Today, we’re excited to spotlight Natasha Hansen, RD, LRD, a seasoned Sports Dietitian at Sanford Health, who will be sharing her expertise in sports nutrition and fueling strategies for runners of all levels.
With a deep background in collegiate athletics and years of specialized practice, Natasha brings a wealth of experience to her work. She became a Registered Dietitian in 2016 and went on to earn her Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential in 2020. Her professional journey has taken her to top-tier athletic programs at Texas A&M, The University of Southern Mississippi, and The University of Kansas, before finding her home at Sanford Sports in Sioux Falls in 2023.
But Natasha’s passion for nutrition started much earlier — born from a curiosity about food labels and nutrition studies during her youth and further fueled by her experience as a collegiate gymnast. As she applied nutrition principles to her own training, the benefits became undeniable. “I noticed a huge positive difference,” she reflects, “and knew I wanted to educate other athletes about the importance of nutrition.”
Outside of her professional work, Natasha is no stranger to the runner’s journey herself. After completing her first half marathon last summer, she’s already looking forward to tackling another race this year.
A Personalized Approach to Fueling Success
When working with athletes, Natasha’s approach is all about individualization. “Every person has different nutrient requirements,” she explains. Whether it’s a runner training for their first 5K or a seasoned marathoner chasing a personal best, Natasha tailors her guidance based on each client’s goals, sport, lifestyle, cultural background, and nutritional history.
She emphasizes meeting athletes where they are, ensuring that the support she provides feels accessible and sustainable — key ingredients for long-term success.
And when it comes to common misconceptions? Natasha points out that many runners still struggle with outdated ideas about nutrition — including the myth that “all carbs are bad,” a notion she’s eager to debunk. In fact, nutrition can be a powerful differentiator in performance: “Nutrition can make a great runner good, or a good runner great,” she says.
Small Changes, Big Impact
For runners looking to level up, Natasha stresses the importance of pre- and post-run fueling. Even small adjustments, like prioritizing a balanced snack after a long run, can significantly enhance recovery and performance.
Her favorite recovery fuel? A smoothie packed with fruit, Greek yogurt, oats, milk, and nut butter — a delicious and nutrient-dense way to replenish after a workout.
When asked what she hopes attendees will take away from the upcoming panel, Natasha shares her goal simply: “I hope that the attendees feel more equipped to fuel their bodies properly for training and recovery. Remember, food is your fuel!”
Rapid-Fire with Natasha
- Favorite post-run meal: Smoothie with fruit, Greek yogurt, oats, milk, and nut butter
- Go-to recovery tool: Nutrition!
- Current favorite running shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam and Hoka Cliftons
- Dream race: Walt Disney World Marathon
- One word to describe her style: Individualized
Source: run605.com