Crystal Zabka-Belsky
I graduated from the University of Nebraska with dual Bachelor's Degrees in Dietetics and Exercise Science, as well as a Master's Degree in Nutrition & Exercise. I completed my dietetic internship at the University of Nebraska, where my thesis research involved the development, piloting, evaluation and implementation of an eating disorder risk assessment instrument for the athletic department. I have presented my research at the national level for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, been a contributing author for peer-reviewed educational materials, and published articles in the Journal of Renal Nutrition focused on emerging eating disorder trends. In an effort to advocate for evidence-based sports nutrition, I served five years locally as a member of the Council on Practice for the Omaha Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and currently serving as the Chair of the Nebraska Board of Medical Nutrition Therapy. I also serve nationally for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics on multiple professional boards including the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Examination Committee, the Sports Dietetics Practice Analysis Workgroup, and the Commission on Dietetic Registration Specialty Certification Panel.
As a registered dietitian, I have over a decade of experience working with sports nutrition, weight management, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, eating disorders, substance abuse and more. As a board certified specialist in sports dietetics, I work with high school, club, collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes. My experience includes developing and conducting needs assessments for individual athletes, teams and athletic programs, as well as the development and integration of sport-specific programming. As a sports nutrition consultant for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, I spent three years integrating sports nutrition services into the NBA G-League. I also spent three years as a member of the sweat testing consultant team, for which I traveled the country sweat testing elite athletes to facilitate the development of individualized sweat profiles and hydration regimens. As a consulting sports dietitian for the Nebraska Coaches Association, endorsed by the National Organization of Coaches Association Directors as a Beyond the Game professional speaker, I have conducted statewide research and provided educational outreach to coaches. With a passion for community outreach and philanthropy, I serve as the Health Promotion Clinical Director for Special Olympics Nebraska, for which I collaborate on research projects, help to guide the development of sports nutrition strategies for individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities, and serve on the Special Olympics Nebraska Health Advisory Committee.
Personally, I have been a life-long, multi-sport athlete and am passionate about teaching athletes to apply sports science to promote optimal wellness and performance. I am the mother of two young athlete daughters, so I understand the juggling act of maintaining a career and being a sports parent!
