Behavior change theories provide a framework for describing behaviors and barriers to change. One of
the most popular is the Transtheoretical Model, which fi nds that change occurs over time.5 T e sports RDN must select the appropriate assessment tools, distinguish relevant and important data
from irrelevant and unimportant data, and determine the need for additional information. Once all data are obtained, the data must be analyzed and interpreted, which requires identifi cation of the appropriate standard for comparison. T e most widely accepted standards in sports nutrition are the Joint Position Statement on Nutrition and Athletic Performance and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Con- sensus Statement on Sports Nutrition (see FIgure 8.1).6,7
Once the nutrition assessment is completed, the
RDN can make a nutrition diagnosis and develop a plan for nutrition intervention. Continued monitor- ing and evaluation will determine whether revision of the assessment and updated recommendations are required. T e following sections provide the practitioner with an overview of the various components of the nutri-
tion assessment as applied to the athlete according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Profi cient, and Expert) in Sports Nutrition and Dietetics.8
T e sports RDN will need to use his or her
judgment as to which components to include because a complete assessment is not always necessary or practical. For example, an athlete who is referred for low levels of vitamin D may not need an evaluation of body composition. T e athlete’s stated primary concern should be prioritized, but the RDN must be able to read between the lines to uncover other issues that may aff ect health and performance. For example, an athlete who requests guidance on recovery foods may reveal disordered eating ideations during the diet history. Figure 8.1 (page 156) shows an assessment form used by the US Olympic Committee. Box 8.2 (page 159) provides a case study of the nutrition assessment of an athlete training for a marathon run.