1. RD Spotlight: Mary Ellen Bingham
Growing up in a home with an Italian mother and three brothers, Mary Ellen Bingham
was constantly surrounded by delicious, healthy meals and sports. This background gave
her the passion she has today for sports nutrition. Early on she knew this was a profession
she wanted to pursue, and she is now able to live out that dream as the Head Sports
Nutritionist at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She didn’t start at this
position, however, and has gained experience throughout her career that has led her to her
aspired career.
After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Boston University
Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, she went on to complete her
Master’s and her Dietetic Internship in the combined program at New York University
and the James J Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. There she met her
good friend and mentor, Dr. Paula Quatromoni. Recently, they co-authored a chapter in a
book together (Chapter 10), called Wellness, Not Weight
(https://titles.cognella.com/professions-and-careers/exercise-wellness-and-
sports/wellness-not-weight-9781621310921.html).
Her first job as a dietician was as an outpatient clinical dietician at the James J Peters VA
Medical Center for nearly three years. She then went on to be the Campus
Dietician/Sports Nutritionist at St. John’s University in New York City for two years.
During these first two jobs, she also had a part-time private practice in downtown
Manhattan, where she subleased space from Dr. Rob Udewitz of Behavioral Therapy of
New York (http://www.behaviortherapyny.com/). Through this job, she was offered
several amazing experiences doing interviews on nutrition with The New York Times,
Men’s Journal Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Martha Stewart Living
Sirius Radio Show. In 2010, she left her private practice and her job at St. John’s to
accept the job at UNC, where she has worked for the last four years.
Mary Ellen Bingham, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, gave valuable insight into a career in sports
nutrition:
Lauren Echols for The BEAT: What does your job at UNC consist of?
Mary Ellen Bingham: As the Head Sports Nutritionist, with the help of our staff sports
nutritionist, Rachel Stratton, and an amazing team of interns, I coordinate sports nutrition
services for about 750 varsity student athletes. We offer individual nutrition counseling
and group education including team talks, grocery store tours, food demos, and dining
hall tours. We conduct body composition testing and micronutrient testing. We oversee
dietary supplementation and assist with team meal planning. The coaches at UNC are
extremely supportive of our work and keep us very busy!
LE: What were some similarities and differences between your first job as a clinical

2. dietician and your job at your private practice? Were you able to refer patients to the
other doctors there and have assistance in diagnosing patients from the others who leased
the office?
MEB: Working in the Outpatient Clinic at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, I
really had everything at my fingertips- access to their Computerized Patient Record
System (CPRS) with medications, labs, and the notes from all of the doctors and allied
health care professionals. In private practice, it takes more of an effort to work with the
individual client to get connected with their other providers as needed and/or to refer
them to doctors and therapists as needed.
LE: Do you participate in any other nutrition-relation programs or activities other than
within your job?
MEB: Outside of UNC I have had some great opportunities to work with other groups
such as local high schools, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the San Jose Sharks. When time
permits, I continue to consult with a triathlon company, Trismarter.com. Also, I have
spoken at national conferences- the NCAA Student Athlete Leadership Conference
(2012), the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA) (2013), and
just recently the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) convention (2014).
LE: How does your career affect your personal life as far as encouraging family and
friends to choose a healthy lifestyle?
MEB: I love cooking so if I bring food to gatherings with friends and family it is usually
something nutritious and delicious! Some of my favorites are my beet salad with
balsamic glaze or my fresh homemade black bean and corn salsa. Friends and family
know that I am available as a resource but I don't push them with regard to how they
choose to eat.
LE: Would you like to add one of your favorite recipes?
MEB:
My Breakfast of Champions Smoothie
INGEDIENTS:
-1 scoop of Whey Protein Isolate (BiPro; 20 g protein, unflavored)
-8 fluid ounces of Almond Milk
-½ cup low-fat, plain Greek yogurt
-1 cup frozen mixed berries
-1 small banana
-1 handful of kale
-1 TBSP Chia seeds
DIRECTIONS:
-Blend until smooth.
NUTRITION FACTS:
-450 cal, 35 g pro, 10 g fat, 55 g carbs
LE: What is the most satisfying and rewarding aspect of your career so far?
MEB: I love what I do and have met amazing people throughout my entire

3. journey. Many of closest friends are dietitians who I met very early on in my education
and my career. This path has allowed me to work with dietitians who share my
passion. Currently, at UNC I get to work with the best in the business- athletic trainers,
physicians, exercise scientists, coaches and administrators, to support the college
experience of national and world class student athletes.
LE: Do you have any advice for DPD and DI students?
MEB: I would advise DPD and DI students who want to pursue sports nutrition to be
active members of both SCAN and CPSDA. These are leading professional groups for
sports nutrition. Join their listservs and attend their conferences if you can. These groups
will connect you to people, experiences and positions in sports nutrition. While
completing your coursework volunteer or intern with individuals who are currently
working as sports dietitians. The number of opportunities to get involved is growing
exponentially so take advantage of this and get involved. Good luck and enjoy your
experiences as you create your own exciting path!