NSCA-CPT Nutrition and Weight Management 3

Question 1

What is the glycemic index (GI), and why is it relevant to a personal trainer's nutrition guidance?

Accepted Answer

A ranking of carbohydrate foods based on their effect on blood glucose; helps time carb intake around training

Answer

The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates by how quickly they raise blood glucose; trainers use this to recommend higher-GI carbs post-workout and lower-GI carbs for sustained energy.

Question 2

What is the scope of practice for an NSCA-CPT regarding nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Provide general evidence-based nutrition information and refer to RDs for clinical advice

Answer

NSCA-CPTs may share general evidence-based nutrition information but must refer clients with clinical nutrition needs to registered dietitians (RDs).

Question 3

Which post-exercise recovery strategy BEST restores muscle glycogen and initiates protein synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate and protein combined meal/snack within 30–60 minutes

Answer

Consuming a combination of carbohydrates and protein within 30–60 minutes post-exercise maximizes glycogen resynthesis and stimulates muscle protein synthesis.

Question 4

A client following a very-low-calorie diet (<800 kcal/day) is most at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Lean muscle mass loss and nutrient deficiencies

Answer

Very-low-calorie diets increase the risk of lean muscle mass catabolism, essential nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic adaptation.

Question 5

What is the thermic effect of food (TEF), and which macronutrient has the highest TEF?

Accepted Answer

Energy required to digest and metabolize food; protein has the highest TEF (~20–30%)

Answer

TEF is the energy cost of digesting, absorbing, and metabolizing food; protein has the highest TEF at approximately 20–30% of its caloric value.

NSCA-CPT Exam Practice Test

NSCA-CPT Exam Practice Test

NSCA-CPT Nutrition and Weight Management 3