Nelson Marques

I am currently a Performance Dietitian for the United States Airforce serving AFSPECWAR Special Operators. Aside from my tactical athletes, I have also worked with professional athletes in the UFC, NFL, MLS, and MLB. I have a passion for helping people maximize their athletic performance via nutrition optimization, with consideration for their current lifestyle, training, and cultural factors.

My main goal is to provide my clients/athletes with the evidence-based knowledge and tools necessary to increase their self-efficacy and maintain their success long after their time with me.

Work Experience

United States Air Force, Patrick AFB, FL July 2024 – Present

Director of Performance/Tactical Nutrition (40-60hrs/week)

• Providing evidence-based guidance and counseling on nutritional strategies to enhance recovery and optimize performance for AFSPECWAR personnel
• Nutrition programming/periodization and meal plan development
• Whole body sweat loss calculation & hydration protocol development
• Diagnostic Data analysis & interpretation via InBody270
• Supplement protocol development and education on function, efficacy, and legality of dietary supplements
• Collaborate with CC, PT, AT, & S&C to provide integrative nutrition support
• Analysis of current scientific literature for development of nutrition protocols and interventions
• Evaluation and Management (E&M) Coding and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Procedures Coding
• Documentation/charting via MHS Genesis Electronic Health Record

• Providing virtual nutrition counseling/education sessions
• Collaborate with product teams and other dietitians to develop nutrition education programs
• Evaluation and Management (E&M) Coding and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Procedures Coding
• Assessment, analysis, and evaluation of nutrition education and intervention needs of patients, and establishment of nutrition-related chronic disease management protocols

Football Performance Dietitian (70-90hrs/week)

• Assisted a newly hired Nutrition Director with the development of new nutrition program
• Nutrition programming for D1 SEC football athletes
• Whole body sweat loss and sweat sodium concentration testing
• Diagnostic Data analysis, interpretation, and upload via BodyMetrix ultrasound technology
• Athlete meal plan development calculated based off dietary needs and weight goals via Notemeal application.
• 1-on-1 and group nutrition consultations/education
• Hydration protocol development and testing via MX3 portable saliva diagnostics
• Inventory, food ordering/receiving/warehousing, food preparation, and fueling station maintenance/sanitation
• Food catering and hotel coordination for summer camp/preseason and in-season fueling
• Training, management, and coordination of in-season and off-season interns
• Supplement protocol development and education on function, efficacy, and legality of dietary supplements
• Collaborate with S&C, sports medicine, and sports science to provide integrative nutrition support
• Analysis of current scientific literature for development of nutrition protocols and interventions
• Development of athlete nutrition education curriculum
• Assisted Strength & Conditioning Director with development of MMA-based S&C programming

Performance Nutrition Intern (40hrs/week)

• Nutrition programming for NFL, MLB, MLS athletes and military tactical operators
• Diagnostic Data analysis, interpretation, and upload (DEXA & BodyMetrics)
• One-on-one and group nutrition consultations/education with RD supervision
• Collaboration with other disciplines/departments (PT, S&C, ESD) for coordination of athlete/operator care
• Hydration testing via urine specific gravity tool, Clinical Refractometer
• Inventory, food ordering/receiving/warehousing, food preparation, and fueling station maintenance/sanitation
• Athlete meal plan development calculated based off dietary needs and weight goals via ZoneIn application
• Supplement protocol development and ordering via TheFeed

Performance Nutrition Intern (60-80hrs/week)

• Calibration, operation, & data analysis/interpretation of diagnostics equipment: DEXA, SECA, and Metalyzer
• Nutrition assessment and consultations with professional mixed martial artists
• Interdisciplinary athlete development/coordination with Sports Scientists, Exercise Physiologists, Physical Therapists, athletes’ team/coaches, and kitchen staff
• Athlete meal plan development calculated based off dietary needs and weight goals via NoteMeal application
• Supplement protocol development and education
• Development of weight cut/gain plans for fighters depending on goals and stage of fight camp
• Assisting with weight cuts before weigh-in day, focusing on maintaining adequate carbohydrate, fluids and electrolytes, and fiber intake leading up to cut day to preserve metabolic health and hormonal balance

Masters of Science from Montclair State University