Find Your Expert

An Interactive Directory of Alabama’s Ketogenic & Low-Carb Performance Specialists.

This tool translates a comprehensive report into a user-friendly guide, helping you connect with the right professional for your specific health and performance goals.

Explore the Directory

Alabama Specialist Landscape

A visual breakdown of the specialists available across the state.

Specialists by Primary Focus

This chart shows the distribution of practitioners based on their main area of practice, from performance coaching to clinical therapy.

Practitioners by Major Region

This illustrates the concentration of identified specialists in Alabama’s key metropolitan and regional hubs.

Practitioner Directory

Filter and search to find the specialist that best matches your needs.

First, what’s your primary goal?

Selecting a focus helps narrow down the practitioners to those most aligned with your goals. This initial step simplifies your search for the right expert.

⚕️

Medical Condition

For therapeutic goals like diabetes or epilepsy management.

🏆

Athletic Performance

To optimize body composition, endurance, and strength.

⚖️

Structured Weight Loss

For structured low-carb programs for weight management.

🏋️

General Fitness

Local gyms and trainers for general health and fitness goals.

Search by Name or Keyword

Filter by Region All Regions

Filter by Specialization

All

No Practitioners Found

Try adjusting your filters or search term.

Reset Filters

Core Concepts Explained

Understand the science behind low-carbohydrate performance strategies.

Ketogenic Diet Fat Adaptation Metabolic Flexibility

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

A ketogenic diet is a nutritional protocol characterized by a very low intake of carbohydrates (typically below 50 grams per day), a moderate intake of protein, and a high intake of fat. Its primary purpose is to induce a metabolic state known as **nutritional ketosis**. In this state, the severe restriction of dietary glucose forces the liver to convert fatty acids into molecules called **ketone bodies** (e.g., beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate) as an alternative fuel source for the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. It’s crucial to distinguish this safe, controlled state from diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.

What is Fat Adaptation?

Fat adaptation is a longer-term physiological adaptation that occurs over several weeks to months on a sustained low-carbohydrate diet. It describes the process where the body’s cells, particularly in skeletal muscle, become significantly more efficient at oxidizing (burning) fat for energy, even during exercise. For endurance athletes, this provides a vast, nearly limitless onboard fuel supply (body fat), leading to more stable energy levels and a reduced risk of “bonking” (glycogen depletion).

What is Metabolic Flexibility?

Metabolic flexibility is the capacity of your metabolism to efficiently switch between fuel sources—primarily fat and carbohydrates—in response to changes in nutrient availability and energy demand. A metabolically flexible individual can burn fat during rest or low-intensity activity, but seamlessly switch to burning carbohydrates for high-intensity efforts like sprints or climbs. It represents the best of both worlds: the fuel efficiency of fat adaptation combined with the high-octane power of glucose when needed.

Understanding Credentials

Not all qualifications are equal. Here’s a guide to the expertise behind the titles.

Tier 1: Clinical & Academic Authorities

Highest level of scientific and medical expertise. Legally qualified to diagnose, treat, and conduct primary research.

MD

PhD

RDN/LD

Tier 2: Advanced Performance Specialists

Degree-requiring certifications for professionals who train athletes and have deep knowledge of exercise science and sports nutrition.

CSCS

CISSN

Tier 3: Foundational & Specialty Certifications

Gold-standard personal training certifications and specialized credentials that indicate focused interest and additional training.

NASM/ACE/NSCA-CPT

Specialty Certs

The Alabama Directory of Ketogenic and Low-Carbohydrate Performance Specialists: A Comprehensive Guide for the Advanced Athlete and Health Optimizer

Part I: An Introduction to Metabolic Optimization Strategies

The pursuit of optimal human performance and health has led to a renewed and increasingly sophisticated interest in low-carbohydrate nutritional strategies. Beyond simple weight loss, athletes, health optimizers, and clinical practitioners are exploring the profound metabolic shifts induced by restricting carbohydrates. This report serves as a definitive directory of practitioners, coaches, and researchers in Alabama who specialize in the interconnected fields of ketogenic fitness, fat-adapted training, metabolic flexibility, and low-carb athletic performance. It aims to provide the foundational scientific context necessary to navigate this complex landscape and to identify the state’s most qualified experts. The practitioner landscape in Alabama is surprisingly robust, featuring a spectrum of professionals from university-level academic researchers and clinical physicians to performance-focused coaches and specialized dietitians. A notable feature of this ecosystem is a direct “science-to-practice” pipeline, where leading academic researchers are actively involved in public-facing coaching and education, offering residents unparalleled access to evidence-based guidance.

Defining the Core Concepts

To effectively utilize this directory, a clear understanding of the core terminology is essential. These concepts represent distinct but related metabolic states and physiological adaptations.

Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is a nutritional protocol characterized by a very low intake of carbohydrates (typically below 50 grams per day), a moderate intake of protein, and a high intake of fat. Its primary purpose is to induce a metabolic state known as nutritional ketosis.¹ In this state, the severe restriction of dietary glucose forces the liver to convert fatty acids into molecules called

ketone bodies (e.g., beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate). This process begins with the increased reliance on oxidative metabolism, which produces a large amount of acetyl-CoA. When acetyl-CoA accumulates, the liver begins the process of ketogenesis, packaging these ketone bodies to be sent into the bloodstream as an alternative fuel source for the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles.² It is critical to distinguish nutritional ketosis, a safe and controlled metabolic state, from diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening medical emergency seen in clinical populations with metabolic dysregulation.¹ The ketogenic diet has well-established therapeutic applications for conditions such as epilepsy, and emerging research explores its use for migraines, certain cancers, and mental health disorders like bipolar disorder.³

Fat Adaptation

Fat adaptation is a longer-term physiological adaptation that occurs in response to a sustained low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. It describes the process by which the body’s cells, particularly in skeletal muscle, become significantly more efficient at oxidizing (burning) fat for energy, even during exercise.⁴ This process can take several weeks to months to fully develop.⁵ For endurance athletes, achieving fat adaptation is a primary goal. The benefits include a vast, nearly limitless onboard fuel supply (body fat) compared to the limited stores of muscle glycogen, leading to more stable energy levels, a dramatic reduction in the risk of “bonking” (hitting the wall due to glycogen depletion), and the ability to perform prolonged, low-to-moderate intensity exercise with little to no carbohydrate intake.⁴ Athletes who are fat-adapted report being able to go for hours on only water and electrolytes, a significant advantage in ultra-endurance events.⁶

Metabolic Flexibility

Metabolic flexibility is a more nuanced and dynamic concept, describing the capacity of an organism’s metabolism to efficiently switch between fuel sources—primarily fat and carbohydrates—in response to changes in nutrient availability and energy demand.⁷ A metabolically flexible individual can effectively burn fat for fuel during periods of rest, fasting, or low-intensity activity, but can seamlessly switch to burning carbohydrates to fuel high-intensity exercise.⁹ This “dimmer switch” capability is considered a hallmark of metabolic health. From a performance perspective, it represents the best of both worlds: the fuel efficiency and stability of fat adaptation combined with the ability to access the high-octane power of glucose for sprints, climbs, and finishing kicks.⁹ Research into metabolic flexibility, such as that being conducted at the University of North Alabama, is at the forefront of modern exercise physiology and nutrition science.⁸

The Spectrum of Application: Clinical vs. Performance

The application of these dietary strategies exists on a spectrum, from strict therapeutic protocols to periodized performance plans.

• Clinical/Therapeutic Application: In a clinical context, the ketogenic diet is often used as a form of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to manage specific diseases. Practitioners like registered dietitians and physicians guide patients through protocols to address conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy, Type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).³ These applications are typically supervised, with careful monitoring of biomarkers to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Athletic Performance Application: For athletes, the goals are different. The focus shifts from disease management to enhancing body composition, fuel efficiency, and performance. An ultra-runner might use a low-carb approach to become fat-adapted for long races ⁶, while a strength athlete might use a cyclical ketogenic diet to maintain low body fat while building muscle. However, the relationship between ketosis and high-intensity performance is complex. Evidence suggests that while fat oxidation rates increase dramatically, performance in activities requiring maximal glycolytic effort may be impaired without strategic carbohydrate intake.¹ This has led to more sophisticated approaches, such as “training low” (performing some workouts in a carb-depleted state to enhance fat adaptation) while “competing high” (using carbohydrates to fuel races), a strategy that leverages metabolic flexibility.⁹

Part II: A Framework for Evaluating Practitioner Expertise

The fields of fitness and nutrition are populated by professionals with a wide range of qualifications. For a user seeking specialized guidance in ketogenic and low-carb performance, it is imperative to be able to distinguish between generalists and true experts. This section provides a framework for evaluating practitioner credentials and identifying genuine specialization.

Decoding the Alphabet Soup: A Glossary of Credentials

Understanding the meaning behind the letters that follow a practitioner’s name is the first step in the vetting process. These credentials are not created equal; they represent vastly different levels of education, legal scope of practice, and areas of focus.

• Medical/Clinical Credentials: These are licenses and certifications held by healthcare professionals.
  • MD (Medical Doctor): A physician who has completed medical school and a residency. An MD can diagnose and treat diseases and prescribe medication. A physician like Dr. Niel Rasmussen, who prescribes ketogenic diets, operates with the highest level of clinical authority.¹²
  • RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) / LD (Licensed Dietitian): These professionals have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition from an accredited university, a supervised internship, and passed a national registration exam.¹¹ RDNs are legally qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to treat health conditions. This is the premier credential for clinical nutrition guidance.
  • CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist): A healthcare professional (often an RDN or RN) who has demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in diabetes management. This is a key credential for those seeking to manage diabetes with a low-carb diet.¹⁷
• Academic/Research Credentials:
  • PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Represents the highest level of academic achievement in a specific field of study. A PhD in a relevant area like Exercise Physiology, Nutrition Science, or Molecular Biology indicates expertise in research, critical analysis, and scientific principles.⁸ Individuals like Dr. Brandon Roberts and Dr. Hunter Waldman hold this credential, placing them at the pinnacle of scientific expertise in the state.
• High-Level Fitness/Performance Credentials:
  • CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist): An advanced certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for professionals who train athletes. It requires a bachelor’s degree and demonstrates a high level of knowledge in program design, exercise science, and nutrition for performance.²¹
  • CISSN (Certified Sports Nutritionist from the International Society of Sports Nutrition): A respected evidence-based certification focusing on sports nutrition. Coaches like Cody McBroom and Dr. Brandon Roberts at Tailored Coaching Method hold this credential, signaling a commitment to scientific principles in nutrition coaching.²²
• Personal Training Certifications:
  • NASM-CPT, ACE-CPT, NSCA-CPT: These are the “gold standard” foundational certifications for personal trainers, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).²¹ They are required by most reputable fitness facilities and ensure a baseline level of competency in anatomy, exercise technique, and basic program design. However, they do not, by themselves, signify expertise in specialized nutritional protocols like the ketogenic diet.
• Specialty/Niche Certifications:
  • Primal Health Coach, Low Carb USA/Nutrition Network, ISSA Certifications: These programs offer focused education in specific methodologies.²⁵ They indicate a practitioner’s interest and additional training in areas like ancestral health or low-carb nutrition. While valuable, their scientific rigor and scope can vary, and they should be considered supplementary to, rather than a replacement for, primary academic degrees or NCCA-accredited credentials.

The table below provides a summary of these key credentials to aid in evaluation.

Credential	Full Name	Issuing Body (Example)	Typical Requirements	Scope of Practice / Relevance to Query
MD	Medical Doctor	Medical School/Board	Medical Degree, Residency	Can diagnose, treat, and prescribe. Highest authority for clinical/therapeutic application of ketogenic diets.
PhD	Doctor of Philosophy	University	Doctoral Degree, Dissertation	Expert in research and scientific principles. Highest authority for scientific knowledge in exercise/nutrition.
RDN/LD	Registered Dietitian Nutritionist / Licensed Dietitian	Commission on Dietetic Registration	Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree, Internship, Exam	Legally qualified for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Premier credential for personalized dietary plans and disease management.
CSCS	Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist	National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)	Bachelor’s Degree, Exam	Advanced credential for designing strength and conditioning programs for athletes. Highly relevant for performance focus.
CISSN	Certified Sports Nutritionist	International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)	Bachelor’s Degree, Exam	Evidence-based sports nutrition certification. Highly relevant for athletic performance and body composition.
NASM/ACE/NSCA-CPT	Certified Personal Trainer	NASM, ACE, NSCA	High School Diploma, CPR/AED, Exam	Foundational certification for personal training. Does not confer specialized nutrition expertise.
Specialty Cert	e.g., Primal Health Coach, ISSA	Various	Varies (often online courses)	Indicates focused interest in a specific modality (e.g., keto, bodybuilding). Considered supplementary.

Beyond Certifications: Identifying True Specialization

A certification alone is not enough. True expertise is demonstrated through a “constellation of evidence.” An informed consumer should look for practitioners who not only hold relevant credentials but also demonstrate their specialization through their work. This includes:

• Published Research: Academic experts will have a list of peer-reviewed publications on relevant topics.¹⁰
• Explicit Language: Specialists will use keywords like “ketogenic,” “low-carb,” “metabolic flexibility,” or “fat adaptation” in their professional biographies and service descriptions.¹²
• Affiliation: Association with specialized organizations, such as the LowCarbUSA practitioner directory or a clinical ketogenic therapy group, is a strong indicator.³

This approach helps to bridge the significant gap between a generalist and a specialist. Many gyms and trainers will list “nutrition” as a service.²⁹ This is fundamentally different from a practitioner who has built their entire practice or research career around the principles of low-carbohydrate metabolism. A general trainer at a commercial gym, while well-intentioned, may lack the deep biochemical and physiological knowledge required to safely and effectively guide an athlete through a fat-adaptation protocol. In contrast, a specialist like dietitian Sarah Westbrook Trefethen, who explicitly lists “low carb meal plans” as a focus, or a physician like Dr. Rasmussen, who prescribes ketogenic diets daily, possesses a demonstrably deeper level of competence.¹² The user of this directory should prioritize those who show this constellation of evidence.

Part III: Directory of Academic and Clinical Specialists in Alabama

This section profiles the most highly qualified, evidence-based experts in Alabama whose work is grounded in science and medicine. These individuals and organizations represent the top tier of practitioners for those seeking the most credible and scientifically rigorous guidance. They are the state’s anchors in academic research and therapeutic clinical application.

The following table provides a quick-reference guide to the Alabama-based practitioners detailed in this report.

Practitioner/Organization Name	City/Region	Primary Focus	Key Specializations	Report Section for Full Profile
Dr. Hunter Waldman, PhD	Florence	Academic/Research	Metabolic Flexibility, Female Athletes, Substrate Oxidation	Part III
Dr. Brandon Roberts, PhD	Birmingham	Academic/Research, Performance	Ketogenic Diet Research, Muscle Physiology, Performance Coaching	Part III
UAB Labs (AHPL, UCEM)	Birmingham	Academic/Research	Metabolic Testing (VO2​max, RER, DXA), Human Performance Research	Part III
Dr. Niel Rasmussen, MD	Headland	Clinical/Therapeutic	Physician-Led Ketogenic Diets, Chronic Disease Reversal	Part III
Advanced Ketogenic Therapies	Birmingham / Online	Clinical/Therapeutic	Therapeutic Ketogenic Diets for Epilepsy, Neurology (Pediatric)	Part III
Kristin Gunderson Hiott, PA-C, RD	Birmingham, Trussville, Cullman	Clinical/Performance	Sports Medicine Nutrition, Injury Recovery, Registered Dietitian	Part III
Tailored Coaching Method	Birmingham / Online	Performance	Science-Based Coaching, Periodized Nutrition, Body Composition	Part IV
LetsLose	Homewood / Online	Performance	Structured Low-Carb Weight Loss Programs	Part IV
Sarah Westbrook Trefethen, MS, RD, LD	Tuscaloosa/Birmingham	Performance/Clinical	Low-Carb Meal Plans, Weight Management, Registered Dietitian	Part IV
Lacy Green	Huntsville	Performance	Physique Coaching, Bodybuilding Nutrition	Part IV
Christina Myers	Birmingham	Performance	Strength & Conditioning, Powerlifting, Flexible Nutrition	Part IV

Sub-section: Academic Research Hubs & Public-Facing Scientists

These individuals and institutions are the source of the scientific knowledge that underpins effective practice. Access to them, either directly or through their work, is a significant advantage for residents of Alabama.

Dr. Hunter Waldman, PhD, CSCS*D (University of North Alabama, Florence)

Dr. Hunter Waldman is a central figure in the state for research on metabolic flexibility. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and the Director of the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory at the University of North Alabama (UNA), his work is at the cutting edge of exercise and nutrition science.⁸ He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology with a concentration in Nutrition from Mississippi State University.⁸

Dr. Waldman’s research program is explicitly focused on how exercise and nutrition interventions can modify metabolic flexibility, inflammation, oxidative stress, cognition, and performance.⁸ His list of publications demonstrates a deep and specific expertise directly relevant to this directory. He is the lead or co-author on peer-reviewed studies assessing metabolic flexibility via substrate oxidation responses, with a particular and important focus on female subjects—a population often underrepresented in sports science research.¹⁰ Other research includes investigations into the effects of exogenous ketone supplements on performance and stress in high-stress occupations like firefighters ³², and the impact of various supplements on metabolic markers.²⁸

While his primary role is academic, Dr. Waldman is actively engaged in translating science for public consumption. He is a contributing author for Sports Illustrated‘s “Everyday Athlete” section and has appeared on podcasts like The Flex Diet Podcast to discuss topics such as ketones and metabolic health.³⁰ At UNA, he teaches a range of courses including Nutrition & Human Performance, Physiology of Exercise, and Advanced Exercise Physiology.³⁵ For individuals seeking the most advanced understanding of metabolic flexibility, or potentially looking to participate in research studies, Dr. Waldman and his lab at UNA are a premier resource.

• Contact: hswaldman@una.edu ³⁵
• Significance: Dr. Waldman is Alabama’s leading academic expert specifically on metabolic flexibility. His research provides the scientific foundation for the practical application of these principles.

Dr. Brandon Roberts, PhD (Tailored Coaching Method / U.S. Army, Birmingham)

Dr. Brandon Roberts embodies the “science-to-practice” pipeline. He is a highly credentialed scientist who is directly involved in coaching and program design. He serves as the Chief Science Officer for Tailored Coaching Method, an online coaching company based in Birmingham, and is also a Research Physiologist for the U.S. Army.¹⁹ His academic credentials are exceptionally strong, including a BS in Molecular Biology, an MS in Human Performance, and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida, followed by a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral fellowship in Exercise Medicine and Sports Nutrition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).¹⁹

Dr. Roberts’ background is uniquely suited to this directory. During his undergraduate work, he completed research on the ketogenic diet in a clinical setting.¹⁹ His doctoral and postdoctoral work focused on muscle biology, muscle wasting, hypertrophy, and sports nutrition.¹⁹ His recent publications continue to explore relevant topics, such as the potential for exogenous ketone esters to treat sarcopenic obesity.²⁰

Through his role at Tailored Coaching Method, Dr. Roberts translates this deep scientific knowledge into practical application for clients. He is passionate about helping people achieve their physique and performance goals and focuses on mentoring other coaches in the interpretation and application of research.¹⁹ This dual role as an active researcher and a leader in a coaching organization makes him one of the most valuable resources in the state for anyone seeking an evidence-based, performance-oriented low-carb or ketogenic strategy.

• Contact: Via Tailored Coaching Method ³⁶ or on Instagram @brob_21.³⁶
• Significance: Dr. Roberts provides a direct link between rigorous academic research on ketogenic diets and applied coaching. He is a top-tier expert for performance-focused individuals who demand a program rooted in science.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Labs & Centers (Birmingham)

For individuals seeking objective, quantitative data about their own metabolic state, the research laboratories at UAB are the state’s gold-standard facilities. While primarily serving the research community, some labs offer testing services that can provide invaluable information for tailoring a fitness and nutrition plan.

The Adaptive Human Performance Lab (AHPL) is a key facility designed to provide extensive services for exercise, nutrition, and health assessments.³⁷ Though its primary mission relates to people with disabilities, its equipment and capabilities are relevant to any advanced athlete. The AHPL can perform crucial metabolic assessments, including:

• Maximal and Submaximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2​max): Using metabolic carts (ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400, COSMED K5), the lab can measure oxygen consumption (VO2​), carbon dioxide production (CO2​), and calculate the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER). RER is a direct indicator of fuel utilization, showing the proportion of fat versus carbohydrate being burned at different exercise intensities.³⁷ This is the most direct way to measure fat adaptation.
• Body Composition Analysis: Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), the lab can provide a precise three-compartment model of body composition, quantifying fat mass, lean mass, and bone mass.³⁷

The UAB Center for Exercise Medicine (UCEM) is another hub for interdisciplinary research on exercise.³⁸ These labs offer services like supervised exercise intervention and physical performance testing on a fee-for-service basis, subject to availability.³⁷

• Contact: AHPL: (205) 975-5229, CEDHARS@uab.edu.³⁷
• Significance: UAB’s labs offer the most precise and objective tools in Alabama for any individual wanting to quantify their metabolic flexibility and fat-burning capacity, moving beyond subjective feelings to hard data.

Sub-section: Clinical and Therapeutic Practitioners

These practitioners apply ketogenic and low-carbohydrate principles in a clinical setting, often to manage or reverse chronic disease under medical or dietetic supervision.

Dr. Niel Rasmussen, MD (Headland Family Medicine, Headland)

Dr. Niel Rasmussen is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who has integrated low-carbohydrate nutrition into the core of his primary care practice in rural Headland, Alabama.¹² He received his medical degree from the UAB School of Medicine and is a key figure for individuals seeking a physician-led approach to metabolic health.³⁹

Dr. Rasmussen’s specialization is explicit and central to his practice: he prescribes low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets as a primary tool to treat and reverse many modern chronic diseases.¹² He views this dietary intervention as a powerful way for patients to regain their health, and he importantly combines it with guidance on other critical lifestyle factors, including

exercise, sleep, and stress reduction.¹² His commitment to integrating physical activity is further demonstrated by his leadership of a local “Walk with a Doc” program, which provides a supportive environment for patients to become more active.³⁹

His practice, Headland Family Medicine, serves as a crucial resource for this specialized care outside of Alabama’s major metropolitan areas.

• Contact: (334) 693-3336; Headland Family Medicine, 204 Holman Drive, Headland, AL 36345.¹²
• Significance: Dr. Rasmussen is an essential resource for anyone seeking to use a ketogenic diet for therapeutic purposes under the direct supervision of a medical doctor who also emphasizes the importance of exercise.

Advanced Ketogenic Therapies (Serving Alabama via Telehealth)

Advanced Ketogenic Therapies (AKT) is a highly specialized organization composed of expert registered dietitians who focus exclusively on Ketogenic Medical Nutrition Therapy.³ Their practice is primarily clinical, targeting the management of complex conditions including epilepsy, migraines, cancer, and mental health disorders through precisely formulated ketogenic diets.³

AKT provides personalized, one-on-one counseling and education to clients, helping them implement and sustain therapeutic ketogenic protocols.³ A key connection to Alabama is team member

Monica McChesney, MS, RDN, LD. Ms. McChesney is a pediatric clinical dietitian at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, where her primary focus is in neurology, specializing in the use of the ketogenic diet for her patients.¹⁷ While the organization’s dietitians are located across the country, they provide their services via telehealth, making their expertise accessible to all residents of Alabama.¹¹

• Contact: Via their website, advancedketogenictherapies.com.³
• Significance: For individuals, particularly children, needing to implement a strict, therapeutic ketogenic diet for a medical condition, AKT is the premier resource. The local presence and expertise of Monica McChesney at a major Alabama hospital underscores their credibility and relevance to the state.

Kristin Gunderson Hiott, PA-C, RD (Andrews Sports Medicine, Birmingham/Trussville/Cullman)

Kristin Gunderson Hiott possesses a unique and powerful combination of credentials as both a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) and a Registered Dietitian (RD).¹⁶ She practices at Andrews Sports Medicine, one of the nation’s most respected orthopaedic and sports medicine clinics. She earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Samford University and worked as an RD before completing her PA studies at UAB.¹⁶

Her specialization lies at the intersection of nutrition and orthopaedic medicine. While she is not explicitly listed as a “keto” specialist, her stated professional goal is to integrate her passion and experience in nutrition with orthopaedic care to provide better overall outcomes and promote improved recovery and healing for patients.⁴¹ Working alongside Dr. Marc Rothermich, she is involved in the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of sports medicine conditions.¹⁶

Given her RD credential and her position within an elite athletic healthcare environment, she is an exceptionally credible resource for athletes. Her expertise in clinical nutrition allows her to provide evidence-based dietary guidance that could certainly include low-carbohydrate principles, tailored to the specific needs of an athlete for performance, body composition, or injury recovery.

• Contact: Via Andrews Sports Medicine, (205) 939-3699; Clinical locations in Birmingham, Trussville, and Cullman.¹⁶
• Significance: Ms. Hiott is a uniquely qualified practitioner for athletes seeking nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian embedded within a world-class sports medicine practice.

Part IV: Directory of Performance-Focused Coaches and Training Organizations

This section profiles practitioners and companies whose primary focus is on enhancing fitness, body composition, and athletic performance. Their approach is less about clinical therapy and more about optimizing the human body through exercise and nutrition, often incorporating low-carbohydrate principles.

Sub-section: Specialized Coaching Companies

These organizations offer structured, science-based coaching programs designed for results.

Tailored Coaching Method (Birmingham / Online)

Tailored Coaching Method (TCM) is a premier online fitness and nutrition coaching company that stands out due to its strong emphasis on individualized, science-backed protocols.²² Based in Birmingham, its leadership includes CEO Cody McBroom (CISSN, NASM-PES) and, most notably, Chief Science Officer Dr. Brandon Roberts, PhD, whose academic and research background in ketogenic diets provides the company with exceptional scientific credibility.¹⁹

TCM’s approach to low-carbohydrate dieting is nuanced and sophisticated, avoiding the dogmatic “one-size-fits-all” mentality. Their educational materials acknowledge that while high-fat/low-carb diets can be effective, particularly for sedentary individuals, higher carbohydrate intakes are often superior for fueling hard athletic training.¹³ They advocate for a periodized approach, strategically using carbohydrates to boost performance, lower the stress hormone cortisol post-workout, and improve recovery.¹³ This aligns with the advanced concept of metabolic flexibility and the “fuel for the work required” paradigm, rather than strict, continuous ketosis.⁹ Their content explores the pros and cons of various dietary strategies, including ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting, and carb cycling, demonstrating a commitment to finding the best fit for the individual client.⁴²

Services include comprehensive 1-on-1 online coaching that covers both training and nutrition, a mobile app (The ‘TLRD TRNR’) with custom workout software, and numerous free educational guides.²²

• Contact: Through their website, tailoredcoachingmethod.com.²²
• Significance: TCM is a top-tier choice for the serious athlete or fitness enthusiast in Alabama seeking a highly personalized, evidence-based program. Their sophisticated, non-dogmatic approach to carbohydrate periodization is ideal for someone looking to optimize performance and body composition with the guidance of true experts.

LetsLose (Homewood / Online)

LetsLose is a medical weight loss company with both physical clinics in central Alabama and a robust online presence.⁴³ While they offer multiple programs, their “Clean 28 Healthy Weight Loss Program” is explicitly a

low-carb plan designed for rapid results and long-term lifestyle education.⁴³

The Clean 28 program is a four-week structured plan where daily carbohydrate intake never exceeds 20% of total calories. It focuses on lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.⁴³ The program is designed to be highly user-friendly, providing clear lists of approved foods, detailed guidance, daily support via email and text messages, recipes, and food prep instructions. This high level of structure is intended to remove guesswork and make adherence easier.⁴³ Participants use the “Wellness by LetsLose” app to track their progress, journal, and communicate, creating an interactive and supportive experience.⁴³

Based in Homewood, their online services are designed to be accessible to individuals “wherever you are,” making it a viable option for residents throughout Alabama who are not near a physical clinic.⁴³

• Contact: (205) 670-5355 or through their website, letslose.com.⁴³
• Significance: LetsLose offers a highly structured and accessible online low-carb program specifically for individuals whose primary goal is weight loss. It is an excellent option for those who thrive with clear rules and daily guidance.

Sub-section: Independent Coaches and Dietitians

These individuals offer personalized services and bring unique expertise from their backgrounds in dietetics, strength sports, and physique competition.

Sarah Westbrook Trefethen, MS, RD, LD (Healthy Weight Nutrition, serving Tuscaloosa/Birmingham area)

Sarah Westbrook Trefethen is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian who brings extensive experience from her work in weight loss and bariatrics at major medical centers, including UAB EatRight and Princeton Baptist Medical Center.¹⁸ She holds a Master’s of Science in Clinical Nutrition from UAB.

Ms. Trefethen’s profile is highly relevant as she explicitly specializes in “low carb meal plans” designed to keep patients full and satisfied.¹⁸ Her practice focuses on creating personalized weight loss plans for the prevention and management of chronic diseases, utilizing current scientific literature. Her other specializations include blood sugar management and pre- and post-bariatric surgery nutrition, all areas where low-carbohydrate diets are commonly and effectively applied.¹⁸

• Contact: Via Healthy Weight Nutrition.¹⁸
• Significance: As a Registered Dietitian with a stated specialty in low-carb meal planning, Ms. Trefethen is a premier choice for individuals in the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham areas. She offers the credibility of a licensed clinical professional combined with specific expertise in the user’s area of interest.

Lacy Green (The Diet Coach / 24e Health Clubs, Huntsville)

Lacy Green, known as “The Diet Coach,” operates out of 24e Health Clubs and brings the perspective of an IFBB professional bikini athlete.²⁷ Her credentials are robust and practical, including certifications as an ISSA Certified Elite Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Bodybuilding Coach, as well as being a Precision Nutrition Certified Master Coach.²⁷

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes simplicity and real-life results. She provides customized diet plans tailored to a client’s lifestyle but with a unique approach that involves “No tracking macros or calories – just eat and enjoy”.²⁷ This methodology is designed to reduce the complexity and potential overwhelm of traditional dieting. While her materials do not explicitly state whether she designs ketogenic or low-carb plans, her expertise in physique competition and her multiple nutrition certifications suggest she has the knowledge to do so if a client required it. A direct consultation would be necessary to determine if her coaching style aligns with a structured low-carb or ketogenic protocol.

• Contact: Via 24e Health Clubs.²⁷
• Significance: Lacy Green offers the valuable perspective of a high-level physique competitor. Her approach may be ideal for individuals seeking to improve body composition who are perhaps intimidated by meticulous macro tracking.

Christina Myers (Lift Heavy Princess, Birmingham)

Christina Myers of Lift Heavy Princess in Birmingham is a highly qualified coach with a strong background in both academia and elite strength sports.⁴⁴ She is a qualified strength & conditioning coach, personal trainer, and powerlifting coach who is also a professional figure competitor and a nationally ranked powerlifter with 11 state records.⁴⁴

Her academic credentials are a significant differentiator: she holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Sports Medicine and Nutrition and is completing a Master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science with a focus on Strength & Conditioning.⁴⁵ Her coaching philosophy is firmly rooted in “integrity, evidence-based principles, and safe, effective training practices,” explicitly rejecting “cookie-cutter programs, no quick fixes or fads”.⁴⁴ She offers a “balanced approach of strength training and flexible nutrition”.⁴⁴ While not explicitly a low-carb coach, the term “flexible nutrition” combined with her advanced education suggests she possesses the expertise to design a wide range of dietary protocols, including low-carb plans, based on an athlete’s specific needs and goals.

• Contact: christina@liftheavyprincess.com.⁴⁴
• Significance: Christina Myers is an ideal coach for strength and physique athletes. Her combination of high-level education in nutrition and exercise science with elite-level personal experience in powerlifting and figure competition makes her a highly credible and effective resource in the Birmingham area.

Sub-section: Elite Collegiate Athletics Programs (For Context)

While the general public cannot hire the staff of major university athletic programs, their presence and methodologies provide crucial context about the high-performance culture within Alabama. The standards and practices developed in these “ivory towers” of performance science often trickle down into the broader fitness community.

University of Alabama Athletics (Tuscaloosa)

The University of Alabama’s football program, in particular, operates at the pinnacle of sports science. The performance staff is a large, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to optimizing every aspect of athlete development.⁴⁶

Key personnel like David Ballou (Director of Sports Performance) bring a scientific approach to strength and conditioning, working in concert with sports science, athletic training, and performance nutrition.⁴⁶ The department is led by nutrition experts such as

Amanda Branson (Assistant Athletics Director, Performance Nutrition) and Breana Leonard (Director, Football Performance Nutrition).⁴⁷ They utilize state-of-the-art technology, including Elite Form Power Trackers and 1080 Sprint devices, to monitor and guide training with precision.⁴⁶

The existence of such a sophisticated operation signifies that Alabama is a hub for high-performance training. This creates a rich ecosystem. Former athletes who were part of this system, student interns who learned from these experts, and coaches who follow their principles carry this high standard of evidence-based practice into the private sector. For example, a trainer like Ceejay Jordan, a former UA national championship team member, now runs his own private training studio, Foundation Fitness of Alabama.⁴⁹ His experiences within the university’s elite program undoubtedly inform his current coaching methodologies. Therefore, while these university coaches are not directly accessible, their influence elevates the quality and knowledge base of the entire state’s fitness industry.

Part V: Directory of General Wellness Providers and Regional Gyms

This section provides a secondary directory of fitness facilities and practitioners across Alabama. These providers offer personal training and nutrition coaching, but their specific expertise in ketogenic fitness, fat adaptation, or metabolic flexibility is not explicitly confirmed in the available information. An individual seeking specialized services from these providers should be prepared to conduct a thorough vetting process. The key is to inquire directly about their specific knowledge and experience with low-carbohydrate performance protocols.

• Fairhope Fitness (Fairhope): This facility offers personal training and has trainers with “Nutritional Coach” listed in their titles.⁵⁰ However, their online materials do not specify methodologies like keto or low-carb. Interested parties should contact trainers like Allison Mickler (Nutritional Health Coach) or Eddie Henry (Nutritional Coach) directly to inquire about their experience with performance-based low-carb plans.⁵⁰
• Phaze 3 Fitness (Huntsville/Madison): Phaze 3 offers a complimentary “JumpStart Assessment” with a fitness professional and has certified personal trainers specializing in various areas, including “weight loss management” and “nutrition”.²⁹ As a general fitness center, their trainers’ expertise in niche diets will vary. A consultation is necessary to determine if any trainer on staff has the requisite knowledge for a ketogenic protocol.
• HOMEFIT (Huntsville): This is an in-home personal training service that offers convenience as its primary value proposition.⁵¹ They provide customized plans for weight loss and strength training, but their nutritional coaching philosophy is not detailed. Clients would need to specifically request a trainer with a background in low-carb nutrition.
• CrossFit Affiliates (Statewide): Gyms like CrossFit Mobile ⁵² and JH CrossFit in Mobile ⁵³ offer high-intensity functional fitness programs. Nutrition coaching is a common component of the CrossFit ecosystem, often centered on Paleo or Zone diet principles. While some individual coaches and athletes within the CrossFit community personally adopt ketogenic or low-carb diets, it is not a standard part of the official methodology. The websites for these affiliates do not list coaches with specific keto specializations.⁵³ The best approach is to contact the gym owner (e.g., Will Beech at JH CrossFit) and ask if any of their coaches have experience and expertise in coaching athletes on a low-carb performance plan.
• Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center (Auburn): The university’s fitness center employs certified student personal trainers to serve the campus community.⁵⁵ While trainers can help with general goals like weight loss and muscle gain, their experience level and specialized knowledge will vary greatly. The provided trainer bios do not indicate any specialization in metabolic conditioning or low-carb nutrition.⁵⁵ This service is best suited for students with general fitness goals rather than those seeking advanced metabolic optimization.
• Stretch2Strength (Birmingham): This boutique studio’s primary focus is on functional fitness through TRX training, bootcamp sessions, and Fascial Stretch Therapy.⁵⁷ While they have certified personal trainers, their core services are not centered on nutritional programming. It is unlikely they would be a primary resource for this specific dietary query.
• Military Base Fitness Centers (Redstone Arsenal, Maxwell AFB, Fort Novosel): For authorized patrons (active duty military, retirees, DoD civilians, etc.), fitness centers on Alabama’s military installations offer comprehensive facilities and services.⁵⁸ The Army Wellness Centers (AWC), such as the one at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), are particularly noteworthy.⁶¹ AWCs provide advanced services including metabolic testing to determine resting metabolic rate and guidance on healthy nutrition.⁶¹ Personal trainers are also available.⁶⁰ While these services are excellent, the nutritional guidance is likely based on standardized Army public health protocols and may or may not align with or support a ketogenic lifestyle. Patrons should inquire directly with the AWC or fitness center staff.

Part VI: National Online Coaching Services Accessible to Alabama Residents

For residents of Alabama seeking highly specialized services that may not be available locally, or for those who prefer the convenience of a remote platform, several national online organizations offer expert-level coaching relevant to this query.

• Virta Health: Virta is a physician-supervised online clinic focused on the therapeutic use of ketogenic diets for Type 2 diabetes reversal and sustainable weight loss.⁶² Their approach is strictly clinical and nutrition-first. Each member is assigned a dedicated health coach and has access to a medical team. For Alabama residents with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes seeking a medically guided ketogenic intervention, Virta is a top-tier national option.
• CentreSpringMD: This integrative medicine practice offers virtual consultations and a dedicated “keto health coach” service.⁶³ Their team includes registered dietitians who work alongside physicians to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach. They offer personalized keto meal planning, educational support, and guidance for managing health conditions on the diet.⁶³ Their virtual model makes them accessible to Alabama residents seeking an integrative and medically informed coaching experience.
• Planet Keto by Senza: This is a dedicated online service focused exclusively on ketogenic coaching.⁶⁴ They offer 1-on-1 coaching and small group classes to help clients plan meals, source appropriate foods, and fine-tune their ketogenic lifestyle.⁶⁴ This platform is a straightforward option for individuals looking for a coach who specializes only in keto.
• KetoLogic: This company primarily sells ketogenic supplements and products, but also offers a “30 Minute Personal Keto Coaching Call” service.⁶⁵ This is less of a comprehensive coaching relationship and more of a product-support and troubleshooting service, designed to be used alongside their “KETO 30 Challenge.” It could be useful for specific questions or breaking through a plateau.
• Primal Health Coach Institute: This organization is a certification body, not a direct coaching service.²⁵ They offer an “Applied Ketogenic Diet Specialist Certification” based on the principles of ancestral health.²⁵ It is included in this directory because a user could potentially use their “Find a Coach” directory to locate a certified coach who serves Alabama residents online. This represents a specific philosophical approach to ketogenic living.

Conclusion: Selecting the Optimal Practitioner for Your Goals

The state of Alabama presents a surprisingly deep and diverse landscape for individuals seeking expertise in ketogenic diets, fat adaptation, and metabolic flexibility. The ecosystem is anchored by nationally recognized academic researchers who are actively translating science into practice, a core of clinical specialists applying these principles therapeutically, and a growing number of performance-focused coaches. To navigate this landscape effectively, the final selection of a practitioner should be dictated by the individual’s primary goal.

The analysis reveals a clear hierarchy of expertise. At the top are the PhD-level academic researchers and board-certified medical doctors and dietitians who offer the highest degree of scientific and clinical credibility. Following them are the performance-focused coaches with advanced certifications and demonstrable experience. Finally, there is a broad base of general fitness providers who may have the capacity to help but require careful vetting.

To simplify the selection process, the following decision-making framework is proposed:

• If your primary goal is managing a medical condition (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, PCOS) with a therapeutic ketogenic diet: The optimal path is a clinical specialist who can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • Top Choices: Dr. Niel Rasmussen, MD (for a physician-led approach in the Headland area), Advanced Ketogenic Therapies (for specialized dietitian-led guidance, particularly for pediatric neurology), or Virta Health (for a comprehensive online diabetes reversal program).
• If your primary goal is elite athletic performance and you require a nuanced, periodized plan that leverages metabolic flexibility: The best choice is a performance-focused expert with a strong scientific background.
  • Top Choices: Tailored Coaching Method (led by Dr. Brandon Roberts, for a highly individualized science-first approach), Dr. Hunter Waldman, PhD (for academic consultation or advanced metabolic testing), or Christina Myers (for strength and physique athletes seeking an evidence-based coach).
• If your primary goal is weight loss using a structured, easy-to-follow low-carb plan: A specialized program or a dietitian with a focus on weight management is the most direct route.
  • Top Choices: The LetsLose “Clean 28” online program (for a highly structured, guided experience) or Sarah Westbrook Trefethen, MS, RD, LD (for personalized low-carb meal plans from a registered dietitian).
• If you want to obtain objective data on your current metabolic state (e.g., fat oxidation rate, VO2​max): The best resource is a university research lab.
  • Top Choice: The UAB Adaptive Human Performance Lab in Birmingham.
• If you are on a budget, prefer a local gym environment, and are willing to perform the necessary vetting: Approach the general wellness providers listed in Part V. It is crucial to go into the consultation with specific questions regarding their education, experience, and track record in coaching clients on low-carbohydrate or ketogenic protocols for athletic performance.

Ultimately, the most effective path for an individual with the advanced goals outlined in this query is to begin with a consultation from one of the top-tier specialists identified in Parts III and IV of this report. Their depth of knowledge and specific expertise will provide the most direct, safe, and effective route to achieving profound and lasting changes in health and performance.