AASDN was established in 2001 in response to the need for sound, scientific nutrition programs aimed at allowing non-licensed nutrition professionals to safely and legally incorporate nutrition into their programs. Non-licensed health and fitness professionals have been told that nutrition is beyond their scope of practice and nutrition should be left to dietitians. While dietitians are the “go to” experts, the Surgeon General’s office has issued a call to action for all professionals to become involved in reducing obesity rates and improving the health of the Nation. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) the American public is just as likely to seek nutrition information from a personal trainer or health club/gym as they are a registered dietitian. AASDN recognizes that health and fitness professionals can and should play a key role in providing nutrition information to the public. "The American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists (AASDN) has revolutionized the industry through their common-sense approach to healthy eating and lifelong weight management. By basing their curriculum on scientifically sound principals, they dispel many of the myths associated with fad dieting, low-calorie nutrition plans, and quick-fix weight loss programs. The curriculum provided by the AASDN encourages participants to focus on their overall health, rather than letting the scale determine their self-worth. Since beginning the program in 2009, our employees have discovered they can achieve a healthy weight by fueling their bodies consistently throughout the day…no starving, no pills, and no gimmicks. The results we have seen as a result of this program have been remarkable. From changes in body fat percentage to lowered blood sugar levels and reduced medication needs, our employees are reaping the benefits of participating in this life-changing initiative." Laurel Lingle
Employee Wellness Coordinator
Marion County Public Schools (Ocala Florida)
"As an active professional in the Health and Fitness community I jump at the chance to host high quality workshops and CEC opportunities for students. The Nutrition for Professionals workshop is an accessible way for our students and employees to develop their skills and become more marketable within the profession and I’m confident that our trainers will continue to have a gre ater impact as a result of the workshop and certification. Lifestyle Management Associations and AASDN made it an easy experience for our University and an easy decision to host it again next year!"
Joe Drake, Assistant Director of Fitness Florida Atlantic University
"We hosted the Nutrition for Professionals Workshop during the 2011 fall semester and it was a great experience. We had a full turnout of participants and everyone learned a lot of beneficial information. A lot of my personal trainers and group fitness instructors participated as well and they agreed that this certification was very educational and a great learning tool. We are now able to provide nutritional information for our clients and members to the gym. It has provided a great role for us because nutrition and exercise go hand and hand. I would highly recommend this certification to anyone who is in the fitness industry." Megan Feasel, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Armstrong Atlantic State University
"The University of Tampa has hosted the Nutrition Specialist for Fitness Professionals Workshop several times now and it is always a breeze to work with the people at Lifestyle Management Associations as they are well organized, friendly and reliable. The students who have taken this workshop have been able to create a free service on campus offering reliable nutrition information and consultations to our students in way that sticks to their clearly defined scope of practice that the AASDN so nicely lays out. We recently added this consultation service to a 12-week weight loss program that we have been running for three years. The participants raved about the added nutrition advice and education they were receiving and ultimately had the most success out of any other previous group. The benefit of this certification not only to the young fitness professionals who earn it, but also to the resulting client is immeasurable. We will continue to offer this certification every year for our students." Katie White, Assistant Director of Recreation and Wellness The University of Tampa
"We have been fortunate enough to be hosting the Lifestyle Management 2-day nutritional course at Rowan University for 10 years. I have listed several benefits from this great opportunity: 1. Having a certification right on campus allows for students to easily attend the certification without the cost of travel, 2. This group of students have benefited greatly from this educational opportunity as they prepare to enter their future careers, 3. At the recreation center on campus, we offer nutrition educational workshops and individual sessions. Once the students sit through this course, they begin to lead these sessions, affording them the opportunity to gain professional experience while continuing to earn their degree, 4. This weekend course fits into our University’s mission of creating a healthy campus." Laurie Dwyer, Assistant Director - Fitness & Wellness Rowan University
"We have a very unique student population here at ERAU. Most of our students are majoring in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Science. We do not offer any exercise science or health related major on our campus. Hosting the Nutrition for Professionals workshop gave students the opportunity to gain knowledge in an area of interest not offered through academics. A few of our registered nurses and rec sports professionals also completed the workshop and exam. The AASDN Nutrition Specialist certification allowed our Rec Sports and Health Services departments to expand their services to include a nutrition component. We plan to host again in the near future to continue to educate our students, staff and ERAU community." Samantha Hirth, Assistant Fitness and Wellness Director Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
