your partner in fueling
Meet Sara Arnold
MS | RD | CSSD | LD | acsm-cpt
Hi, I'm Sara, the founder of KC Performance Nutrition. I'm a board-certified sports dietitian and eating disorder specialist located in Overland Park, KS offering virtual nutrition coaching to athletes residing in the states of Kansas and Missouri.
My expertise focuses on performance nutrition while also addressing disordered eating, eating disorders, underfueling, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). I understand the unique pressures athletes face, and I combine evidence-based strategies with compassion to support both your body and mental health.

Our services
Fueling your performance, restoring your strength
01
Complimentary Discovery Call
We'll start with a complimentary discovery call — a chance to talk through how we can help. We’ll explore whether our Sports Nutrition or Disordered Eating track is the best fit and walk through how our coaching memberships work. No commitment, just a conversation to see how we can best support you.
02
Comprehensive Assessment
Once you’ve enrolled in your chosen membership, we’ll schedule an initial consultation with targeted assessments to further understand your nutrition needs. This assessment lays the foundation for a plan built entirely around you.
03
Personalized Fueling Strategy
After your assessment, we’ll co-create a plan tailored to your needs, whether you’re chasing peak performance or working to heal your relationship with food (or both). Your strategy will be rooted in evidence-based guidance and adjusted to meet you where you are — and where you're going.
04
Ongoing Coaching
Real change takes time, and you won’t do it alone. Through our coaching memberships, you’ll receive consistent, high-touch support with regular check-ins, messaging access, and evolving tools that keep you accountable and aligned with your goals.


Fuel is the foundation. Performance is the outcome. Strength is what you reclaim along the way.
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.