Amanda Wagner Nutrition

06/03/2026

05/30/2026

Meet Cookie! 🍪 🐶

She’s a ~11 week old gerberian shepsky rescue all the way from an orchard in California taken in by the in Libertyville, IL!

We met her on my birthday (Wednesday) and brought her home to Chicago from her foster home in the far northern suburbs of IL this morning! 🥰

She was so good in the car, is playful + full of energy (we are hoping she will be a running buddy soon 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ ), loves to nap, and sweet as can be (hence we we named her Cookie)! 😍 We are in love and the only one still warming up to her is Bria! 🐈‍⬛ ⠀⠀ ⠀

05/29/2026

Carbs!! 🥯 🍌🍞🍇🥨🍠🥔🍬🍝

They are cheaper, more effective, and safer than pre-workout supplements and energy drinks too!

A lot of times my clients will want me to give them brand recommendations for those supplements + things like creatine and protein powders first over things like adding in an applesauce, a bagel, or graham crackers pre-run, gels or chews during a longer workout, and a fruit smoothie or pretzels (+protein!) after a run/bike/swim.

I’m not completely anti-supplement (especially vitamin and mineral supplements) in the right situation, but eating enough carbs is going to be much more effective for improving your energy levels before, during, and after runs/bikes/swims than things like pre-workout supplements. The basics before the extras every time. The basics aren’t sexy, but wow are they effective!

What’s your favorite carbohydrate before and during runs/bikes/swims/ working out?! 👇🏻

Some of my go-tos ( but not the only products I like/use/recommend) are fig bar, energy gummies, energy waffles, vegan gummy candy, or a bagel before runs and gels or gels during.
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04/21/2026

Swipe to read the 3 nutrients many (veggie) athletes fall short on + possible solutions!

The post is based on my experience as a sports dietitian that has worked with many vegan, vegetarian, and plant-forward athletes in my private practice + as a vegan athlete myself. This is post is considered general advice versus personalized nutritional guidance.

If you’re struggling to consume these nutrients as an athlete (you don’t need to be vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based) message me, fill out the interest form, or email [email protected] to learn more.

I’m in network with many Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare insurance plans + I have self-pay options if you have a different insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover dietitian visits. Most of my insurance clients have paid $0 out of pocket to work with me, which has been amazing! Please share your location when inquiring.

You do not have to wing it when it comes to meeting your needs as an athlete. I’m happy to help! As a note, I am fully booked in the evenings currently and only one daytime opening remains as of April 2026, but I anticipate more openings/options by June 2026. Inquire regardless and I can always add you to the waitlist!
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04/16/2026

We are so proud of your half PR last weekend at the Mandy! 🥳

Not only was it a PR, but another state crossed off her run all 50 states bucket list!

From Coach Amanda:

I’ve been coaching since fall 2024 and it’s been such a joy to witness her growth in running the last 1.5 years. Fitting in training is no small feat as a busy mom of 2 young kids while also balancing a full time job.

But Mandy gets her training done in the early mornings, late nights, and anytime she can find the time. She has so much untapped running potential and it’s so exciting to help her unlock it. 🤩

Here is what Mandy says about working with Amanda as her running coach: “I feel so fortunate to have Amanda in my corner. Having a real person who is so knowledgeable and experienced in the sport that truly cares about my goals and my health gives me so much confidence in my training and on race day.”

Having a coach can truly be a game changer in this age of chat GPT and non-personalized running plans.

Amanda and the other coaches are taking on new athletes if you’re interested in someone who not only coaches you, but also cares! ☺️

04/02/2026

Some moments from March. 🫶🏻 The last one is my favorite. 🤣
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03/24/2026

Proof that I don’t ALWAYS wear running clothes! 😆

A couple weeks ago on Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, I attended the Fieldhouse Midwest Meetup with to meet other sports professionals, sample new flavors, and get headshots taken. 📸

Here are few of them + a blooper the photographer caught. 😂 I highly recommend as a resource for my fellow sports RDNs! ☺️

And if you’re looking for a dietitian, I have a rare opening for a new client starting in April! I take many BCBS and UHC insurance plans + offer fair self-pay options if I don’t take your insurance. Fill out the contact form on my website, message me, or send me an email to [email protected] to learn more! ⬆️

03/11/2026

Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! 🫶🏻
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Dietitians are the unsung healthcare heroes who don anything from hairnets to white coats to athleisure. 👩🏼‍🌾 The ones who WILL ask you about your 💩, help you improve athletic performance 🏃🏼‍♀️, help you understand blood tests🩸, help you improve your relationship w/ food, & can often times make nourishing foods taste good (like I am with these black bean protein bites with hidden veggies in photo 17). 🫘 🥦 🍠 I love the possibilities in our field! 😍⠀
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As many of you know, becoming a RDN in 2022 was a career change for me. I used to be a high school science teacher! 👩‍🏫 There have been SO many ups & downs on this journey since I went back to school in 2018 & there were days I wasn’t sure I’d ever be here. 😢 But here I am! ☺️ From seeing 1:1 clients, to contributing my knowledge to the media, & more, I feel so grateful for the journey that brought me to a career I love! 🤩

Some highlights from the last few years:

🔹Photo 2: When I took + passed the RDN exam on my 1st try on 12/28/22. 🥳

🔹Video 3: Match day when I matched to my top choice dietetic internship in April 2020. 🎉 You’ll want the volume on. 😂

🔹Photo 4: A contribution I made in a article about the new DGAs written by in January 2026.

🔹Photo 5: A contribution to the article Is There An ‘Ideal’ Carb-to-Protein Ratio to Aim For After a Workout? in The Output in December 2025.

🔹Photo 6: A contribution to the article 14 High Protein Snacks That Fuel Gains and Leave You Feeling Satisfied in The Output in January 2026.

🔹Photo 7: A contribution to the article 12 best healthy Trader Joe’s snacks to fuel your workouts, recommended by dietitians in September 2025.

🔹 Photo 8: A contribution I made to article 16 Protein Bars That Taste Great and Are Dietitian Approved in March 2025.

🔹Photo 9: A contribution I made to via in August 2024.

🔹 Photo 10: A contribution I made to a article about electrolytes in April 2024.

Continued in the comments 👇🏻

02/26/2026

Past Amanda with reminders for present YOU. 🫶🏻

I couldn’t resist joining in on this and asked my mom to send me some photos. Didn’t she do well? 😆

And as always, reach out via the link in my bio, DM, or email if you are looking for support with your food, your training, or both! Being a sports dietitian and certified running coach is one of the joys of my life because I get to support people in reaching their goals! 🤩
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