ASU alum coaches NFL players on how to eat right

Editor's Note: This story is part of an ongoing series about student excellence at the university. To read more about some of ASU's health champions, click here.

2014 was a banner year for the Arizona Cardinals. Ending the regular season with their highest win total since 1975 proved the Cardinals are a force to be reckoned with. And like any great professional team, it takes a solid support staff working behind the scenes to help make them a winning team.

One of those team members is ASU alumna Chrissy Barth.

A dietetics graduate from Arizona State University’s School of Nutrition and Health Promotion in the College of Health Solutions, Barth is the team nutritionist for the Arizona Cardinals, a role she says is a dream come true.

“When I became a dietitian 11 years ago, I wanted to find a way to combine my passions – sports and nutrition – into something useful to others, so I started my own business," she said. "I love the freedom and the opportunities it has provided me. Having the Cardinals as one of my clients is icing on the cake.”

As the team nutritionist, Barth reviews and monitors team training, travel menus and meal plans, and works closely with catering staff to ensure athletes are maximizing their nutritional input to perform at optimal levels.

When she was hired by the Cardinals three years ago, Barth says a typical meal plan for the players was too high in saturated fat and was insufficient in nutrient-rich carbohydrates. So she modified the training menus, expanded entree choices and counseled players on how to maximize the carbohydrates from fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains based on their individual calorie needs and goals.

Barth’s expertise continues in the off season with her consulting business, Nutrition Lifestyle Education. In addition to the Cardinals, Barth works with health leaders of spas, eating disorder programs, medical and training facilities and corporations, as well as individuals. Barth is a faculty associate with the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, where she teaches human nutrition and food science courses.

“I pinch myself when I think about how I’m teaching in the program where I discovered my passion for nutrition,” she said. “We have a wonderful program that continues to grow and evolve with changes in the industry, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

To learn more about ASU’s nutrition program or other health education programs, visit https://chs.asu.edu/.