Plant-Based Nutrition for Fitness Professionals

Protein, Micronutrients, and Performance

Learn how plant-based eating can support strength, endurance, recovery, and athletic performance when energy and nutrient needs are met.

Plant-Based Nutrition for Fitness Professionals is a practical 1-CEC continuing education course exploring plant-based dietary patterns, protein quality and distribution, exercise fueling, micronutrient considerations, and evidence-informed nutrition education.

The course examines how vegan, vegetarian, and plant-forward diets differ, why adequate calorie intake matters, and how fitness professionals can support clients' nutritional choices without making exaggerated claims or exceeding their professional scope.

Topics Include:

• Vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, and plant-forward eating patterns

• Energy intake and the risks of underfueling

• Plant protein quantity, quality, and distribution

• Practical protein sources and complementary protein myths

• Carbohydrates, fiber, and athletic performance

• Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D

• Zinc, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids

• Strength, hypertrophy, and endurance nutrition

• Plant-based protein powders, creatine, and supplement considerations

• Common plant-based nutrition misconceptions

• Professional scope, safety, and appropriate referral

• Applied nutrition and fitness coaching scenarios

• The NFPA Plant-Based Nutrition Coaching Process

Course Includes:

1 NFPA Continuing Education Credit

Self-paced PDF course

5-question Practice Knowledge Check with answer key and explanations

Practical nutrition education and client coaching examples

Course Code: CEC-PBN-101

Plant-based performance depends on the whole diet—not the label.