What can coaching help with?
The practical questions are often the most useful ones: What can I eat before an early practice? What if lunch is hours before training? How do we pack for an all-day meet? A dietitian helps translate these questions into a routine the athlete can actually use.
- School and practice: finding realistic meal and snack opportunities.
- Competition: planning familiar foods around warm-ups, games and travel.
- Recovery: making food and fluids available after training.
- Family logistics: shopping, packing, preferences and the foods already in your kitchen.
What happens at the first appointment?
In my virtual coaching, we talk about a typical weekday and weekend, the training calendar, current eating habits and what the athlete wants help with. Parents can add the details that make a plan workable: transportation, grocery shopping, school meals and time available to cook.
We then choose a few useful next steps. For example, a student with an early lunch and late practice might start by planning an afternoon snack and an easy meal afterward. Follow-up sessions give us a chance to check what worked and adjust the plan as the season changes.
What is the parent's role?
A parent or guardian helps arrange coaching for a minor and supports the routine at home. The athlete also has a voice in choosing foods and goals. Ask what feels doable, offer practical help, and keep conversations focused on energy, recovery and enjoyment of sport.
You do not need a separate family menu. We can work with familiar meals and adapt timing, portions and snack options to the athlete's needs.
Does my athlete need calorie tracking or a DEXA scan?
Neither is required for my youth coaching. The focus is fueling growth and activity, learning useful skills and building confidence around food. A scan is not an entry requirement, and weight loss is not the goal of this service.
How do I choose qualified support?
Look for an RD or RDN credential, relevant sports experience, and an approach that involves both the athlete and their family. Registered dietitians complete professional education, supervised training and a credentialing exam, with continuing education requirements. Ask how the provider works with your athlete's healthcare team when additional support is needed.
If your athlete has persistent fatigue, repeated injuries, dizziness or distress around eating, include their pediatrician in the conversation. These concerns deserve assessment rather than a self-directed diet change.
Make a plan for your athlete.
Turn general guidance into a routine for your athlete’s school day, sport and family. Explore virtual coaching with parent involvement.
About Kai
Kai Samiere is a registered dietitian with a BS in Nutrition from Cal Poly and an MS in Health and Wellness Management from Merrimack College. His experience includes working with Stanford’s Sports Nutrition team.
General education; food choices and needs should be adapted to the athlete’s age, activity, allergies and medical needs.
Sources & further reading