Celebrating 10 Years!

Wow, can you believe it?

I am thrilled to be celebrating an incredible milestone this June…

Ten amazing years of providing nutrition counseling services at Be the Change Nutrition in North Kingstown, Rhode Island!

Ten years ago I took a leap of faith and started my private practice. After gaining experience working as a registered dietitian in a physical therapy rehab clinic, a cardiology office, as a virtual RD for FitDay, a nutrition writer for Livestrong and at a local nutrition private practice, I decided it was time to set out and do my own thing.  As I celebrate this ten year mark, I find myself reflecting on the lessons learned, all the wonderful people I’ve met and the growth I’ve experienced– both personally and professionally.

Over the past decade my passion for helping people lead healthier, happier lives has only grown stronger. It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to witness the transformative power of good nutrition firsthand, seeing my clients gain energy, confidence, self-awareness, improved health and a newfound love for nourishing their bodies.

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude– to my clients, my colleagues, my mentors, my family and everyone who has supported me along the way. Your trust, encouragement and dedication have made this adventure so meaningful.

Here are 10 powerful lessons I have learned from guiding others in their health journeys:

🫶 Self-compassion is key: People often come to me with the belief that they need to hate and criticize themselves into change– but I’ve seen that the most successful transformations happen when my clients give themselves grace and self-care instead of guilt, shame and self-loathing.

🪜 Small steps lead to big results: Change isn’t about drastic overhauls; it’s about sustainable shifts and consistency. Nutrition isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about progress, patience and building long-term, practical habits that feel good and support lasting well-being.

✨ Nutrition is not one size fits all: There is no one perfect way to eat. What works for one person may not suit another. Generic diets often fail because they don’t account for personal preferences, making individualized advice more practical and sustainable. Getting to know each client and providing them personalized nutrition is essential.

🍪 There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods: Any food can fit into a healthy diet. It’s all about creating balance, not restriction. Labeling foods as good/bad can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and eating. Focusing on moderation, variety and nourishment allows for a more positive approach to health. Overall dietary habits are what matter the most.

📝  Meal plans aren’t helpful: Everyone thinks they need one, but in reality, few actually stick to them. Clients need guidance, but not a strict diet plan. Instead, it’s more useful to help them build the knowledge and confidence to make flexible, independent choices about food, so they can customize their nutrition in a way that works for their lifestyle.

💪 Weight loss does not necessarily equal happier and healthier: The scale isn’t the ultimate measure of success. And with up to 70% of body weight being determined by genetics, there is only so much that is controllable. Dig deeper and ask WHY weight loss is a goal. Improved strength and stamina, restful sleep, better digestion, mood balance, increased energy, elevated self-esteem, optimized metabolic health markers and a commitment to self-care matter far more than any number on a scale.

🥰 Food should be nourishing, not punishing: Helping clients build a positive relationship with food has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. Food is more than just fuel; it also carries emotional, cultural and social significance that impacts eating habits. Connect with the body through trust, respect, kindness and honoring its cues. Food is meant to nourish, satisfy and bring pleasure, not be a source of fear, confusion or stress.

🤗 Behavior change is the real challenge: Knowledge isn’t usually the problem– people generally know that they should eat healthier. Working with clients to navigate emotional eating, unhelpful habits and motivation struggles is just as important as teaching them about macros and micronutrients.

🎯 A supportive partner is a game changer for success: Having the accountability of meeting regularly with a dietitian helps staying consistent with healthy changes far more achieveable. Instead of feeling stuck, clients gain practical solutions to overcome obstacles. Rather than having vague goals like ‘eat healthier,’ dietitians help set specific strategies that lead to measurable success.

💞 Health goes beyond diet: Health isn’t just about the food on your plate; it’s about how you feel, how you move, how you rest and how you show up for yourself.  Movement, stress management, sleep and mental wellness all play crucial roles in overall well-being. Nutrition is so much more than just ‘eat this, not that’– it’s about balance, mindset and creating a lifestyle that aligns with whatever your personal values may be. And it’s about finding joy in the process!

Here’s to the next decade of helping others embrace healthy living and become their happiest, healthiest selves!

Thank you for being a part of my life. ❤️