DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Her name isn't listed in the Cincinnati Bengals' media guide, but Michele Macedonio is an important member of the team. As the club's dietitian since March 2003, Macedonio is the secret weapon behind player performance.

The native of Oyster Bay, N.Y., holds master's degrees from Case Western Reserve University in nutrition and health sciences education. Her title: nutrition consultant and sports dietitian for nutrition strategies.

In her words

"I work directly with strength coach Chip Morton to address all nutrition matters for the team. I consult on training-camp menus, airplane and hotel meals and advise management on ways we can provide the highest quality food in a comfortable, inviting environment."

"For a pro football player, depending on the position and individual, intakes can range from around 5,000 calories to over 10,000 calories a day. (Linebacker) Landon Johnson has a rigorous output — almost 1,800 calories just in exercise when he works for several hours."

"A high-performance diet is high in complex carbohydrates, moderate in protein and controlled in fat. A 'power diet' is filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, including breads, crackers and cereals, rice and pastas, moderate amounts of low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, plus modest amounts of heart-healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and vegetable oils."

"Rudi Johnson is awesome. He approached me in April and asked if I could help him. By September, Rudi trimmed his weight by 23 pounds and his body fat from 12.5 percent to 6.1 percent. He eats a variety of foods — chicken, fish, lean beef, potatoes, rice and pasta, as well as vegetables. He did not have desserts other than fruits."

"I've told Chad (Johnson), 'You have to be willing to make compromises and modifications.' You can grab nutritious food at McDonald's. You just have to do it carefully. Like a grilled chicken sandwich without mayonnaise, a glass of fat-free milk and a fruit cup."

"My goal is to be part of a world champion team. My strategy is to have players confident that I can help them improve their nutrition, which in turn will aid them in improving their performances and their overall health. The confidence part takes time — one player at a time."

"My mother's Italian pasta, meatballs, tomato sauce and salad. That's my favorite meal."