Dan Benardot, PhD, DHC, RD, LD, FACSM, is a professor emeritus at Georgia State University (GSU) and a professor of practice in the Center for the Study of Human Health at Emory University. He was a professor of nutrition and of kinesiology and health at GSU, where he also cofounded and directed the Laboratory for Elite Athletic Performance.
Benardot is the inventor of NutriTiming web-based and Apple iOS software, which provides real-time actionable advice on energy balance to improve body composition and athletic performance. He is the author of several books and book chapters and of numerous refereed journal articles. As the national team nutritionist for USA Gymnastics, Benardot worked with the gold-medal-winning women’s gymnastics team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He was also the nutritionist for the medal-winning U.S. marathoners at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and he worked with the marathoners selected to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He served as nutritionist for USA Figure Skating for many years and was the Atlanta Falcons team nutritionist for the five years leading up to their 2017 NFC championship. Benardot received his PhD in human service studies and nutritional sciences from Cornell University and is a registered and licensed dietitian. He received an honorary doctorate from Marywood University for his work in the area of sports nutrition, and he is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Benardot’s primary area of expertise is sports nutrition, with a research emphasis in real-time energy balance and nutrition issues related to competitive athletes. His research has been funded by several organizations, including the United States Olympic Committee and the American Cancer Society.