If you're training at a high volume, consulting with an RD who doesn't have a sports background is not what you need as they might not understand the rigors of training for enduro races.A board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, which requires an additional 2,000 hours of sports-specific nutrition training, has the acronym CSSD.

The Athlete

When you're going to see a nutritionist, you should have a goal in mind, whether that's gaining strength or losing weight.Once you've picked a nutritionist who seems aligned with your goals, write a list of your questions and what you hope to achieve beforehand.&nbsp;Keep a food log, or snap pictures of everything you eat, ahead of your appointment to ensure your dietitian can get a good view of your eating habits.

Have a goal in mind

A good nutritionist will go through your current diet, discuss nutrition basics, and work together to set realistic goals.You should be able to get answers to your specific questions and a rough action plan. Expect to book a follow-up.

A successful first visit

...at the first appointment with a nutritionist.<ul><li>The eliminator: Telling you that you may never eat something. It can trigger a disordered relationship with food and is not rooted in science.</li><li>The pill popper: Be careful of anyone selling a product in addition to following their plan. The best way to get nutrients is through a varied, whole-food-based diet.</li><li>The one-size-fits-all: Be aware of someone who likes only one style of eating, like vegan or keto. A good nutritionist will be well versed in a wide array of diet patterns.</li><li>The therapist: If a dietician thinks you need extra help, they should be recommending another expert, not overstep boundaries.</li></ul>

Watch for Red Flags

From all the dietary information from wellness influencers, only one in 12 recommendations is nutritionally sound.The easiest way to sift through the bad advice is to find a certified expert.&nbsp;

Nutrition advice

There is no certification required to call yourself a nutritionist.<ul><li>A registered dietician requires a bachelor's degree at an accredited university. A licensed dietitian will have RD, RDN, LD, LDN, or CDN after their name, depending on the state they live in.</li><li>Holistic nutritionists do a six-month training course.</li><li>Functional-nutrition practitioners do and 80-hour training course.</li><li>Intuitive health coaches do a 200-hour training course</li><li>Some well-educated experts have not followed the typical career pathway.</li></ul>

Look for the Letters

No one eats perfectly for their body all the time: a 2013 study of over 2,000 adults found that 74 percent of Americans regularly experience gastrointestinal distress. Whether you want to stop waking up ravenous at 2 A.M., find a sports drink that won't give you acid reflux, or quit feeling bloated all the time, a better diet can make eating easier-and can help you train longer, harder, and faster.

A successful first visit

What Does a Nutritionist Really Do, and Do I Need One?

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