Natalie Christensen: Committed to excellence in student and athlete nutrition at ISU

POCATELLO — At Idaho State University, success begins with what students put on their plates.

Proper nutrition affects energy, focus, recovery and overall wellness. A 2022 Mason University study found that most college freshmen exceed U.S. dietary guidelines for added sugar, refined grains, sodium and saturated fat. These habits can increase the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.

As the sports editor and a student on campus, I have watched athletes come into classrooms carrying sports drinks, pre-packaged meals and other forms of nutrition. It was obvious they were trying to fuel their bodies, but I wondered how structured their system really was. That curiosity led me to learn about ISU’s Sports Nutrition Program and the work of Natalie Christensen, the dietitian responsible for ensuring student-athletes receive the right guidance. What I discovered was a system built on science, accessibility and student success.

Christensen, a Pocatello native and former ISU track and field athlete, has led the Sports Nutrition Program since 2015. She works with every athletic team and manages the Bengal Athlete Nutrition Station, a hub where athletes can access healthy food before and after workouts.

“Many people don’t understand the difference between a dietitian and someone who calls themselves a nutritionist,” Christensen said. “The title ‘Dietitian’ is protected by law and ensures athletes receive evidence-based guidance.”

Christensen stays current through continuing education and board certification, which includes 3,000 hours of sports nutrition experience and national exams every five years. She stresses that students should seek advice from qualified professionals to avoid misinformation.

Her programs address real student challenges.

“People often assume athletes have everything — full scholarships, healthy meals, no body image issues — but many struggle with food insecurity, time management and pressures to perform and look a certain way,” Christensen said.

To help, Christensen provides one-on-one counseling, grocery store tours, cooking classes and team nutrition talks. Students learn practical skills, such as meal planning, healthy shopping and cooking efficiently. These lessons are designed to help students manage their nutrition in real-life situations, whether it’s preparing for a long day of classes or recovering after intense workouts.

Christensen also works with non-athlete students. For the past two years, she has spent one day a week at the ISU Student Health Center providing nutrition counseling for students and faculty. She hopes to expand these services to reach even more members of the campus community.

“I love that everyone works together to create a culture that encourages excellence,” Christensen said. “It makes me feel valued and respected.”

Her work emphasizes mental wellness and body respect. Students learn to navigate pressures related to appearance and performance while building healthy, lifelong habits.
Whether it’s fueling before a game, learning to cook nutritious meals, or understanding how diet impacts focus and recovery, Christensen’s programs provide students with the tools they need to succeed academically, athletically, and personally.

“Nutrition isn’t just about eating right for athletics,” Christensen said. “It’s about giving students the knowledge and habits they need to feel their best, perform at their best, and live healthier for life.”