Sports Nutrition

Woman taking off from starting block on a running track

Sports nutrition incorporates knowledge of the connection between human physiology and nutrition. We provide highly individualized interventions to meet the fueling demands of athletes (including youth, high school and adult athletes) and active individuals.

Our sports nutrition program is one of just a few in the Kansas City area. Our sports dietitian is a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), which is the highest standard of professional credentialing within the field of sports nutrition.

About sports nutrition

Sports dietitians focus on nutrition care that is specific to the athlete and their activity requirements. They provide nutrition counseling at the individual and team level to enhance the performance of competitive and recreational athletes. They work to assess, educate and counsel athletes, as well as design, implement and manage safe and effective nutrition strategies that enhance lifelong health, fitness and optimal performance.

A sports dietitian can assist athletes in reaching their goals faster and more effectively. These goals may include:

Maximizing performance
Addressing medical concerns
Improving energy levels and fatigue
Sport-related injury prevention
Safely returning to sport after surgery
Optimizing bone health
Body composition changes
Developing a healthier relationship with food, exercise and body image
Working with a provider that takes a patient-centered approach and promotes inclusive and flexible eating rather than restriction and exclusion

To request an appointment with our sports dietitian, call 913-239-0646 or email sportsnutrition@KUMC.edu

Sports nutrition services

Performance-related interventions that a sports dietitian can address include:

Helping elite and everyday athletes reach their full performance potential
Resting metabolic rate testing
Medical nutrition therapy
Sport-specific nutrition
Recovery nutrition
Injury prevention nutrition
Optimizing nutrition in weight class and aesthetic sports, such as wrestling, cycling, running, gymnastics and tumbling, dancing, cheerleading and bodybuilding.
Micronutrient deficiencies
Dietary supplement evaluation
Race or competition day planning
Fueling during training
Nutrient timing
Gastrointestinal issues around training, including food allergies
Hydration and electrolytes
Disordered eating support
Fostering a healthy relationship with food

Sports nutrition packages

Our sports dietitian has created custom combinations of these services to best serve athletes and active people, tailored to your desired outcomes.

The bronze package is for athletes and active people who want to improve their eating patterns and learn how to fuel their bodies to support their nutrition, health and performance-related goals. It includes an initial assessment, supplement evaluation, resting metabolic rate test, an optional body composition analysis, fueling plan, initial and follow-up appointments and unlimited support from our sports dietitian for 1 month.

The silver package is for athletes and active people who need consistent assistance and accountability while fueling their body to support their nutrition, health and performance-related goals. It includes an initial assessment, supplement evaluation, resting metabolic rate test, optional before and after body composition analysis, fueling plan, initial and monthly follow-up appointments, hydration plan and unlimited support from our sports dietitian for 3 months.

The gold package is for athletes training for a sport, race or competition who want to fuel their bodies optimally while receiving highly individualized guidance around their sport season or training cycle. It includes an initial assessment, supplement evaluation, resting metabolic rate test, optional body composition analysis, fueling plan, initial and monthly follow-up appointments, hydration plan, competition week plan, competition day fueling plan and unlimited support from our sports dietitian for 6 months.

Our sports nutrition specialist

Sara Arnold, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Sports performance dietitian

Sara has a master's degree in sports nutrition. She is a certified personal trainer and works with athletes of all ages and backgrounds. She specializes in relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and low energy availability, under-fueling, disordered eating and performance nutrition. As a former multi-sport athlete, Sara is familiar with the challenges athletes face, including challenges unique to female athletes, and is devoted to providing leading-edge care to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

Our sports nutrition locations

1. Sports Medicine and Performance Center
8302 W. 125th St.

Overland Park, KS 66213

Mon 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tues 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wed 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat Closed -

Sun Closed -

Google Maps Directions

Office Contact:

913-239-0646