Youth Inc. Recommends: Trusted Information About Athlete Nutrition

Youth athletes are busier, stronger and more competitive than ever—but many are still under-fueled, misinformed, or relying on outdated advice when it comes to what their bodies actually need. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, poor nutrition can directly impact energy, recovery, injury risk, and even mood and focus. And yet, most families aren't getting nutrition guidance from a team dietitian or expert—they're getting it from the internet. 

To help parents, athletes, and coaches cut through the noise, we’ve rounded up five of the most helpful, evidence-based nutrition accounts to follow.  

The Sports Dietitian

What it is: An Instagram account run by Taylor Ryan, a certified sports dietitian who shares simple, effective nutrition advice for athletes of all levels. Her posts cover everything from how to build a balanced plate to fueling strategies for performance and recovery, with an emphasis on clear visuals and no-nonsense tips. 

Why we like it: Taylor makes sports nutrition feel doable. Her content is science-backed but super approachable—perfect for busy parents, coaches, or athletes who want answers without having to scroll through textbooks. Whether it’s hydration, pre-game meals, or post-practice snacks, she’s a trusted voice who actually speaks the language of real youth sports families. 

Sports Nutrition for Female Athletes

What it is: An Instagram account run by Reilly Beatty, a Certified Sports Dietitian and former Director of Performance Nutrition for UCLA Athletics. Her content is tailored for female athletes, with a strong focus on performance fueling, recovery strategies, and restoring menstrual health—especially for those dealing with low energy availability or RED-S. She also shares practical tips on how to eat enough while balancing school, sports and life. 

Why we like it: Reilly stands out because she’s one of the few experts talking openly and consistently about how under-fueling impacts female athletes—especially those who’ve lost their periods. She explains the connection between nutrition, performance and hormones in a way that’s honest, non-shaming and easy to understand. It’s the kind of information that could prevent long-term health issues and change how young athletes—and their parents—approach food and training. 

The Injury RD

What it is: This account is run by Emily Barnhart, a sports dietitian who focuses specifically on athletes recovering from injury. She shares tips on how to use nutrition to support healing—whether it’s rebuilding muscle, reducing inflammation, or staying mentally strong during downtime. Her background includes working with college and pro athletes, including time with USA Volleyball and the Texas Rangers. 

Why we like it: Injuries are tough, but Emily gets it. She doesn’t just throw out generic advice—she meets athletes where they are in the recovery process and offers real, research-backed guidance on what to eat, how to adjust fueling when you’re not training full-out, and how to stay positive through it all. Her content is like a lifeline for any athlete navigating the frustration of being sidelined.

Sports Nutrition Academy 

What it is: A TikTok account run by a sports dietitian who specializes in basketball performance nutrition—but don’t let that narrow focus fool you. The advice is relevant for athletes in all sports. The short-form videos break down things like what to eat before a game, how to build a performance plate, and why your kid might be tired all the time. 

Why we like it: This account totally gets the real-life challenges of sports families. The content is practical, easy to apply and actually fun to watch. It answers the kinds of questions parents are asking every day—without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re packing snacks for a tournament or trying to figure out if your kid is eating enough, this is a go-to source that speaks your language. 

Jen Jones Nutrition 

What it is: Jen Jones is a Registered Dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in sports nutrition, and she brings that expertise to life on Instagram through fun, visual, and super relatable content. A former athlete and mom of three teenage athletes, she shares fueling strategies, meal tips, and hydration hacks designed for athletes of all ages and across all sports—not just one lane. 

Why we like it: She doesn’t have a massive following (yet!), but she absolutely deserves one. Her posts make nutrition feel doable and even fun—thanks to great visuals, plate breakdowns, and quick tips that are easy to put into practice. She gets what busy sports families need and delivers it without the fluff. Whether you're new to sports nutrition or just need a better game-day plan, Jen’s feed is a gem.