What RDs Do: Lori Gardiner, MS, RD, LDN

LORI GARDINER

PRIVATE PRACTICE IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, AUTHOR

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Dietitians bring their unique personality to the work that they do, but I continue to see trends like our focus on small steps, personalized advice, attainable goals and long-term change. Food and nutrition are of course only part of wellness and Lori reminds us of the importance of being active and getting enough rest. Like others, she takes the approach of losing the diet mentality. I totally relate to the unstructured day of being a work-at-home-mom. 

Why did you become a RD?

I became an R.D. because I was interested in nutrition and learned about the field once I was in college. I started out in occupational therapy and switched majors to nutrition.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I have worked in many different areas. My experience includes: clinical nutrition in a hospital setting (acute and long-term), research dietitian, instructor of anatomy and physiology, and nutrition at a community college, director of the nutrition dept. for a long-term hospital, director of a bariatrics program, magazine and newspaper contributor, private practice in weight management, and author.

How would you explain what you do? 

I presently do nutrition workshops, corporate wellness and "book talks". I also blog on my social media accounts. I do some weight management counseling by referral only. 

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

My weekly tasks include blogging for my website and facebook/twitter pages. It also may include writing an article for a local magazine that I contribute to once monthly. I also answer emails from previous clients regarding weight loss and weight maintenance issues. If I have any individual counseling sessions, I will do those. That is the part that I have really cut back on and I do not see anyone unless it is a follow up from a previous client or a new referral from someone that I know. 

I also do intermittent book talks for different events. I have one coming up for the oncology social workers on the pediatric floor at one of our local hospitals. I am also currently working on adding phone consultations to my website. So presently I am writing the promotional part of that. 

I am also in the process of becoming a provider for the Early Steps program. This involves completing the training modules for that, so I am completing the material and taking the exams. I work from home so my day is unorganized and I fit the work in when I can. Usually I squeeze it in between workouts and things I am doing to run the household. We still have two kids at home, one in college.

What has been your career path? 

I started as a clinical dietitian then became the director at that facility. While I was the director I worked in research, taught college and wrote magazine articles. After I had success with the bariatric program that I developed I started my own weight management practice.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a Master of Science in Nutrition and completed my internship at Texas Woman's University in Houston.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

In an ideal world, dietitians would continue to be looked at as the experts in nutrition and be reimbursed accordingly. I would like for there not to be so much information on the internet that is NOT backed up by proper research.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

The challenges that I face is that nutrition is a topic that is not treated as a true profession. I often feel that I am giving out free advice that people are not willing to pay for. I also feel that it is very hard to stick to a time limit when you are counseling someone at their home. Part of it is my fault because I get very involved and do not know where to cut it off. Sometimes passionate and empathetic to a fault.

What are you passionate about in dietetics? 

I am passionate about making changes in people's lives that are completely doable and specific to them. I truly believe everyone can lead a healthy lifestyle with the right tools. Any progress is good progress. I believe in baby steps that are real. 

What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

RDs are unique in that we are true experts in our field. We have the knowledge and the ability to teach people a way to live that is backed up by research and can work in their individual lives. 

What is your favourite meal? 

My favorite drink is coffee. Iced or hot. Yes, decaf is fine. I really just like the flavor. My favorite meal is sushi or grilled fish with a large side of fresh grilled veggies. My favorite foods are nut butter (any kind), eggs, Greek yogurt, dark chocolate and seafood. 

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

Find a healthy balance of the foods you eat, physical activity and adequate sleep. There is only one you, so do what works for you and what will work long-term. Consistency breeds results. Perfection breeds failure. When you make a mistake; own it, learn from it and move on. Change comes from discomfort.

More about Lori:

Website: Lori Gardiner
Facebook: Lori Gardiner
Twitter: @LoriGGardiner
Book: My Little Black Book For A Healthy NON-diet Lifestyle

Thanks Lori! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Gauri Junnarkar MS, RD, LD, CDE, LMT, BAMS

GAURI JUNNARKAR

AYURNUTRITION

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Many unique dietetic careers come from combined specialties. Like Sapna Punjabi-Gupta, Gauri's unique specialty involves her background in Ayurveda, but she also recently added massage therapy. With this background it is obvious that she takes a holistic approach when working with clients. She mentions two of my favourite terms, moderation and mindfulness, which fit so well with the evidence based consults dietitians offer. 

Why did you become a RD?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda which is a holistic health science that originated in India 5000 years ago. Spices, herbs and foods are an important aspect of Ayurveda. I love research, and was always intrigued by the amount of research done in modern nutrition. So I decided to get a Masters in Nutrition, become a Registered Licensed Dietitian (RD, LD) and combine the two modalities to offer an integrative approach to nutrition.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I am in private practice. I have an integrative nutrition practice called ‘Ayurnutrition’ in Dallas Fort Worth where I combine Ayurveda and Nutrition. I am also a Certified Diabetes Educator. I provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Diabetes Type 1, Type 2, Pre Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Weight Management, Renal and Heart Disease.

How would you explain what you do?

I am very passionate about Ayurveda and Nutrition. I got my Massage Therapy license last year and also have started offering Ayurvedic Massage and Ayurvedic Bodywork therapies. In practice I combine all three modalities and offer an integrative wellness approach to health.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

A typical day starts with getting to my office by 9 am. Next I log into the schedule to look at the appointments for the day. I take out the client files in order of appointments. Next I make arrangements to be ready for the client. If the client is coming for a combo session which includes consult and massage therapy, then I make sure I have everything ready for the consult and massage therapy session. A typical day may have 5-6 consults and combo sessions. In between sessions I finish documentation for the sessions. Lunch is usually between 12-1 pm. Depending upon the time and the next session I answer client emails and phone calls. I also take mini stretch breaks in between sessions. After my last session, I make appointment reminder calls for the next day and head home by 6-6:30 pm. So the typical days is busy, but as long as I am organized and on top of things it goes pretty smoothly.

What has been your career path?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda (BAMS) from the University of Mumbai. After coming to the United States I did a Masters in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. I did my clinical internship, passed the RD National Board exam and became a Registered/Licensed Dietitian. I worked in-patient for some time and then worked in Outpatient Diabetes Centers for a number of years. I got advanced certification as a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). I love to teach and have been teaching Undergraduate Nutrition at Tarrant County College as an Adjunct Professor. I also completed a 500+ hour Massage therapy course and got a Massage Therapy License.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda (BAMS) from the University of Mumbai. I have a Masters in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. I got advanced certification as a CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator). I also completed a 500+ hour Massage therapy course and got a Massage Therapy License.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

I see a lot of growth for the industry. I feel with the growing interest in holistic nutrition and Nutrigenomics. I feel that these two fields will become more prominent.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

‘A dietitian will take all my favorite foods away’. A dietitian on the contrary is an expert Nutrition and Healthcare professional who will work with and educate the client on making better food choices.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

RD’s are expert Nutrition Professionals who have undergone a lot of training to become a Registered Dietitian. So if you have any nutrition or food related questions, RD’s are the best health care professional to seek advice from.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

I am passionate about an Integrative approach to Dietetics.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is a Lentil Quinoa Khichari (casserole) with green beans sautéed in olive oil and cumin.

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

Mindful eating and everything in moderation.

More about Gauri:

Website: AyurNutrition
Facebook:  Ayurnutrition: Balance Nourish Rejuvenate
Google Plus: Ayurnutrition
Yelp: Ayurnutrition
LinkedIn: Ayurnutrition
Pinterest: Ayurnutrition
Instagram: ayurnutrition
Twitter: @gaurijunnar

Thanks Gauri! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Ellen Albertson, PhD, RDN, CD

DR. ELLEN ALBERTSON

PSYCHOLOGIST, NUTRITIONIST, WELLCOACH &

MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION TEACHER

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I reached out to Ellen on the advice of interviewee Jean Caton as she had recently featured her on her podcast. It was so great to hear about a dietitian/psychologist and learn all the amazing things she's done on the path to her current career. She has a unique niche looking at women's wellness and how we treat ourselves, not just the food we eat.

Why did you become a RD?

I was looking for a change in career direction and had always been interested in nutrition and love working with people to help them live healthier lives.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Coaching/counseling, speaking and writing in a variety of areas including: weight management, diabetes and women’s health. I also specialize in helping women make peace with their bodies and food.

How would you explain what you do?

I take a holistic—body, mind, heart & spirit—approach to empower people to optimize their health & wellbeing. I help women achieve health, happiness and balance so they can reach their full potential quickly & effectively without stress.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

Social media (writing and posting), public speaking, counseling/coaching, networking and podcasting.

What has been your career path?

• Clinical dietitian (inpatient and outpatient)

• Nutrition/health journalist (I’ve writen for numerous publications including Self, Good Housekeeping & Better Homes & Gardens)

• Celebrity Chef - I was half of The Cooking Couple™ with my husband. We had a nationally syndicated radio show, wrote books and did product endorsements.

• Master Personal Fitness Trainer

• Online nutrition expert for Rodale (Men’s Health, Women’s Health & the Abs Diet)

• Wellness Coach (current)

• Writer/Podcaster (current) -just released my 4th book (The Diabetic & The Dietitian) and starting a podcast called, Wellcouples.

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

I have a PhD in psychology, Certified Wellcoach®, Reiki Master, Mindful Self-compassion Teacher, Training in Intuitive and mindful eating and diabetes management, Certification in Adult Weight Loss Management, previous certs as personal fitness trainer.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

Focusing on making healthy eating fun, easy, accessible & affordable. Improving the food supply. NO more dieting instead using mindful or intuitive eating. Acceptance of a variety of healthy body sizes especially for women.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

We’re not the food police. We can be flexible and work with you to create a healthier lifestyle

What would you like people to know about RDs?

Many of us are foodies and love eating.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

Respect from doctors. Moving clients who are stuck into action.

What do people think that you do for a living?

Help people lose weight.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Helping women heal their issues around negative body image and dysfunctional eating. Ending dieting. Introducing RDs and other health practitioners to self-compassion as a motivational tool.

What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

Solid, evidence based education. Our diversity. We do so many different things.

What is your favourite meal?

My husband’s barbecue!

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

Stop beating your body up because it’s not “perfect.” Replace the self-loathing with self-love/self-compassion. It’s much more effective. There are a wide variety of ways to live and eat to be healthy!

Anything else you’d like to add that you feel would be valuable:

I’ve been an RD for 23 years and love it as a career. I continue to evolve and grow in terms of how I help people.

More about Ellen:

Twitter: @eralbertson
Facebook: Dr Ellen Albertson
LinkedIn: Ellen Albertson, PhD, RD, CD
Website: Dr Ellen - Empowering Women at Midlife
Website: SmashYourScale.com

Thanks Ellen! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Joanne Gordon, RDN, LDN, CLT

JOANNE GORDON

CLINICAL & CONSULTING DIETITIAN,

HEALTH COACH

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Joanne wears a variety of related hats in her career and has started to take more of a holistic approach to wellness in her practice. Nutrition and dietitians are only a piece of the puzzle and coaches can offer support in other areas. Whether she's working with her colleagues or a client/patient, Joanne is working with others to achieve goals.

Why did you become a RD? 

I have always had a passion for nutrition and health and was always interested in the relationship between food, the functions of the body and disease. A fun afternoon for me is perusing the local health food stores and farmers markets!

What area of dietetics do you work in? 

I work in clinical as a per-diem dietitian. I work as a consultant dietitian with an integrative medical practice and I have a health coach/private practice business.

How would you explain what you do? 

As a clinical dietitian, I provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for patients at a local hospital. I review patient charts and assess patients' nutritional needs, develop and implement nutrition intervention and evaluate and document according to their nutrition risk. Diet education is also provided to the patients.

In the medical practice, I work one on one with patients and provide appropriate medical nutrition therapy based on their diagnosis/s. I work closely with the doctor to provide adequate and appropriate care for the patients. I personalize all care plans based on patient’s nutritional needs.

In my coaching/private practice, I also provide nutrition therapy based on their health history and diagnosis. I also work with the client to help them achieve lifestyle and health goals. I take a whole-body or “holistic”, approach to wellness. We discuss shopping, pantry and meal planning based on their needs. I am a certified LEAP therapist who specializes in food sensitivities. If a client comes to me with potential sensitivities, I offer this service.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

I spend time gaining an understanding of the patient’s current status and health/nutrition history. I review patient medical history, labs, etc. I sit in at meetings or “rounds” to discuss patient’s progress and intervention, provide medical nutrition therapy, monitor patient’s progress, review and discuss meal plans, problem solve, document, educate, design handouts and implement nutritional programs.

What has been your career path? 

I have been working more toward the holistic path over the years. I’ve taken programs to improve my knowledge and credentials. I expect to offer more health coaching services to help people “holistically” improve their lives with the consideration of total wellness; sleep, stress, food, fitness, etc. I believe that nutrition is the foundation to wellness, but if the other pieces are neglected, the body cannot be at its optimal state of health.

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

A certified LEAP Therapist and Holistic Health Coach. I am currently enrolled in the ACE health coaching certificate too.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now? 

More coaching and nutrition being offered at all medical practices. More coverage for nutrition services. It will be recognized as a necessary component of health care.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up? 

We don’t work in the kitchen and are not responsible for food service issues. We are well educated and do more than put people on diets.

What would you like people to know about RDs? 

That we are the nutrition professionals and there is a very big difference between an RD and nutritionist.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD? 

Respect for our knowledge and expertise. Lower paid salaries.

What do people think that you do for a living? 

Monitor food trays at the hospital. Review patient meal plans.

What are you passionate about in dietetics? 

Food's relationship to our health.

What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

We are qualified by having a 4 year degree or higher and have taken a national exam which we have to maintain through continuing education.

What is your favorite meal? 

I truly “practice what I preach” and eat very healthy, but one of my favorite meals is Pad Thai with shrimp. I am also pretty easy to please and enjoy a simple salad with grilled veggies topped with grilled chicken with a balsamic vinaigrette. My favorite snack is homemade popcorn that I pop on the stove.

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet or the advice a friend gave you. Seek out the professional in food and nutrition. Eat a lot of vegetables (they really are good for you) and stay hydrated with purified water. People underestimate the importance of hydration!

More about Joanne:

Website: Your Personal Nutritionist
Twitter: @JoanneGordonRD
Pinterest: Joanne Gordon, RDN, CLT
Faebook: Joanne Gordon, Your Personal Nutritionist

Thanks Joanne! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!

What RDs Do: Christina Moreno, MS, RD, LD

CHRISTINA MORENO

EATING DISORDER DIETITIAN

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Christina reached out after seeing the interview series on Linkedin. Like other interviewees, she also works in a challenging/rewarding areas of dietetics - eating disorders. This is definitely a specialized area and her background makes her a great fit. I can relate to what she finds fun in her career and am always happy when my forward thinking question makes a dietitian dig deep and really think.

Why did you become a RD? 

Growing up as a classically trained dancer, I quickly caught on to what foods helped me perform at my best and kept me fuelled through long rehearsals! Secondly, as I spent most of my days in form fitting clothes and in front of a mirror, talks of food and body image were all the rage. My desire to help others, interest in science, and love of food steered me into the field of dietetics after transferring out of my early university studies in theatre and dance.

What area of dietetics do you work in? 

Broadly speaking, I am an eating disorder dietitian. But of course this overlaps with performance nutrition, weight management, medical nutrition therapy, etc.

How would you explain what you do? 

I often like to describe myself as a “nutrition counselor/therapist” or as I tell my dietetic interns, a dietitian + a wannabe therapist. (Shout out to the actual therapists who I could not do my job without!) I strive to help my clients navigate the ups and downs of their eating disorders and find a sustainable and individualized nutrition plan that will allow them to achieve optimal health and stability. This typically includes a lot of experimenting, challenging food rules or disordered thoughts, and ditching the scale.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

Every day for me is different in terms of schedule and number of clients, but is relatively stable from week to week. Most days I see 5 or more individual clients, lead 1 supported meal group, have 1-2 meetings, and spend time charting, menu planning, and collaborating with my coworkers/outside health care providers. I also lead biweekly nutrition education groups and co-lead a binge eating disorder support group. I also get to schedule fun stuff in between like grocery store tours, food exposures, and consulting/educating dance teams on the importance of nutrition!

What has been your career path? 

I received my B.S. in Dietetics from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘Em) in 2010. I then took a gap year between graduation and starting my dietetic internship (also at UT). During that time, I worked as a Dietetic Technician at a local hospital and interned at the Fitness Institute of Texas. Upon becoming an RD, I went straight into the field of eating disorders, working at both the PHP (partial hospitalization program) and IOP (intensive outpatient program) levels of care at McCallum Place Eating Disorder Treatment Center. I have been in the field ever since and currently work at the IOP level with Ascend Consultation in Health Care.

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

I recently completed my M.S. in Applied Nutrition with a concentration in Sport/Fitness Nutrition through Northeastern University and plan to pursue the CSSD (board certified specialist in sports dietetics) credential next! I am also privileged to be leading osteogenic loading sessions and help people rebuild bone mass with cutting edge technology.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now? 

Wow! That’s difficult to say as our field is always evolving. I hope that RD’s are more frequently consulted to help educate the public and prevent disease versus manage an existing condition. This means being regarded as the “go-to” nutrition professionals, being covered by insurance companies, and being included as part of a comprehensive treatment team early on. I would also hope that there is a larger presence of dietitians that are comfortable and competent in treating eating disorders as the cases continue to rise and are seen at younger ages. Food-wise, I hope we are able to increase healthful food availability to those with limited food access due to location, financial restrictions, etc.

What do people think that you do for a living? 

I’m pretty sure most people who are not familiar with our profession think I, A) work in a cafeteria B) tell people what to eat and what to avoid (food police, anyone?). It gets old, but I suppose it’s a great opportunity to educate people about how amazing and versatile RD’s are!

What are you passionate about in dietetics? 

I am most passionate about helping people feel their best with healthful, fun, and balanced food and physical activity choices. I find special interest in working with athletes and performance artists.

More about Christina:

Instagram: @ChristinaFigRD
Twitter: CMoDancingRD
Pinterest: CMoDancingRD
LinkedIn: Christina Moreno, MS, RD, LDN
Email: christinafig.rd@gmail.com

Thanks Christina! Find out more about What RDsDo.

If you're a dietitian that would like to be featured, email me for the details!