Alumni testimonial

Alumni story Reina Beltman

Reina Beltman: Top sports Gelderland – Sport manager & owner of Feed your Performance

“While I find science fascinating, I was also seeking its practical application, and with these jobs, I can perfectly combine both aspects!”

Before starting the master’s in Nutrition & Health, I completed a bachelor’s degree in Sports, Health, and Management at a University of Applied Sciences. Due to my involvement in gymnastics at the time, I was looking for a study programme to combine with my sports career. After finishing my athletic career, I chose the master’s Nutrition & Health to delve deeper, feeling a lack of specialisation in my previous studies.

I opted for the specialisation ‘Nutritional Physiology and Health Status’ and selected courses related to sports. Additionally, I did an internship at Maastricht University within the Human Biology department, where I assisted with various research projects.

In my current role as a sports manager, I guide young talented athletes on various cross-sport themes such as physical training, nutrition, and performance behavior. On one hand, we conduct webinars and master classes on these topics, and on the other hand, we assist athletes, parents, and coaches with specific queries. I also occasionally conduct internal research and collaborate with various officially recognised training programs, helping them with activities like conducting physical tests and associated analyses. Within this role, everything from my Higher professional education and university background comes together, and of course, my background as a former elite athlete is beneficial.

In addition to my job as a sports manager, I have my own business called ‘Feed your Performance,’ where I guide (elite) athletes and sports teams on nutrition. With my scientific background, I have a solid foundation, and I know how to base my advice on reliable scientific sources. After completing the master’s in Nutrition & Health, I pursued a postgraduate program to become a sports nutritionist. A scientific background alone is not sufficient to provide advice to athletes.

I enjoy working with people and helping them progress in their athletic development. Athletes are generally motivated and implement the advice. It’s incredibly rewarding when athletes later reach out to share their achievements or goals. While I find science fascinating, I was also seeking its practical application, and with these jobs, I can perfectly combine both aspects!