The co-founder of Precision Nutrition, John Berardi, PhD, is a trained exercise physiologist and nutritional biochemist. He earned his doctorate at the University of Western Ontario, studying under renowned sport nutrition researcher Dr. Peter Lemon. He also holds an undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He’s a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).
In both 2012 and 2013, Dr. Berardi was ranked one of the top 100 most influential people in fitness by Greatist.com. In 2015, Livestrong.com selected Dr. Berardi as one of the 20 smartest coaches in the world.
Dr. Berardi has served as an assistant adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a course instructor for Eastern Michigan University and the University of Western Ontario. He teaches exercise science, nutrient metabolism, fitness and wellness, and exercise nutrition.
The co-developer of Precision Nutrition Coaching, Dr. Berardi has helped more than 100,000 people in 100+ countries change habits and reach their health and fitness goals. He’s coached hundreds of amateur and professional athletes who, between 2006 and 2012, collected more than 30 medals, including 15 golds.
Dr. Berardi has authored or coauthored more than half a dozen nutrition books, including Scrawny to Brawny (2005), Metabolism Advantage (2006), The Precision Nutrition System (2007), Gourmet Nutrition (2008), The Essentials of
Sport and Exercise Nutrition (2009), The Essentials of Nutrition and Coaching (2019), and Changemaker (2019).
Dr. Berardi’s research and expertise covers a wide range of disciplines from online coaching to probiotics and mood. For the last 25 years, he’s traveled the world to teach the latest in health, fitness, and nutrition science at hundreds of conferences. He serves as an advisor to Apple, Equinox, Nike, and Titleist.
A dual American-Canadian citizen, Dr. Berardi lives just outside Toronto with his wife and four children.
Articles by John Berardi, PhD, CSCS
The Change Maker’s Guide to Starting a Health and Fitness Business
This step-by-step blueprint makes the process far less daunting.
Superstition, sciencestition, and how to stop overthinking food.
Why do we care so much about what other people eat?
Forget “career hacks”… Here’s the real key to career success that almost no one is talking about.
We live in a world of ‘quick-starts’, ‘how-to-guides’, ‘career hacks’. This article is none of those. It’s a different kind of success story. And a powerful lesson on how to get ahead in health, fitness, and wellness, or any other field.
10 things every successful fitness and nutrition coach does.
What makes for a successful fitness and nutrition coach? It’s not just what you know… it’s what you do (every day). Here are some of the practices elite coaches use to get results. Keep track of how many you’ve mastered.
Calories in vs. out? Or hormones? The debate is finally over. Here’s who won.
When it comes to weight loss, there’s no topic more polarizing than “calories in vs. calories out.” Some argue it’s the be-all and end-all of weight loss. Others say it’s oversimplified and misguided. In this article, we’ll explore every angle of the debate from “eat less, move more,” to thyroid issues and hormonal disruptions, to diets that offer a “metabolic advantage.” We’ll answer, once and for all, how important calories in vs. calories out really is. And what it means for you and your clients.
The cost of getting lean: Is it really worth the trade-off? [Video]
Six-pack abs. Tight butts. Lean, glistening beach bodies and vibrant health. That’s what the fitness industry is selling, but have you ever considered the true costs of achieving this “look?” In this short video, Dr. John Berardi lays out all the benefits and tradeoffs, so you can make an informed decision about what’s truly right for you—when it comes to your body, health, and lifestyle. Because it’s about getting what you want… but also figuring out how much you’re really willing to give up.
Stressed and out of shape:
Work stressing you out? Life in general? Having trouble staying consistent with your exercise and nutrition plan? If so, this article is for you.
34 lessons from some of Precision Nutrition’s most incredible body transformations.
Struggling to make important changes to your health? Your lifestyle? The way you look and feel? All the folks you’ll read about today faced some of the same challenges. Then, with expert coaching, they turned things around, changing their bodies, and their lives. Here are 34 lessons we can learn from what they’ve accomplished.
The 3 steps I teach trainers and health coaches to help fix any diet problem.
When your eating plan stops working, it’s normal to just feel… stuck. But you can fix any diet problem with these 3 steps (the first one might really surprise you).
Never press “pause” on your health and fitness again. This free tool is your secret weapon. [Infographic]
Pressing “pause” on your health habits might seem reasonable when life gets busy. The truth? It could be ruining your health and fitness. Use this simple method to make progress, no matter what.
How to answer the most common nutrition questions like a boss.
If you love nutrition, health, and fitness — or you're already a professional in one of these fields — you probably get a LOT of diet- and nutrition-related questions from friends, family, clients, and/or patients. That's why we created this cheat sheet, with evidence-based, easy-to-understand answers to the most common questions, all of which are covered in our newly updated Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification program.
Precision Nutrition Coaching: January 2020 Men’s Finalists.
Just one year ago, these 20 guys were stressed, out of shape, and tired of wanting the fitter body they just couldn't seem to pull off. Now, after 12 months of Precision Nutrition Coaching, they've transformed their health, their bodies, and their lives. They also have the chance to take home part of the $125,000 in prize money we've once again committed to this latest round of top clients. Scroll through these amazing photos and vote for the finalist whose transformation impresses you most.
Why the “pause-button mentality” is ruining your health and fitness.
“I’ll resume healthy eating after my vacation… once the baby is born… after Dad gets out of the hospital… January 1… Monday.” While this kind of “pause-button mentality” seems reasonable, it could be ruining your health and fitness. Here’s why, and what to do about it.
11 things I’ve learned coaching elite and professional athletes.
Precision Nutrition’s work coaching elite and professional athletes contributes to every innovation we bring to nutrition and fitness. Here are our 11 favorite learnings; ones you can use with any client, with any goal.
Why Precision Nutrition has given away more than $1 million dollars in prize money.
Every year, through our Precision Nutrition Coaching program, we help thousands of men and women lose weight, gain strength, and completely transform their bodies, health, and fitness. We also give them a bonus to shoot for: fun and inspiring prizes. Read on to learn why we offer this extra incentive… and how you could become one of our winners.
Postcards from the future. [Inspiring photos]
Precision Nutrition clients usually start out hoping for a better body. They walk away with much more, including surprising mental shifts that lead to happier, richer lives. Today we feature their Postcards From The Future, highlighting what can happen with the right kind of support.
Why nutrition science is so confusing. [Infographic]
From a certain perspective, nutrition science can seem like a mess. From another, it illustrates the very nature (and beauty) of the scientific process. Here we’ll explain why nutrition science is so confusing at times. We’ll also explain why, in the grand scheme of things, that’s okay.
Create the perfect meal with this simple 5-step guide. [Infographic]
You know you want to eat healthy. You want to balance your proteins, carbs, and fats. You want to nail your portions. But how do you all that while making meals that taste awesome? Just follow these 5 steps to create the perfect meal every time.
7 proven + profitable models for adding nutrition coaching to a health and fitness business.
Learning more about nutrition is one thing; turning that knowledge into results (and a thriving practice) is another. That’s why, in this article, I share seven proven business models from top health and fitness experts. Use them to grow your existing practice -- or to get a new one off the ground.
Precision Nutrition CoachingGrand Prize Winners: January 2019
Jen and Nathaniel spent the past 12 months transforming their eating habits, health, bodies, and lives with personal help from a PN coach. And now? They're our latest Grand Prize winners. See how we surprised them with $25,000 each, and meet the rest of our January 2019 Precision Nutrition Coaching winners.
A fitness-focused New Year’s resolution that’s worth making.
I’ve finally found a fitness-focused New Year’s resolution that’s worth making. And here it is, along with 10 client-proven ways to reach your own health and fitness goals this year.
Precision Nutrition Coaching: January 2019 Men’s Finalists.
Just one year ago, these 20 guys were stressed, out of shape, and tired of wanting the fitter body they just couldn't seem to pull off. Now, after 12 months of Precision Nutrition Coaching, they've transformed their health, their bodies, and their lives. They also have the chance to take home part of the $125,000 in prize money we've once again committed to this latest round of top clients. Scroll through these amazing photos and vote for the finalist whose transformation impresses you most.
Precision Nutrition Coaching: January 2019 Women’s Finalists.
Only a year ago, these 20 women were overweight, out of shape, stressed, and almost out of hope. Now, after 12 months of Precision Nutrition Coaching, they've transformed their health, their bodies, and their lives. They also have the chance to take home part of the $125,000 in prize money we've once again committed to our latest round of top clients. Scroll through these amazing photos and vote for the finalist whose transformation inspires you most.
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