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Running an Aligned Business: Finding Your Path
KIMBERLY MARSH
MS, RDN, LD MAGAZINE EDITOR
As dietitians, we are trained in evidencedbased practice and care We know how to read research, to interpret data, and then to apply that to our practice But many decisions about running a business as a dietitian don’t have evidence-based guidelines We can see what works for other entrepreneurs or ask clients/ stakeholders what would work for them
But at the end of the day, each of our paths will be different And you have to find what works for you in order for your business to be both financially and personally successful and sustainable
Most of us start our businesses with a plan, a vision, and some goals But when we are in the trenches working in our business, we can lose sight of that plan That is okay, for a while You need to get in, get the work done, and start building your business
But it is also important to take time to take a step back and work on our business and how we are doing with that plan, vision, and goals Sometimes we have gone in a different direction, so that our previous plan doesn’t apply But is the new direction aligned with what we want from our business?
I recently had to do this with my business When I started my business, I did not have good boundaries on when I could see clients I wanted to be flexible so I didn’t lose any potential clients due to strict schedules or practice policies But seeing clients at all hours created a level of stress that wasn’t sustainable I realized that a core value for me is being available for my children The lack of boundaries and stress were making it difficult for me to live that core value So I had to update my practice policies and set clear practice hours Even if they didn't work for everyone, they needed to work for me
As dietitians, we like to gather data That includes seeing what other entrepreneurs are doing and seeing if it’ll work for us It is great to learn from other dietitians; no reason to re-create the wheel, right?
Like many dietitians, I have signed up with business coaches in the past One of these coaches encouraged a certain method of running and promoting your practice Many people had success with these methods While I learned many
other things that were valuable from this coach, this specific advice just wasn’t my style I felt inauthentic when talking this way with prospective and current clients
As I’ve tailored my approach to my own personality, I’ve found more confidence and personal satisfaction in my business
As we grow in our business, it is important to not let these “value check” sessions discourage us� Even when we get off track from our values, we learn valuable lessons that can help us in the long run There are things you have to learn by doing
As we go into the last quarter of this year, I encourage you to set aside 15 minutes to consider a few things
y What role do I want my business to play in my life?
y How do I want to feel about my business?
y How do I want my clients/ stakeholders to feel about my business?
y What are my priorities in my personal life? In my business? Do these align?
y What changes do I want to make now or in the future to make these align?
I invite you to journal, create a vision board, make lists, or any other brainstorming techniques that work for you Allow yourself freedom to dream and have an open mind This work will help you as you go forward in your business
Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD, is a private practice owner and consultant in senior living
She loves to be outdoors, just not camping When not serving as chauffeur in chief for her 4 young kids or cheering at their sports games, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, and in general appreciating our beautiful world Luckily, her home in Colorado affords ample opportunities for these activities
Using the Enneagram to Understand Yourself and Grow in Dietetics Practice
JESSICA BEARDSLEY MS, RD, LDN CHAIR
As we grow and develop, much of life is about exploring the world around us and discovering who we are Confidence doesn’t always come easily at first, but over time, as we uncover our gifts, passions, and values, we begin to step more fully into ourselves The Enneagram, a personality framework with nine types rooted in ancient traditions and modern psychology, has been one tool that supports this journey of self-discovery Unlike other frameworks, it’s less about putting people in boxes and more about noticing patterns, motivations, and areas for growth I’ve found it especially helpful in understanding how I relate to others, highlighting my natural strengths, and recognizing the different ways people are motivated—all of which deepens selfawareness and strengthens connection with clients, colleagues, and ourselves Here is a brief summary of the nine types:
1 The Reformer: Values integrity and improvement; may thrive in structured practice systems but risks self-criticism. Fears being evil or corrupt.
2 The Helper: Values connection and service; strong client rapport but may overextend themselves. Fears being unlovable or unwanted by others.
3 The Achiever: Values success and efficiency; goal-oriented in practice but may neglect self-care. Fears being unaccomplished or worthless.
4 The Individualist: Values authenticity and meaning; brings creativity to practice but may feel misunderstood. Fears lacking a unique, significant identity.
5 The Investigator: Values knowledge and competence; excellent with research and evidence-based care but may struggle with client-facing energy demands. Fears being helpless and incapable.
6 The Loyalist: Values security and trust; strong team players but may overthink or worry about outcomes. Fears being without support or guidance.
7 The Enthusiast: Values freedom and joy; great at inspiring clients but may avoid discomfort or difficult conversations. Fears deprivation, missing out, pain.
8 The Challenger: Values strength and justice; natural leaders and advocates, but may come across as intense. Fears being harmed or controlled by others
9 The Peacemaker: Values harmony and inclusivity; calm, grounding presence, but may avoid conflict or hard decisions. Fears loss of connection to others; conflict.
It’s completely normal to see yourself in many of the Enneagram types We’re fully human, and each of us carries aspects of all nine Still, most people have one primary type with a neighboring “wing” that adds nuance to how it shows up If you’re curious to learn more, I invite you to take a free Enneagram test online, and spend some time reading about your type You may find it sparks fresh insights into your strengths, challenges, and the values that guide your work and life
As an Enneagram Three with a Four-wing, I’ve learned a lot about how my type shows up in my work and life When I started my business in 2020, it was because I wanted the freedom to practice in a way that actually fit my values, instead of following the methods at my old clinic that didn’t feel right to me
My “Three” drive for efficiency has definitely helped I love building systems that make things run more smoothly and coming up with practical strategies that make meal planning and prepping easier for my clients
But the “Four” side of me brings in creativity and individuality, which shows up in the way I design resources or how much I care about making sure clients feel truly seen and understood Of course, there’s a flip side too I really want to be seen as smart, helpful, and accomplished, which means it’s not always easy to admit when I don’t know something or can’t fix a problem right away The more I’ve noticed that, though, the more I’ve learned that leaning into authenticity and just being present—rather than trying to look polished—often helps me connect better and actually be more effective
Ultimately, knowing yourself through the Enneagram—your passions, fears, and core motivations—can help you grow both personally and professionally This kind of self-awareness not only deepens your confidence but also helps you attune more thoughtfully to your clients It’s a reminder that not everyone is driven by the same values or motivations that we are, and by recognizing those differences, we can better meet people where they are and support them in ways that truly resonate The beauty of the Enneagram is that it encourages us to lean into our own strengths and gifts, rather than trying to look or lead like everyone else
I encourage you to explore your Enneagram type this month and notice how your unique strengths can shape the way you show up in your work and with your clients
PS: I recommend this book for a great introduction to Enneagram types: The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN, is a weightinclusive nutrition counselor with a private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina She loves to peruse cookbooks but rarely follows a recipe Jessica is passionate about helping clients live their best life with intuitive eating When Jessica is not cooking food or talking about it, you’ll find her running, climbing rocks or dancing in the kitchen with her kids
Standing Out by Showing Up: The Power of Presence Over Perfection
JESSICA CORWIN MPH, RDN INCOMING DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
In a world where visibility often feels synonymous with perfection—flawless reels, polished branding, high production value— it’s easy to believe we need to “perform” our presence to be taken seriously But what if the key to standing out isn’t more polish, but more alignment?
As a Registered Dietitian and menopause coach, I’ve learned that the most powerful connections don’t come from slick graphics or rehearsed scripts They come from real, imperfect, human moments—especially when they’re grounded in our values
For a long time, I avoided being on camera or even attending big events Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because anxiety told me I’d fumble That people would judge That I wasn’t polished enough to be seen
Some of this stemmed from postpartum anxiety—when simply showing up felt like a massive undertaking And some of it has crept in again with perimenopause, when the emotional terrain is shifting all over again But with time, practice, and plenty of deep breaths, I’ve realized something important: the events (or videos, or interviews) I was so afraid of are never as scary in real life as they are in my head In fact, they’re often the most energizing, affirming, and joy-filled moments of my work
That’s the power of presence Not perfection Not performance Just showing up as yourself, anchored in what matters most
1. START WITH YOUR VALUES
Presence without alignment is just noise When you root your work in your core values—whether that’s compassion, science-backed education, or authentic connection—you give people a reason to trust you You create safety and resonance
For me, that looks like translating evidence into sustainable strategies It means meeting women in midlife with honesty, humor, and empathy It means making space for the messy middle
2. MAKE PEACE WITH IMPERFECT VISIBILITY
Visibility isn’t all-or-nothing It’s a practice A story you share even when your hair’s not done A workshop you host even if your slides aren’t “fancy” A video you post even when your voice shakes a little Each time I’ve leaned into these imperfect moments, I’ve walked away more connected, more energized, and more grounded in my mission And that ripple effect is real
3. TUNE IN BEFORE YOU TURN UP
Before I post or speak or pitch, I check in: Is this aligned with my values? What about my “why”? Is it helpful? Does it sound like me? What does my gut tell me? That filter helps quiet the noise and shift from reactive content creation to intentional impact. Truly, I can be feeling so afraid, yet when I return to my WHY and remind myself that I am only here to serve, I feel this relief wash over me I’ve learned that showing up from this place builds trust—and trust is what leads to lasting relationships, referrals, and real transformation
If you’re feeling the pressure to perform your expertise instead of living it, I invite you to step back into alignment To let your values speak louder than your insecurities To know that presence is a gift—and the more honest it is, the more it resonates
Anxiety may still whisper, but courage speaks louder when it’s rooted in purpose
So show up You never know who needs to see the real you today
Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, CHWC With 20 years of experience spanning public health, culinary nutrition, group coaching, writing, and editing, Jessica has worn more hats than a dietitian at a food expo These days, she’s diving deep into women’s health, helping midlife women navigate hormones, hot flashes, and everything in between When she’s not talking fiber and phytoestrogens, you’ll find her chasing joy (and her three kids) along the shores of Lake Michigan, sidekick boxer dog and husband in tow—iced coffee in one hand, sunscreen in the other
Clinical Supervision for Dietitian Entrepreneurs: The Missing Ingredient for Professional Growth & Profitability
HEATHER RUDALAVAGE
RDN, LDN
CERTIFIED BODY TRUST
SPECIALIST
& CERTIFIED INTUITIVE EATING PRO
As dietitians, we’re trained to analyze lab results, plan nutrient-dense meals, and support patients in improving health outcomes, but many of us step into private practice without the ongoing mentorship that other healthcare professionals take for granted
In therapy and counseling professions, clinical supervision is a cornerstone of professional development For dietitians, especially those in outpatient and entrepreneurial settings, it’s far less common and almost never required I think we need to change that!
What is Clinical Supervision?
Clinical supervision is a structured, collaborative process in which a more experienced practitioner supports and guides another in a clinical practice Think of it as a mentor, coach, colleague, and sounding board all rolled into one Unlike a course or conference that teaches general concepts, supervision is personalized and case-specific It’s where you bring your toughest client situations, your marketing questions, and even your self-doubt - and leave with clarity, strategies, and confidence
Why Dietitians Need Supervision, Especially in Private Practice
We graduate with strong nutrition-science skills, but many of us have less training in:
y Motivational interviewing – How do you actually help clients move toward behavior change?
y Weight-inclusive care – How to stay true to your values and honor a client's lived experience when weight loss is a person’s main goal
y Trauma-informed care – Knowing where nutrition counseling ends and therapy begins
y Body image work – Navigating discomfort for both client and practitioner
y Retention-focused counseling skills – Asking the deeper questions that keep clients coming back
y Culturally inclusive care- Providing nutrition advice that recognizes and respects unique cultural backgrounds, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach
Without mentorship in these areas, client sessions can feel awkward or incomplete, leading to poorer outcomes, shorter client relationships, and, ultimately, reduced revenue Worse, the constant emotional load can result in burnout, a major reason many dietitians leave the field
The Business Case for Clinical Supervision Supervision isn’t just professional development; it’s a ROI-positive business strategy Here’s how it can directly support your bottom line:
1 Better Client Outcomes = Better Retention
Clients who feel heard, supported, and understood are more likely to keep coming, refer friends, and invest in additional services or packages
2 Increased Confidence = Premium Pricing
When you’re confident in navigating tough conversations — from body-image grief to complex medical needs — you stop undercharging out of fear Confident practitioners can charge rates that reflect their expertise
3 Clear Marketing & Messaging = More Leads Supervision helps refine your mission and niche, which feeds into bolder, more targeted marketing That means attracting ideal clients who are ready to invest
4 Reduced Burnout = Sustainable Income Emotional exhaustion leads to taking fewer clients or closing your doors Supervision is a space to process, recharge, and stay energized, keeping your practice profitable year after year
5 Skill Expansion = New Revenue Streams
As you master counseling techniques, body image work, or weight-inclusive approaches, you can create specialized programs, workshops, or group coaching, which can open new income opportunities
What Supervision Looks Like in Practice
In supervision, you might:
y Work through a challenging client case in real time
y Role-play difficult conversations (e g , about weight or health markers)
y Get feedback on your social media or website copy to ensure alignment with your philosophy
y Reflect on your own weight biases in a non-judgmental space
y Learn strategies for supporting clients through emotional eating, chronic conditions, or body grief
y Receive business mentoring to avoid costly mistakes in private practice
Courses vs. Supervision:
Why Both Matter But Are Not The Same Courses give you important frameworks� They offer a breadth of knowledge in a certain niche or practice area Supervision gives you the words, strategies, and confidence to apply that knowledge in real sessions
If you’ve ever left a training or course thinking “But what do I actually say when …,” supervision bridges that gap It’s the hands-on, real-world application that helps you communicate skillfully and authentically with clients
Final Thoughts: Investing in Yourself is Investing in Your Business
Imposter syndrome, staying stuck at lower rates, avoiding testimonials, or hesitating to niche down, are all growth killers for dietitian entrepreneurs Clinical supervision can change that by helping you:
y Deliver standout client experiences
y Retain clients longer
y Confidently charge your worth
y Build a practice so in demand that you need a waitlist
I know that for a very long time (too long), I thought supervision was just one more expense I struggled to justify spending any additional money in my business, but, honestly, It took me burning out and stepping away from my business for a few months to realize I was thinking about it all wrong For dietitians running their own businesses, supervision is not just an expense; it’s a growth accelerator! If you’re ready to strengthen your skills, protect your energy, and watch your business thrive, it might be time to make clinical supervision a regular part of your professional life
Interested in clinical supervision? Here’s a resource to check out: www.inclusiveeatingdisordereducation. com/ieds-supervisor-directory
Heather Rudalavage is a weight inclusive RD As both a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Certified Body Trust Coach, she has been helping her clients achieve wellbeing in the practice she founded, Intuitive Nutrition, for over 15 years She currently provides supervision to other providers who are working in private practice When she isn't legalizing carbs or traveling, you can find her writing her first novel, stay tuned!
Help urge Congress to increase funding for the CDC’s Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding Program This action alert is from the US Breastfeeding Committee
Use the QR code to the right to participate
www.votervoice.net/USBC/Campaigns/126086/Respond
DEFINITIONS:
y Introduced - The very first step A member of Congress submits a bill for consideration and it is assigned a number�
y Pending - Awaiting action
y Referred - Sent to relevant committees for review
There are several additional acts that are in the proposal stage or that have only been introduced:
y Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025 (S 1622; H R 3217)
y Hunger Free Future Act (H�R� 2489)
y Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act (S 1420; H R 2859)
y Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act (S 1447; H R 2818)
y Modern WIC Act (H�R� 1464)
y Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (no number yet)
y School Meal Modernization and Hunger Elimination Act (S 1431)
y Healthy SNAP Act of 2025
DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT UPDATES
Wisconsin became the 15th state to enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact!
The following states are now part of the Dietitian Licensure Compact:
Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin
As part of the compact process, a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission was formed It had its inaugural training meeting on July 31, 2025 The next working meeting of the commission is scheduled for November�
LEGISLATION UPDATES
Act Name Act Number Key Points Status
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025
S 1973 H R 4231
Expanding Access to Diabetes SelfManagement Training Act of 2025
No Hungry Kids in Schools Act
Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act
Nutrition CARE Act of 2025
S 1925
H�R� 2402
Expanding access to IBT by allowing additional qualified providers
Expands Medicare coverage of diabetes outpatient management
Authorizes USDA to offer statewide CEP to provide free school meals to all students
H R 3943
H R 2495
Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025
H R 2680
Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act S 1176
Dietary Guidelines Reform Act S 1129
Requires colleges to inform Pell Grant recipients that they may qualify for SNAP
Provides Medicare coverage for MNT delivered by Registered Dietitians or nutrition professionals (upon referral) for individuals with eating disorders
Eliminates reducedpriced meals
Sets free meal eligibility to 224% of poverty level
Establishes tax credit and grant programs to encourage investment in healthy food options in food deserts
Amends National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 to reform process for dietary guidelines
Referred to Senate Finance Committee
Referred to House Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means Committees
Referred to Senate Finance Committee
Referred to House Education & Workforce Committee
Referred to House Education & Workforce Committee
Referred to Senate Finance Committee
Referred to House Education & Workforce Committee
Referred to Senate Finance Committee
Referred to Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture
Referred to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Jessica Oswald, MS, RDN/LD, is a dietitian living in Fort Worth
Her primary dietitian role is as a pediatric dietitian at a small hospital for children with developmental disabilities Jessica also owns her own business, Friendly Nutrition, which has recently gone through a change in direction and is now focusing on meal planning Jessica is obsessed with Peloton (yes, it’s a problem) You can find her on the leaderboard as @Go_JesO_Go
Using Values as a Burnout Buffer: How to Sustain Your Practice
SARAH WHIPKEY RDN, LD CHAIR-ELECT
It will start innocently enough: a client asks for a session outside your usual hours, a colleague invites you to collaborate on a project that doesn’t quite excite you, or a new nutrition trend explodes and you feel pressure to create content around it—even if it’s not your lane One “yes” becomes another, and suddenly your schedule is packed, your energy is depleted, and you wonder why the work you once loved feels exhausting
Burnout isn’t necessarily caused by working too much, but by working out of alignment with one’s values.
The remedy isn’t just better time management but tuning into your personal values When your business reflects your deepest priorities, you preserve energy and create a presence that is attractive and sustainable
BURNOUT HITS HARD!
Running a nutrition practice requires wearing many hats: dietitian, marketer, content creator, administrator, and more Add in the constant noise of diet culture, shifting nutrition trends, and the pressure to stand out online, and the path to burnout becomes clear
Burnout also shows up when your daily actions and business decisions pull you away from what matters most to you— family, friends, hobbies You may look “successful” on the outside, but if the way you work conflicts with your values, it will feel draining and unsustainable
VALUES AS YOUR COMPASS
When planning out my own business in 2021, I had to consider what mattered most to me both professionally and personally Like many RD entrepreneurs, I am also a mom, a wife, a volunteer, and a person who didn’t (and still doesn’t) want to work my life away Work/life balance, creativity, sustainability, and integrity were (and are) the core values that came strongest to mind
Next came determining how these values would be reflected in my business
For example:
y For work/life balance, I have to place firm time boundaries by blocking off my schedule after certain hours
y For creativity, I choose to prioritize time for writing, graphic design, and recipe development alongside client work
y For integrity, I do my best to resist jumping on the latest nutrition fad just because it’s trending, and stay in my lane! Our values are our compass and when we use them to steer our businesses, we stay oriented toward meaningful work
HOW TO PRIORITIZE VALUES IN PRACTICE
If you are considering a new venture, or needing to reassess your current endeavor, protect yourself against burnout with the following considerations:
1 Identify your top values:
y When do you feel most energized in your work?
y What moments in your business have left you feeling most proud?
y What qualities do you want to be known for?
2 Use these values as a filter for decisions:
y Does this opportunity reflect my values? Or does it pull me away from them?
y Create firm boundaries For example, if family is a core value, you may commit to keeping evenings free, even if it means saying no to a client
3 Build systems and rhythms around your values so they are lived daily.
y If health is a top value, schedule non-negotiable movement or meal breaks into your workday
y Building value-based routines helps your business become energizing rather than draining Burnout doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of entrepreneurship But it can serve as a signal that you’ve drifted from your core values By realigning with what matters most, you can buffer yourself against burnout and promote personal and professional growth
When your business reflects your values, you naturally attract clients who share them, you create boundaries that feel empowering instead of restrictive, and you stand out for your expertise and authenticity
Sarah Whipkey, RDN/LD, is the owner of The Plant Potential, a private practice focused on her passion: whole food plant-based nutrition She resides in Fort Collins, Colorado where she loves to play outside- hiking, biking, going to farmer's markets, and gardening She also loves art and design and recently bought a house she's looking forward to renovating over the upcoming years!
From Sponsorship to Leadership: How Serving on the Executive Committee Shaped My Career as a Nutrition Entrepreneur
LEAH TSUI
MS, RDN, LDN PAST CHAIR / DIRECTOR OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE
When I first volunteered for a role on the Sponsorship Team within the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group (NE DPG), I had no idea how profoundly it would shape both my professional path and personal growth Like many entrepreneurial dietitians, I was looking for opportunities to connect with others in the field, contribute to a larger mission, and develop skills beyond the traditional clinical or privatepractice setting What I found was far more rewarding than I expected
BUILDING BUSINESS SAVVY THROUGH SPONSORSHIP
My initial role focused on securing and managing sponsorships—work that introduced me to the world of brand partnerships, contract negotiations, and relationship-building from a strategic lens I quickly realized that the same skills required to land sponsors for our group— clear communication, understanding value propositions, and creating mutually beneficial collaborations—were also essential in consulting work
The experience proved instrumental Not long after, I began pitching myself for consulting projects, thanks to the confidence, network, and practical experience I had gained The transition from volunteer work to paid consulting roles felt natural because I had already learned to speak the language of partnerships
FINDING MY VOICE AS A PUBLIC SPEAKER
As I became more involved in the organization, I stepped into roles that required public speaking—whether it was introducing sponsors during events or moderating panels These opportunities allowed me to hone my voice and presence in front of both live and virtual audiences
Today, public speaking is a key part of my entrepreneurial brand I regularly host webinars, teach nutrition classes, and speak on camera for various media platforms
It all began with saying “yes” to a few speaking opportunities through the DPG— opportunities I might have been hesitant to accept if I hadn’t felt supported by a team of peers who encouraged me to grow
LEADING A TEAM—AND LEARNING FROM THEM
Perhaps the most transformative step in my journey was joining the Chair Team, where I led a committee of nearly 30 dietitians with diverse backgrounds and skillsets during my year as chair Managing such a large and varied team taught me how to lead with both vision and flexibility I learned how to delegate effectively, keep projects on track, and empower others to bring their unique talents to the table
What made this experience so enriching wasn’t just the leadership title—it was the collaboration Working with dietitians who were clinical experts, tech-savvy entrepreneurs, writers, educators, and innovators reminded me of the strength and breadth of our profession Together, we planned and executed programming that supported thousands of members across the country
THE TAKEAWAY: LEADERSHIP IS A LAUNCHPAD
Serving on the Executive Committee of NE DPG has been one of the most impactful decisions of my career� It didn’t just enhance my résumé—it expanded my mindset It gave me hands-on experience in sponsorships, speaking, and leadership—skills that have become pillars of my entrepreneurial work
If you’re a Registered Dietitian with an entrepreneurial spirit, I encourage you to consider joining your DPG’s leadership team It’s more than a volunteer role—it’s
a launchpad for growth, connection, and influence in the field of nutrition and dietetics
You don’t need to have it all figured out to take that first step You just need to be willing to learn, lead, and say yes to opportunities that help you grow Your leadership journey starts here. Whether you're looking to grow your business, expand your network, or make a lasting impact in the field of nutrition, our Executive Committee is where it begins Scan this QR code to learn more:
www.form.jotform.com/252016476591156
Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN, is the owner of Limitless Nutrition, where she does 1:1 virtual counseling, corporate workshops, and consults for several companies Leah combines her love of sports nutrition with a weight-inclusive approach In her time off from being an RDN, you can find her in fitness classes, tending to her plant babies, reading a book (or two!) for the book clubs she's in, or running along the beach
Alignment and Authenticity
JORDAN LEOPOLD
DIETETIC STUDENT GUEST AUTHOR
What truly separates someone from the crowd? Is it the person’s looks, skills, or character? I believe it’s a person’s alignment
When your character and the way you live reflect your values, that alignment is what sets you apart from your peers The beauty of alignment is that it allows you to be authentic without the pressure of pleasing others Authenticity naturally draws people in and makes them more willing to listen
When your character aligns with your beliefs, your core values are on display In this article, I’m going to share three ways you can tune into your values and set the tone for who you are
First, alignment starts with clarity. Without it, you lack direction and guardrails for what you stand for Think of someone at work who consistently earns the highest ratings—
not just because of skill, but because that person sets clear goals and follows through That clarity makes your colleague stand out The same applies in business
Whether you’re running seminars, building a website, or publishing an article, clarity communicates who you are and builds trust It reassures people because they can sense that what you do aligns with your character
Second, alignment requires action.
Knowing your values isn’t enough; living them out daily is what gives them weight
People notice when your words and actions line up, and that consistency builds credibility, trust, and long-term influence
How? On social media, this could mean keeping your tone consistent, using your platform to highlight your values, and making sure the content you post matches what you want to be known for For example, if one of your values is education, your posts could regularly share helpful tips or resources If one of your values is authenticity, you might share behind-the-
scenes content instead of only polished, “perfect” posts� The key is that your online presence should be a natural extension of your character, not a performance
People pay attention to these details They shouldn’t have to second-guess your actions because you’ve already set the standard beforehand through consistent alignment
Which leads to the last point: consistency. Without it, clarity and action lose their power You may know your values and put them into practice, but without consistency, trust and authenticity fade For example, in partnerships, if you don’t treat people with the same integrity each time, they’ll begin to question you The same goes for branding; if your identity shifts or compromises who you are, people will see the disconnect
Consistency is what sustains credibility and influence over the long term
One way I’ve practiced this is by speaking at my college radio station about health, nutrition, and illness prevention At the end of the day, people want to do something meaningful, and knowing your core values helps you do that Even on a small scale, you can stand out and inspire others to take action in their own lives Ask yourself: What do I stand for? What do I value? That’s the first step to unlocking what separates you from the crowd and making a lasting, memorable impact
Jordan Leopold is a dietetic student located at Camden County College in New Jersey
Involved in the radio station at college, discussing health, wellness, and nutrition for people to improve their lifestyle, he has a passion for growing even deeper in the field of dietetics
(This review is not sponsored All products were purchased privately Kimberly Marsh is not a participant in Step One Foods Practitioner Program )
High cholesterol is a major health concern worldwide Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death globally Statins and other medications have long been the go-to treatment for elevated cholesterol levels However, many patients are increasingly hesitant to take these medications and are looking for food and supplement remedies Personally, I have been seeing younger patients with elevated cholesterol come to my private practice
WHAT IS STEP ONE FOODS?
Step One Foods offers ready-to-eat products formulated with the precise combination of plant sterols, soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants shown to reduce cholesterol Patients are to take two servings a day for 30 days
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
Step One Foods has clinical evidence to back up its claims
In a study conducted in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, participants who replaced two snacks per day with Step One products saw an average LDL cholesterol reduction of 9% in just 30 days Also of note, adherence to the “diet” was 95%, whereas statin therapy adherence has been shown to be around 55-60%
REAL EXPERIENCE
My daughter and I both have elevated cholesterol thanks to familial hypercholesterolemia Since my daughter is not a fan of fish or fish oil supplements, I was looking for an alternative to help lower cholesterol for both of us I remembered hearing about this company at FNCE last year and decided to give it a try
I purchased the 30 Day Starter Pack for myself and a few individual items my daughter chose to try We sampled “Everyday Sprinkle,” nut butter, apple cinnamon bars, dark chocolate walnut bars, pancake mix, smoothie mix, and oatmeal
Overall, the samples were very convenient and tasted better than expected Some only I tried; some my daughter also tried Here’s a breakdown of the item and what we thought::
The “Everyday Sprinkle” was really convenient It blended well into all the foods I tried it on without really adding any flavor to them, which I liked Step One suggests using it with yogurt, which was tasty and similar to topping with granola I even sprinkled it over a whole plate of dinner (pork chop, sweet potatoes, and green beans) and just mixed it in, which also worked well
The nut butter is a mix of peanut and almond butters It tasted like normal nut butter, although I would prefer just almond or just peanut butter The packet was also a rather large serving that I found difficult to use in one meal
Both of us liked the dark chocolate walnut bars, although I liked them more The bars are dark chocolate, but not too bitter The apple cinnamon bars were a little too sweet and had a texture neither of us enjoyed
My daughter liked the pancakes and felt they compared pretty well to traditional pancakes� I felt like the batter consistency was difficult to work with, but they turned out My daughter liked it even more when the mix was made into waffles There were no instructions for this, so I’m still figuring out how to make the batter not stick to the waffle maker
The smoothie mix was our favorite of the products sampled It blends in really well without leaving clumps and tastes delicious My daughter asks for this for breakfast on a regular basis now The oatmeal had a good flavor, nothing out of the ordinary from regular oatmeal packets� My daughter didn’t like the sweetness level and added some more sweetener I felt like the serving size was rather small, so I had to add berries and yogurt
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Step One Foods is a tasty, convenient alternative for patients trying to avoid statin therapy Adherence may also be higher with a food rather than a pill For my family, it has been a great alternative to pills and supplements I would recommend it to my clients if they are concerned about cholesterol and not wanting to go a more traditional route for treatment
Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD, is a private practice owner and consultant in senior living She loves to be outdoors, just not camping When not serving as chauffeur in chief for her 4 young kids or cheering at their sports games, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, and in general appreciating our beautiful world Luckily, her home in Colorado affords ample opportunities for these activities
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