Why my nutrition sessions go beyond just the food on your plate.

There’s this moment that almost always pops up with my clients at some point or another in our 1:1 nutrition counseling sessions. “Oops, I am getting so sidetracked talking about my parents today. Sorry about that” my client exclaims. My reply is almost always something along the lines of “Well, actually you brought that up while we were talking about your relationship to food. That seems pretty relevant to me” (often paired with a little giggle).

I think there is a narrative that follows around most registered dietitians. It’s like someone taped on a piece of paper to our backs saying “food micromanager.” And I get it, because the roots of our field kind of display that. Create meal plans and give information about perfectly planned nutrition.

And so when we get “off track” (or as I would call it…peeling back a layer to their story), clients are often a little caught off guard.

As a registered dietitian, food is sooo important to me and something I of course prioritize when talking to my clients. And as a non-diet, weight-inclusive registered dietitian, I want to hear about all of the experiences that have lead to where you’re at in your food journey. It’s important for me to know about your relationship with food past and present, how you perceive yourself and how that impacts your food choices, what memories are tied to how you exist with food today, what relationships have impacted your body and nutrition/food, and so. much. more.

Those “random” (but not so random) stories are going to come up. And I’m going to encourage them. Because they matter. And my job is not to be the food micromanager, but to be the nutrition/food/body supporter in your life. I’m hear to provide the bowling lane bumpers on your food/body exploration.

All of this to say, share those stories, bring up those people, laugh/cry/get angry at those memories in sessions. As a non-diet, weight-inclusive RD, I’m here for it, I welcome it, and I’m proud of you for it.