From fueling long rehearsal days to healing your relationship with food, the right nutrition professional can make a huge difference for dancers. But not every practitioner is trained to meet the unique demands of a dancer’s lifestyle. In this episode, Rachel Fine shares exactly what to look for so you can find trustworthy, evidence-based support.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to identify your unique needs as a dancer (fueling, recovery, injury prevention, body image)

✅ Why licensure and credentials (like RD/RDN, CSSD, CEDS) matter when choosing a clinician

✅ The importance of relatability and experience—especially with dancers

✅ Why a personalized, holistic approach beats one-size-fits-all advice

✅ How a strong professional network and resources support your long-term success

📅 Perfect for: dancers seeking one-on-one nutrition support, parents of dancers exploring professional guidance, or anyone navigating food and body image in the dance world.

📖 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/a-dancers-guide-to-finding-a-nutrition-professional/

📲 Follow on Instagram: @ToThePointeNutrition

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: Nutrition for Dancers

🎙️ Listen on Apple + Spotify: Nutrition for Dancers with The Dance Nutritionist® Podcast

Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)

0:00 – Nutrition’s Role in Dance Training
Energy, recovery, and why education sources matter.

0:31 – Why Seek a Qualified Nutrition Professional?
The importance of aligning support with dancer-specific goals.

0:56 – About Rachel Fine, RDN
Background, mission, and focus on dancer health and performance.

1:18 – The Value of Nutrition for Dancers
Connecting food, body image, and performance.

1:41 – First Step: Know Your Goals
Clarifying health, performance, or body-related objectives.

2:33 – The Influence of Dancer Diet Culture
How harmful messaging shapes unsustainable habits.

3:56 – Re-evaluating Restrictive Goals
Why “clean eating” and rigid approaches can backfire.

4:20 – Common Goals Dancers May Explore
Calorie needs, hydration, planning, and body composition.

5:05 – Key Consideration: Credentials Matter
Understanding qualifications and why they’re critical.

6:19 – The Problem with the Title ‘Nutritionist’
Unregulated use and risks of anecdotal expertise.

7:08 – Why Licensure and Training Count
RDN/LDN pathways and the years of academic and clinical preparation.

9:11 – Advanced Specializations
Sports dietetics and eating disorder certification for dancer needs.

11:11 – Relatability and Dance-Specific Expertise
The benefit of working with professionals who understand the art form.

12:22 – The Power of Personalization
Why nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all for dancers.

13:22 – Interdisciplinary Support and Resources
Building a team approach and accessing continued learning.

15:36 – Final Takeaways
How to confidently find the right professional and build long-term support.

Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.