You’ve seen Brooke Mercedes on Hampton Roads local TV news, cameras racing to keep up with her. They follow her as she fills a shopping basket with groceries to make nutritious family dinner for less than $10, or, as she talks to families about the links between childhood obesity and diabetes.
Brooke makes nutrition fun in ways that everyday people relate to. She’s a passionate advocate for healthy eating.
In addition to being one of the most visible nutrition and weight loss experts in Hampton Roads, Brooke is one of a select group of nutrition and weight loss experts in Hampton Roads who have earned board certifications in Sports Dietetics, and in Adult Weight Management. That specialized expertise is the key to In Motion’s Nutrition and Weight Loss program.
What are your nutritional credentials?
RD – Registered Dietician
CSSD- Board Certified in Specialty in Sports Dietetics
Certified in Adult Weight Management
What did you have to do to earn the Specialty in Sports Dietetics?
I had to have 2 years experience as a Registered Dietician, with an additional 1500 hours of sports specific training. Then I had to sit for the board exams.
How common is it to find a Sports Dietician?
There are only a handful of us in Virginia – maybe 5 to 10 of us, and 300 or so nationwide.
What do you do, exactly, as a Sports Dietician?
I’m qualified to help athletes of all abilities meet the nutritional demands of their sport in a way that’s right for the way their personal metabolism and health. (detailed sports dietetics information)
How did you earn the Adult Weight Management certification?
For the adult weight management certification the process was the same. Practical experience as a Registered Dietician, with specialized training, followed by testing of that knowledge.