Holley Samuel, MEd, RD, CSSD, CPT
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Holley Samuel, RD, CSSD, CPT | Fueled > Restricted
My name is Holley Samuel and I am the founder and owner of Holley Fueled Nutrition. I am a board certified sports dietitian, certified personal trainer, and overall wellness enthusiast. I grew up as a physically active individual who competed horses and had a passion for learning about how the body worked. Fueling people to perform at their highest level in sport and in life is my passion.
Growing up, I did not have a good understanding about how nutrition affected my overall health and ability to perform, and was overall confused by all of the misinformation out there. One of the many reasons that I became a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer is that I have a passion for learning about how to fuel and train the body to achieve its optimal potential. At first I wanted to pursue those credentials to benefit my own health and training, but now using that knowledge to help others is my bread and butter!
After a period of time in high school and college where I did not fuel my body properly- and oftentimes, under-fueled it and asked too much of it in return - I finally said “enough is enough” and “cya” to diet culture. I help guide my clients to make peace with food while finding movement that enriches their lives so that they can reach their health and wellness goals. I believe that kale is just as important to the diet as chocolate chip cookies (my favorite food), and that sleeping in on the weekends is just as thrilling as completing a marathon.
I enjoy running, hiking, swimming, stand up paddle boarding, yoga, and pretty much anything outdoors as a part of my lifestyle. I have also read the entire Harry Potter series at least 6 times or more, have an obsession with iced coffee, and declare peanut butter as my favorite food group. I live in New Hampshire with my family.
“I have experienced what it’s like to not fuel properly, had a problematic relationship with food & body image, and wanted so badly deep down to get better so I can train, perform, and live to my fullest potential.
These experiences allow me to have a deeper understanding of the nuance of nutrition, body image, and training and also have empathy when working with like-minded individuals in the athletic space. I strive to create a safe space for you to unlearn damaging misinformation and implement the information and use the tools we discuss together so you can grow and break free from a restrictive mindset.
Fueled > restricted.”
SPECIALTIES: Holley Samuel is a sports dietitian & personal trainer at Holley Fueled Nutrition. She helps runners learn to fuel their bodies to reach their health and performance goals without restriction. As an eating disorder informed dietitian, she helps runners improve their relationships with food, incorporate a healthier mindset around body image, and navigate a world where dieting is unfortunately the norm holding athletes back from reaching their fullest potential.
LOCATIONS: Holley Samuel sees clients virtually/online.
FEES: Self-pay.
Have you ever experienced a sense of awe or wonder during an adventure? If so, can you describe it?
Yes, there is nothing like being on a mountain peak to make you feel small on this world. The world is beautiful!
What aspect of your adventure experience brings you the most pride?
My ability to have a strong mindset so I can complete most goals. I set my mind to even if the plan to get there has to change.
What motivates you to keep exploring and seeking new adventures?
It is incredibly motivating, especially now that I have a so,n to allow him to see the beauty and wonder the world has to offer.
Can you recall a time when an adventure brought you closer to someone else?
They bring me closer to my husband all the time! We also have been brought closer to various friends we’ve brought along with us. The best is when you watch your friends from different friend groups become closer.
What's the most challenging aspect of planning an adventure for you?
Making sure we have packed enough fuel and know where we’re going.
What sparked your love for adventure?
I have always enjoyed being outside. I grew up working on horse farms and feel most alive and at peace when I am outside.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for adventures?
I like for my typical training schedule to support my ability to say “yes” to most adventures whenever they come up! I always make sure my fuel and hydration are practiced and packed too and check the weather.
What lessons have you gleaned from adventures have you been able to apply to your personal and professional life otherwise?
Stay present, be aware of your surroundings, be self-sufficient.
How do you define your comfort zone, and how do you challenge it?
My comfort zone is usually single day group adventures. Occasionally, I will challenge it by signing up for solo adventures or multi day events.
Do you have a bucket list of adventures? If so, what's at the top?
I would love to run the Leadville Marathon, the Mount Washington road race, race the Cog, the Jungfrau marathon in Switzerland, do rim to rim in the Grand Canyon, and just generally do more hiking and trail running in Colorado.
What role does nature play in your life?
It plays a huge role! I feel best when I get outside daily, even if the weather is not ideal.
How do you navigate setbacks or challenges during your adventures?
I try to always stay calm, stay present, and explore my options with a well-fueled mind.
Do you have any rituals or traditions before or after your adventures?
Yes, I love extra cheddar goldfish, gummy candy, and Gatorade. I also love making sure I touch any button landmark on the peak of the mountain I’ve summited so it “counts.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start embracing adventure in their life?
Approach this with an open mind, fuel your body, and pace yourself.
How do you incorporate mindfulness or reflection into your adventures?
Having a sound mind helps almost as much, if not more than being fit during races and hard efforts. I always try to show appreciation for my body before, during, and after and remind myself that I do this for fun!
How do you see your adventurous spirit evolving in the future?
I think I will have to navigate bringing a small child with me and scaling adventures down a bit while my son is little & make longer solo adventures a priority too.
