it affects athletes will be particularly explored with specific emphasis on warning signs, disorders of anxiety, positive elements of anxiety, and emotional regulation strategies to assist athletes.
Nutritional Armor: Focus on Long-chain Omega-3 Supplementation
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have been referred to as nutritional armor, especially in relation to its roles in cognitive protection and health. Accumulating evidence suggests that LC n-3 PUFAs may also improve hypertrophy, strength, and recovery in various contexts and environments. The focus of this presentation will be to elucidate the current state of the evidence regarding the role of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation as a potential nutritional armor for the body and the brain.
From Science to Simple: Making Nutrition Science Accessible and Practical
"From Science to Simple" provides sports performance professionals with tools to translate current research and recommendations for nutrition practice into simple, structured, “I can do this” actions athletes and clients can carry out quickly and confidently. In this case-study-based training, participants will understand the many benefits of creating evidence-based messaging fueled by simplicity and ease of implementation. This session provides tools for health and performance professionals to utilize in their daily practice to optimize sports performance and well-being.
Sports Nutrition Principles for Gymnasts
In this comprehensive and informative course, Jana Heitmeyer, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS delves into the unique nutritional needs of gymnasts and provides practical strategies to optimize fueling and hydration for improved performance. With a focus on understanding the demanding schedules and specific requirements of gymnastics athletes, this presentation equips coaches, trainers, and nutritionists with valuable insights to enhance the performance and well-being of gymnasts throughout their training and competitive seasons.
Fueling Athletes on Popular Diets
From trendy Ketogenic, paleo, and intermittent fasting diets to traditional Mediterranean and plant-based diets, eating patterns for exercisers and athletes come in all shapes and sizes, but share the same end goal – optimal performance. This module identifies the pros and cons and addresses the latest research around the most common dietary patterns and popular diets and how they relate to exercise performance and recovery to ultimately enhance strength, performance, and meet diet preference.
Dangers of Energy Drinks for Athletes
Since their introduction in 1987, energy drinks have become increasingly popular and the energy drink market has grown at record pace into a multibillion-dollar global industry. Young people, students, office workers, athletes, weekend warriors, and service members frequently consume energy drinks. Both health care providers and consumers must recognize the difference between energy drinks, traditional beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks/sodas, juices, or flavored water), and sports drinks. The research about energy drinks safety and efficacy is often contradictory, given the disparate protocols and types of products consumed: this makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Also, much of the available literature is industry-sponsored. After reports of adverse events associated with energy drink consumption, concerns including trouble sleeping, anxiety, cardiovascular events, seizures, and even death, have been raised about their safety. This lecture will focus on energy drinks use by athletes, effects and side effects associated with their consumption.
Role of an Olympic Sports Dietitian
Learn who and what Olympic Sport Dietitians do. How we have many similar duties that provide support for athletes to be at their best for health and for performance as other sport dietitians. Yet, there are also differences in a remote or decentralized sport environment. Same goals, same outcome, different approach. Go Team USA!
Nutrition Strategies to Maximize Mitochondrial Function for Health and Performance
Athletes may have heard that the mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but many do not understand the full depth of the role that mitochondria play in our bodies. They are involved in almost every physiologic process, which all contribute to an athletes’ health and performance. Suboptimal or dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to the gradual decline of muscle mass and strength, which are two important aspects of both athletic performance and overall health. For athletes, optimizing mitochondrial health is an emerging area of interest, with interventions that involve diet, exercise, and/or nutritional supplementation being at the center of the conversation. The research on nutritional supplements for mitochondrial health is increasing exponentially, with more athletes every day asking questions. In this presentation, the importance of mitochondrial health for athletes will be exemplified, including a brief overview on mitochondrial function, how function decreases with stress (e.g., exercise) and aging, and a discussion into readily available (i.e., NSF-certified) mitochondrial supplements, CoQ10 and urolithin A. This presentation will inform the practitioner about the latest research in an emerging topic of interest on the minds of our athletes today.
Supplement Fundamentals for Athletes
In this presentation, athletes and coaches will learn how to evaluate the scientific evidence for sports supplements to determine how to choose the most effective supplements for their particular discipline, beginning with a determination of if/why an athlete's needs supplements in the first place. Strategies will also be provided as to how athletes and coaches can begin to implement sports supplements into their training routine.
“The topics discussed in the sports nutrition symposium were extremely relevant to my work as a dietitian focused on endurance athletes. The speakers were impressively competent in their topics and helped answer any questions I had about their topics. I will definitely be tuning in to future symposiums!”
Jackie Hendrickson RD, MPH
Registered Dietitian at Enduura Nutrition
“The Sports Nutrition Symposiums are held during convenient times. I learned about several new topics that I can apply in practice, and "met" several practitioners and researchers that I will now be following to learn more about their work discussed at the symposium. I look forward to the next Symposium!”
Kelly McCombs, MS, RD, LD, CDCES
Senior Instructor and Nutrition Consultant for USCB Athletics
“The symposium was very educative and the fact that the presenters were providing evidence based data, made it very reliable information to add to ones informational raportoure. It is a wonderful place to invest an hour of your time as a sports nutritionist or dietitian to get up to date information and get a boost on interaction with your clients. You will never second guess yourself.”
Cynthia Aguvania
Registered Clinical Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist
Continuing Education Credits Available
CEU's are available with a VIP PASS...obtainable after Registration
Live Sessions are FREE but you need a VIP Pass to obtain CEU's
