
Meet Sara
MS | RD | CSSD | LD | acsm-cpt
Hi, I'm Sara Arnold, the founder of KC Performance Nutrition. As a former athlete, I've felt the pressures to look and eat a certain way — often at the expense of my mental health. I know what it's like to tie your worth to your performance or your body, and how quickly food can become confusing and overwhelming. Through my own struggles with disordered eating and body image, my exprience has shaped my entire philosophy as a dietitian.
KC Performance Nutrition isn't just a business — it’s a deeply personal passion project built on the values I wish I had access to as an athlete. It's my way of helping others fuel with confidence, rebuild trust with their bodies, and prioritize both performance and well-being without having to choose between the two. Every client I work with is a reminder of why I do this work. In helping others, I continue to heal my younger self because I've been where you are, and I believe you deserve better.
About sara's training
Extensive Training in Sports Nutrition & Eating Disorders
I help athletes of all shapes and sizes fuel their bodies to optimize performance and well-being. My approach is rooted in science, shaped by lived experience, and tailored to each person — whether you're pushing for peak performance, navigating recovery, or learning how to fuel without fear.
Education
• Master of Science in Sports Nutrition – University of Central Missouri
• Dietetic Internship – Abilene Christian University
• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics – Missouri State University (Go Bears!)
Credentials
• Registered Dietitian (RD)
• Licensed Dietitian (LD) – Kansas & Missouri
• Board-Certified Sports Dietitian (CSSD)
• Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT)

How it works
My Approach & Specializations

Sports Nutrition
Personalized fueling strategies tailored to your sport and training demands — so you can train harder, recover better, and compete with confidence.

Disordered Eating
Evidence-based support from a credentialed specialist who understands the athlete mindset. Relearn how to fuel, eat, and live without fear.

Health at Every Size®
Shift the way you see and think of your body, not by changing it, but by learning to trust and respect it again.
FAQs
The Most Common Questions
What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist — and why does it matter?
A registered dietitian (RD) has a master’s degree, completes over 1,200 supervised practice hours, and must pass a national board exam. A board-certified sports dietitian (CSSD) — like me — goes even further, with thousands of additional hours working specifically with athletes and must pass a second, advanced board exam.
On the other hand, the title “nutritionist” isn’t regulated — meaning anyone can use it, regardless of training or credentials.
Unfortunately, well-meaning but unqualified advice may lead to underfueling, increased injury risk, REDs, or even a damaged relationship with food.
Who do you work with?
I work with athletes of all ages, genders, ethnicities, body sizes, and activity levels. And when I say “athlete,” I mean anyone who moves their body with intention — not just those training or competing. Whether you're on a team, in the gym, or simply trying to rebuild your relationship with movement, you belong here.
How do I know if these services are right for me?
Whether you're struggling with fueling or simply want to take your performance to the next level — you're in the right place.
I work with athletes who want to:
Maximize energy, recovery, and performance through smarter fueling
Prevent or treat issues like underfueling, REDs, or poor bone health
Heal from disordered eating or strengthen their relationship with food, body, and movement — without sacrificing performance
Get expert, compassionate support tailored to their sport, season, and lifestyle
How do I know if I need sports nutrition or eating disorder support?
If your main goal is to optimize performance, improve recovery, or fine-tune your fueling strategy — sports nutrition is likely the right fit.
If you're navigating challenges with food, body image, or eating behaviors that feel overwhelming, confusing, or distressing, our disordered eating services are here to support you.
Not sure where you fall? That’s totally normal — and exactly what the discovery call is for. We’ll talk through your goals and concerns together to figure out the best path forward.
What happens during a discovery call?
Your discovery call is a free 20-minute phone conversation where we’ll talk about your goals, any challenges you’re facing, and what kind of support you’re looking for. It’s a no-pressure space to ask questions, learn more about how I work, and see if we’re a good fit to move forward together.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes — all sessions are completely virtual. That means you can access expert support from anywhere in Kansas or Missouri, without the stress of commuting, missing class or practice, or rearranging your schedule. Whether you're at home, on campus, or traveling for competition, you can stay consistent with care that fits your life.
Do you take insurance?
I don’t accept insurance or provide superbills — and that’s intentional. By staying out-of-network, I’m able to give you highly personalized care without the restrictions or limitations that often come with insurance. That means no diagnoses required, no session limits, and no jumping through hoops to get the support you deserve. You get flexible, high-touch care that’s designed around you, not an insurance company.
Can you collaborate with my coach, therapist, or doctor?
Absolutely. I value collaborative care and am happy to connect with your coach, therapist, doctor, or other providers. Working together as a team helps ensure you get consistent, aligned support across all areas of your health and performance.