PxPixel
Rachel Baker, Author at GNC

GNC

Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off! SHOP NOW
Menu
Learn > Archives for Rachel Baker
Rachel Baker

Rachel Baker

MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

About the Author

Dedicated, enthusiastic, with an unwavering passion for health, wellness, and fueling sports performance. Rachel has profound understanding of the vital role proper nutrition plays in achieving optimal physical and mental well-being, Rachel's mission is to empower individuals to make informed nutrition choices that align with their personal goals.


Rachel received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from the University of Vermont. She went on to pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition at Boston University where she also completed her dietetic internship. Rachel has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist since 2007 and a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics since 2010.


A “runner” in high school, Rachel’s track career never amounted to much – mostly middle-distance races and gawking at the suggestion she run the mile. While living in Boston and watching the Boston Marathon, Rachel was inspired to start running again… and fell in love, with both long distance running and sports nutrition. This firsthand experience, learning how food and proper fueling impacts performance, changed the trajectory of her career. She went on to run and qualify for the Boston Marathon. Long distance running led to triathlon, which lead to long distance triathlon – Rachel completed her first 140.6 distance Ironman Triathlon in Louisville, KY in 2011.


She currently holds the position of Manager of Nutrition Content and Services at GNC Headquarters, where she’s responsible for all things nutrition content related. From researching ingredients, reviewing marketing assets, writing blog articles, developing recipes, and filming expert education. She’s able to use her creative juices to develop meaningful content, harnessing her sports nutrition knowledge, research expertise, and passion for wellness and exercise performance.


Rachel’s dietetics career began working at Harvard University’s School of Public Health researching popular diets for weight loss and the impact certain types and amounts of carbohydrates have on cardiovascular disease risk factors. After moving to Pittsburgh, she continued working in academia at the University of Pittsburgh leading weight loss interventions, followed by sports nutrition in the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory on its initiative supporting their Warrior Human Performance Program for the United States Special Operation Military Forces. She’s acted as a guest lecturer and taught college level nutrition courses.


Prior to joining GNC, Rachel spent three years as a Health Coach, counseling individuals on nutrition, weight management, physical activity, and managing stress. She served as the University of Pittsburgh’s first full-time sports dietitian, working with Pitt Panther student athletes, focusing on football and men’s and women’s basketball. And, spent over a decade providing nutrition coaching to age group and professional marathon runners and Ironman Triathletes. She’s held consulting roles for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gatorade Sports Science Institute, NBA G League, and the United State Olympic Committee.


While on hiatus from racing, Rachel still enjoys running (slowly) and riding her Peloton bike. She loves to read, especially for book club! On the weekends you’ll find her outdoors or in the kitchen, cooking, baking, and eating! She and her husband reside in Pittsburgh with their two young children who keep them busy with their endless activities.

Articles by Rachel Baker

The Future of Gut Health: Synbiotic & Postbiotic Supplements

Rachel Baker, MS, RD, LDN, explains what synbiotic & postbiotic supplements are, how pro and prebiotics are related, and how they can help support your gut and digestive health.

  • January 27, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Best Immune Supplements of 2025

    Rachel Baker MS, RD gives her picks for the best immune health support supplements! Find top picks for vitamins, minerals and herbs for immune, liver, and detox support.

  • March 19, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker
    • Man lifting gym plate above head, in gym, with woman.

    What is NMN – and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

    GNC's Rachel Baker, RD, LDN, a dietitian, explains what NMN supplements are, how NAD+ is related, and how they both can help support your immune health and fitness goals.

  • February 23, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Vegan Protein Coffee Upgrade – GHOST Cinnabon® Cold Foam Recipe

    Rachel Baker shares the cold brew version of her vegan protein coffee recipe, again using GHOST''s Vegan Protein - Cinnabon® protein powder! Try this cold brew version, with high protein and cinnamon flavors!

  • October 9, 2025
  • |
  • Rachel Baker
    • Tub of ghost vegan protein powder next to high protein coffee mug with foam.

    Vegan Cinnamon Bun Protein Latte Recipe

    Rachel Baker shares a vegan protein coffee latte recipe, using GHOST''s Vegan Protein - Cinnabon® protein powder! Try this fall inspired, high protein latte with cinnamon and spice!

  • March 17, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Pumpkin Spice Latte – Protein Edition Recipe

    Rachel Baker shares the coffee recipe for fall, the pumpkin spice latte! Try her spin on making this latte coffee high protein, economical, and tasty!

  • March 17, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Pumpkin Spice Protein Coffee Cold Foam Recipe

    Rachel Baker shares another protein coffee recipe for fall, the pumpkin spice cold foam protein coffee version! Try this spin on a high protein, economical, and tasty coffee!

  • March 17, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Protein Latte Total Lean Shake 25® Vanilla Recipe

    Rachel Baker makes a trending recipe for a protein latte vanilla flavored drink with GNC's Total Lean, Lean Shake 25! Make this popular protein latte drink at home!

  • March 17, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Protein Coffee Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe

    GNC's Rachel Baker shares her trending protein coffee recipe for a vanilla sweet cream cold foam coffee! Learn how to make this popular protein drink & fuel your fitness!

  • October 7, 2025
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Protein Coffee: Your Morning Workout Deserves An Upgrade

    GNC's Rachel Baker shares her take on the trending protein coffee! Find recipes and flavor inspiration, benefits, and how to make this high protein delight at home!

  • March 13, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Best Fall Flavored Workout Supplements of 2025

    Browse the best fall-flavored workout supplements of 2025! Shop pumpkin, caramel apple, cinnamon, and many more fall flavors for pre-workouts, protein, and snacks you'll love!

  • March 10, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Q&A With the Product Formulator – Beyond Raw LIT V2

    Rachel Baker MS, RD, CSSD, LDN and Tyler McGlasson MK, CISSN co-host a Q&A on the new LIT V2 Pre-workout product launch! Learn about the ingredient updates, new flavors and more!

  • September 26, 2025
  • |
  • Rachel Baker
    • Rachel Baker leaning over hydration supplements and drinks.

    Best Hydration and Electrolyte Supplements of 2025

    Discover the best hydration & electrolyte supplements of 2025, reviewed by GNC's sports dietitian Rachel Baker, MS, RD. Top picks for hydration drinks, tabs & bottles!

  • March 17, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Best Running Supplements for Marathon Training According to a Sports Dietitian

    GNC's Rachel Baker, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, a runner and marathoner, reviews the best running supplements, include the best protein supplement, best hydration, and more!

  • May 2, 2025
  • |
  • Rachel Baker
    • Rachel Baker reviewing top protein drinks, with drinks lined up on table.

    Best Protein Shakes of 2026 – Dietitian Reviewed

    Rachel Baker MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, gives her updated picks for the best protein shakes of 2026! Find top protein shakes for muscle building, taste, weight loss, and more!

  • March 30, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Meet The Registered Dietitians Behind Team GNC

    Meet GNC's team of dietitians behind our health recommendations! Learn what a registered dietitian is and how they differ from nutritionists.

  • March 17, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Best Perimenopause Supplements of 2025

    Explore Rachel's best perimenopause supplements of 2025 for hair, muscle, hormonal health, and more! Support your overall well-being during perimenopause!

  • March 19, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Best Holiday Flavored Workout Supplements of 2025

    Find GNC's updated best holiday flavored supplements of 2025. Shop peppermint pre-workouts, hot cocoa protein powders and Christmas tree cake flavored protein powder and bars!

  • November 19, 2025
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Best Greens Powders of 2024

    GNC's Rachel Baker reviews the best greens powder supplements of 2024. Rachel's picks include best tasting greens powder, best greens for gut health, and best new and trending!

  • March 12, 2026
  • |
  • Rachel Baker

    • Horchata: Protein Shake Recipe Edition

    GNC's Rachel Baker shares her tasty Horchata flavored protein shake recipe. Learn how to make this popular protein powder drink and fuel your fitness!

  • September 25, 2025
  • |
  • Rachel Baker