SAM WARD - SPORTS NUTRITIONIST

Kia ora, I’m Sam, a fellow weekend warrior and CrossFitter!

I made the move to Aotearoa New Zealand from the UK earlier this year and am loving exploring the great Kiwi outdoors on my bike and on the trails.

Having competed in CrossFit (placing in the top 4% in the world at the CrossFit Open!) and triathlon as well as having a full-time job working as a Specialist Gastroenterology Dietitian, I fully understand the need to properly fuel your body not just for sports performance but also to have the best quality of life as possible. 

I’ve worked with many endurance athletes who have struggled with gastro issues, the dreaded "runner's gut", and bone health issues, and it’s so rewarding to help overcome these and see someone not only thrive in performance, but also in everyday life.

My Qualifications:

  • UK Registered Dietitian (awaiting NZ Registration)

  • PG Dip Nutrition and Dietetics 

  • MSc Sport & Exercise Nutrition

  • BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Over the last few years, I’ve gained experience working with sports academies, everyday exercisers and elite competitors. I've seen first-hand just how under-fuelling can not only effect performance but also stop you living your life to the fullest. There are so many myths out there about nutrition and performance, especially carbohydrates, but I can guide you to the facts and share insights about this area from my Master’s thesis, all about “training low and carbohydrates”. I can’t wait to share the gold with you.

I also enjoy dialling in the detail for Race day and Event nutrition, helping you prepare and execute that competition performance you know you are capable of. Let me help you answer the questions like “how much should I be fuelling with, is there a difference between solid food or gels, are BCCA’s worth taking, do I really need to take electrolytes, when should I time my caffeine, and is carbohydrate loading actually going to help my endurance?”.

AREAS OF PRACTICE:

  • Gastrointestinal conditions (IBS, IBD, Coeliac disease) including:

    • Managing a gluten free diet, low FODMAP, probiotics, food intolerances

  • Nutrition for CrossFit

  • Endurance Sports (Tri, cycling, running)

  • Race/event day and competition plans

  • Clinical Sports Medicine; including low iron, stress fractures, REDs

If you’re Ready for PB’s and/or

to truly optimise your health through nutrition,

Let’s chat:

All my appointments are VIRTUAL, so I can work with you wherever you are, woo! Can’t wait to chat soon!