Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Rumschlag, Mba, Rdn, Ld. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andrea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?
It may not be well known but in order to become a registered dietitian you’re required to complete a minimum 1200 hour supervised practice internship, after completion of a four year Bachelor’s degree. I was fortunate to earn one of the six coveted spots at Cleveland Clinic’s Dietetic Internship program. The program is known for its rigorous clinical experience; however, as with all dietetic internships, there was the inevitable food service rotation.
For this particular rotation, we were paired with another intern in our class to co-manage the kitchen of a regional hospital. On our first day, we were shown to the main office and then the office we would share. Using the word office is an overstatement – we were essentially sharing a closet with one desk and one desk chair and a small extra chair carefully squeezed into a corner, behind the door as that was the only space in order to open the door. We shared this space for the better part of two weeks, including a weekend, taking turns at the one computer to do our work (keep in mind this was 2009, we’ve come a long way, ha!).
In addition to mastering the intricacies of kitchen management, we were assigned a “special project” in designing and executing a theme day, which involved crafting a menu, writing and testing recipes, and managing product orders. Working so closely with someone over an extended period, navigating decisions, revisiting them, and ultimately agreeing on a final outcome was no small feat. This experience taught us invaluable lessons in patience, conflict resolution, and creative problem-solving. Despite the challenges, we learned how to collaborate effectively under pressure, and, as a bonus, we solidified a friendship that remains strong to this day—a reminder of the importance of teamwork and mutual respect in achieving success.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, specializing in sports nutrition and performance. I’m the founder and owner of Functionally Fueled LLC (dba Rise & Reign Nutrition) and am part of the team at Rise & Reign Training & Nutrition as the Head Nutrition Coach. My journey into this field stems from my passion for helping athletes unlock their full potential through the power of nutrition, and I’m driven by a mission to empower everyday athletes to achieve their performance and nutrition goals with personalized coaching and evidence-based guidance.
At the core of my practice are four guiding values: empathy, empowerment, credibility, and growth. I strive to understand each athlete’s unique challenges, provide them with credible and practical sports nutrition strategies, inspire confidence in their abilities, and continually grow my expertise to deliver the best possible care. These values shape my approach to working with athletes, helping them fuel their bodies effectively, enhance their performance, and achieve lasting success.
I work with athletes one-on-one to develop customized nutrition plans and also connect with larger audiences through virtual nutrition presentations and educational content on Instagram (@risereignnutrition). Whether it’s helping an athlete optimize their race-day nutrition, build muscle, or improve endurance, my focus is on delivering solutions that are both practical and impactful.
What sets me apart is my dedication to creating a supportive and empowering environment where athletes feel heard, understood, and equipped to achieve their goals. I’m proud to have built a business that helps athletes not only perform better but also feel confident in their fueling, both for their sport and everyday life.
As my business grows, I’m thrilled to be accepting new athletes and speaking engagements for 2025. If you’re looking to elevate your performance or learn more about sports nutrition, I’d love to connect!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most helpful factor for succeeding in the field of sports nutrition is the ability to truly connect with people. Building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with athletes are key. Empathy and active listening allow me to understand their unique challenges, goals, and motivations, which is essential for creating effective and personalized solutions.
Equally important is adaptability—every athlete is different, and being flexible in my approach ensures that I can meet their needs, whether they’re chasing a marathon PR, building muscle, or navigating busy schedules. Passion also plays a huge role; staying genuinely invested in their progress and success keeps the work fulfilling and inspires athletes to stay committed.
Finally, a strong sense of curiosity and a willingness to grow continuously are invaluable. This means not only staying up to date with the latest research but also learning from the athletes I work with, my peers, and challenges I’ve encountered. It’s the blend of human connection, flexibility, and passion for growth that I think sets successful practitioners apart in this field.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
This is such an interesting question because where I am now is nowhere near where I started; however, every decision I’ve made and experience I’ve had have helped lead me to the point I am at today. I started in an unrelated field, then went to an intensive clinical nutrition role and then to an intensive industry role, before coming into private practice and finding a passion for 1:1 nutrition counseling. So while yes, I would ultimately choose the same profession, I would not change the way I got here!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.risereigntraining.com
- Instagram: @risereignnutrition
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamrumschlag/
