Meet Yasi Ansari, MS, RDN, CSSD, whose passion for helping people and her love of sports led her to her current dream jobs working with high school and college athletes. She has a private practice and she works at UC Berkeley optimizing people’s sports nutrition. Read on to learn how she effectively uses her communication skills to connect with others and encourage positive lifestyle changes. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?

I wanted a career that would help others adopt healthier lifestyles through education and counseling.

My mom had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007 and I initially wanted to get into the field to help her and others that were experiencing what she had. I wanted to help support and nourish patients before/after treatment.

With sports nutrition: I grew up dancing. Sports nutrition has always been of interest to me. I learned early on how important nutrition was to meet my competition and dance performance goals.

Your Job Title?

1. Assistant Director of Performance Nutrition at UC Berkeley
2. Founder of Yasi Ansari Nutrition
3. I am also a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (I help to translate science and communicate them in a way that the general public can understand-- via print, radio, television).

Company you are with now?

UC Berkeley Athletics and continuing to build my private practice (Yasi Ansari Nutrition) on the side

Website:

yasiansari.com

Social Media:

- Instagram: @yasiansarinutrition

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?

With UC Berkeley Athletics each day is changing! It usually consists of meeting one-on-one with student-athletes and helping them adopt nutrition practices that will prepare them for the high demands of their sport. I also set-up team talks on a variety of different nutrition topics to my assigned teams and help teach a sports nutrition class for our student-athletes (just to name a few of my roles).

In my consulting work, Yasi Ansari Nutrition, I consult one-on-one with high school and college athletes to help with menu development and provide nutrition education to various organizations.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?

I applied! I also had previous sports nutrition experience at UCLA Athletics and Cal State Long Beach Athletics.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?

I’d like to say that I was born with a love for communication. I love finding ways to connect with others. This skill is really helpful when wanting to build a connection and trust with someone you are counseling.

I have definitely learned how to make my educational handouts more creative along the way.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It can be challenging but it will help you in reaching your potential!

I also encourage everyone to get as much experience as they can in all avenues of nutrition. There are so many different specialities to choose from. Volunteer in different areas of nutrition while you’re still in school and see what is of interest to you.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?

Haha... Professional sports tickets and/or concert tickets! I love listening to music, dancing, and watching sports.