Name: Lisa McDowell
Job title: Director of sports nutrition
Education: MS, RDN, CSSD, DipACLM, ISAK, METS (MSU Alum)
Years of hockey experience (Include on- and off-ice hockey-related experience):12 years with the Detroit Red Wings, first full-time RD in the NHL
Describe your job in 2-3 sentences:I'm just one member of the team behind our team that helps make it easier for our players to have the resources they need to hardwire their excellent habits and routines for optimal performance. Specifically, I develop and implement individualized performance-based nutrition, hydration, sleep, and recovery plans. I also provide help with biomarker optimization, wearable technology, injury recovery nutrition and supplement protocols, and micro-nutrient dense meal plans for all training tables at home and on the road.
What motivates you to keep pushing and be successful?
I feel tremendous satisfaction when I am able to help improve the health and performance of those I serve. We can prevent, treat and even reverse so many diseases with lifestyle habits. My passion stems from seeing these tactics in action, as I applied everything I knew to help my own father fight pancreatic cancer. I am proud to say he just celebrated his 25-year anniversary of surviving his horrible prognosis and we even ran the Disney marathon together.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?
Besides being a mom to two great kids, I am proud of how my work can bring healing food to communities. I helped start the nation's first 25-acre organic farm on my hospital's campus and this food nourishes underserved families, hospitalized patients, healthcare professionals and even our NHL athletes. I love how we can apply the same mindset that we use for our athletes to help everyone be their best self.
Describe a moment where you proudly thought to yourself, "I can't believe this is my job!"
I feel this way daily and have so much gratitude for the opportunity to be a woman working in the NHL. For me, making my parents proud on opening night when our team is introduced and I am included, is that moment. The greatest part of my job is the privilege of helping those who ask. I've consulted with the pros, Olympics, Grammy and Oscar winners and have been invited to witness so many magical moments that I will never forget. Win or lose, these memories are indelible.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
Morning
What's your favorite book?
"The Little Prince"
What's your favorite movie or TV show?
"Ratatouille"
Do you have any hidden talents (if yes, what)?
Bananagrams aficionado and culinary genomic expert
