Kayla Nelson
MPS, RDN, LDNI'm so glad you're here. Whether you are working toward better performance, healing your relationship with food, or building sustainable habits that actually fit your life — I would love to be part of that journey with you.
Book a Free Connect Call
Hi there!
I'm originally from Michigan and earned both my Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Master of Professional Studies from Penn State University. Throughout my education and training, I had the opportunity to gain sports nutrition experience across several collegiate settings, including Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Wisconsin.
Most recently, I served as a Gatorade SNIP Fellow with NC State University Athletics, where I continued to grow my passion for performance nutrition, fueling strategies, and supporting overall health.
I love helping people feel good in their bodies and perform at their highest level through sustainable nutrition habits. My approach is rooted in intuitive eating and a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy — meeting you where you are and focusing on small, realistic steps that grow into lasting change over time.
I'm so glad you're here and truly look forward to meeting you!
Sports nutrition in practice.
From collegiate bowl games to team nutrition education, Kayla brings hands-on experience across real-world sports settings.
What Kayla specializes in.
Kayla's clinical focus spans sports performance nutrition and disordered eating recovery — areas shaped by both her professional training and her own lived experience.
Sports & Performance Nutrition
Fueling strategies for athletes at every level. Pre and post-workout nutrition, race-day fueling, hydration, and habits that support performance long-term.
Disordered Eating Recovery
A path shaped by her own past experiences. Kayla brings deep empathy to this work, creating a supportive space where clients rebuild trust with food and their bodies.
Intuitive Eating
Moving away from rigid patterns toward a balanced, sustainable approach to fueling — in sport or everyday life. Built around small, realistic steps that grow into lasting change.
Collegiate & Youth Athletes
Extensive experience at Penn State, UPenn, Wisconsin, and NC State. Understands the unique demands of student-athlete life and how nutrition fits within it.
Compassionate, patient-centered, and built around you.
Kayla's approach is rooted in intuitive eating and a genuine belief that sustainable change comes from meeting people where they are — not from prescribing rigid plans that do not fit real life.
For clients working through disordered eating, Kayla brings both clinical training and personal understanding. She knows what it is like to have a complicated relationship with food, and that shapes the space she creates — supportive, non-judgmental, and focused on rebuilding trust.
Whether you are an athlete, someone untangling years of diet culture, or simply looking to feel better in your body — Kayla's goal is the same: help you feel energized, confident, and healthy in a way that supports your performance and long-term wellbeing.
Kayla's training and background.
- Master of Professional Studies (MPS) — Penn State University
- Bachelor of Science, Nutritional Sciences — Penn State University
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) — Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) — State of North Carolina
- Gatorade SNIP Fellow — NC State University Athletics
- Sports nutrition experience — Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconsin
- Guest Lecturer — UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
A little more about Kayla.
Outside of the office, Kayla stays active through running and workout classes, explores Raleigh's food scene, goes to concerts, and spends time with family and friends. Originally from Michigan and an NC State fan through and through.
To empower active men and women to fuel their bodies healthfully.
Through the lens of intuitive eating, Fuel NC works to maximize your strength and energy while making food fun and enjoyable.
- Build relationshipsI care about your progress, and want to offer the support and accountability you need to be successful.
- Create and innovateStay up-to-date with the latest research and nutrition strategies for health and performance.
- Deliver resultsDiets only work in the short term. Come on board to learn about long-term, sustainable nutrition practices.
Ready to work with Kayla?
A free 20-minute connect call is the place to start. No commitment and no pressure.
Book a Free Connect Call919-819-4052 · info@fuelnc.com · 1107 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC