Parents Connect Blog > About the Bloggers > Maria Parra, MS, RD, LDN

About Maria Parra, MS, RD, LDN

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Maria is the registered Dietitian for the Nicklaus Children's Sports Health Center. Maria has a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Maria is well-versed on medical nutrition therapies and outpatient nutrition counseling.

In 2018, she worked in a NFL Combine Program and in IMG academy with recreational and high-level athletes. Maria is currently providing state-of-the-art nutrition to children and adolescents athletes seeking to improve performance and/or overall health.

She is also providing individualized nutrition counseling on fee-based services to the general public and athletes with focus on weight management, performance optimization, injury recovery, eating disorders, among others. She enjoys racing half-marathons and sprint triathlons.


Recent Blog Posts

Curb the Candy Craze for Trick-or-Treaters

An important lesson we can teach our children is that no foods – not even candy – need to be completely off limits. It is well recognized that restricting foods can lead to an increased desire to consume the forbidden food. In worst case scenarios, restriction can lead to negative thoughts about these foods in the future while negatively affecting relationships with food.

Delicious and Nutritious: Add Latin American Flavor to Your Plate

March is National Nutrition Month. That makes this month a great time to start making nutritious food choices for better overall health. If you think that eating healthy means eating boring, think again. The nutrition team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is here to remind you that a world of flavors from other cultures is waiting for you. All you need are a few tips to start eating fun, healthy and delicious meals from around the globe! 

Should Youth Athletes be Taking Dietary Supplements? Are They Necessary?

The prevalence of supplement use among the young athletic populations is relatively high. The percentage of youth athletes, ages 11-18, using dietary supplements has been reported to vary from 22.3 percent to 71 percent.

Recovery Nutrition in Children and Teen Athletes

Proper nutrition is key to ensure optimal recovery of young athletes after a long training, practice, or game day. Most athletes train for several hours a day, at least five days a week.