Nutrition Entrepreneurs Ventrues Fall 2021

Ventures FA L L 2 0 2 1 | VO L U M E X LV I I I | N U M B E R 2

In This Issue: I Heart School � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 Interview with a Culinary Dietitian � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3 Self-Care: Allow Yourself Time to be a Newbie � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �4 Six Tips to Master Networking Opportunities at Virtual Conferences and Events � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5 How to Craft the Perfect Elevator Pitch � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 A Certification in Group Fitness Can Expand Your Practice � � � � � � 7 My Experience Earning and Using a Credential in Weight Management � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Becoming a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor: A Life-Changing Experience � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9 Is An MBA Worth the Time, Money and Effort? � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10 Optimizing Telehealth Delivery for Dietitians � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 How to Expand Your Writing Skills � � � � � � 12 Toastmasters … It’s Not Just for Toasting! � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13

Back to School: KEEP LEARNING

Telehealth, Insurance and Licensure Q&A � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14 Product Reviews � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Upcoming NE Webinars � � � � �Back Cover

Ventures

I Heart School

FA L L 2 0 2 1 J E S S I CA B EA R DS L E Y EDITOR

MS, RD, LDN NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN

INCOMING EDITOR Meagan Nielsen, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN

EDITORIAL BOARD 2021-2022 Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, NASM-CPT Amanda Sauceda, MS, RDN, CLT Cathy D’Orazio, MS, RDN, LDN Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT Jessica Oswald, MS, RDN, LD/N Stephanie Dorfman, MS, RDN The newsletter pertains to the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and reproduction rights are reserved.

Publication of an advertisement in the Ventures newsletter should not be considered as an endorsement of the product or advertiser by the DPG. Viewpoints and statements in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect policies and/or positions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. © 2020 Nutrition Entrepreneurs.

All rights reserved.

WE WELCOME INPUT FROM OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR: Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN newsletter@nedpg.org

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Snap a selfie with this magazine in a fun place and post it to IG or Facebook with #VenturesNEwhere

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Fall tends to be the time many students head back to school. After a year of virtual learning, many schoolaged children and college students are actually back in the classroom.

Whether we’re in a classroom or online, I have to say that I enjoy school because I love learning new things. “School” to you and me might look different than the old days.

We might pull out a laptop, read academic articles, watch webinars, listen to audiobooks, and engage with others in an online environment.

As entrepreneurs, learning helps us acquire the knowledge to meet our goals. Lifelong learning helps grow our skillset so we’re better prepared to help our clients.

This fall Ventures is focused on learning and acquiring new skills.

Whether it's a certification in your specialty, a higher-education degree, or targeted practice in speaking or writing, pursuing lifelong learning is beneficial to all of us.

Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN, owns a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC, where she specializes in intuitive eating and sports nutrition. Her idea of a perfect birthday involves running a half-marathon followed by beer and good food. When Jessica isn't running, she's probably dancing in the kitchen with her kids or jumping on the trampoline.

Interview with a Culinary Dietitian A M A N DA SAU C E DA MS, RDN, CLT CHAIR

For my chair letter, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Abbie Gellman about her experience pursuing culinary arts along with combining those skills with being a dietitian.

Q: What was the process of pursuing culinary arts like? School, training, etc.

A: I am a career changer who was working in corporate America with an interest in food and nutrition and decided to pursue culinary school instead of a MBA. It is easy to apply and get accepted to culinary school but the program itself is very intense. My culinary program was part-time and a year long. A typical day in the program was cooking during the day and then going home and cooking more to practice. During that time I was also working in food-service restaurants in both the front and back of the house.

There are supplies that you’ll need to purchase like knives, clothes, etc. In fact, I had to learn how to use a 14-inch chef’s knife. If you can use that properly, then anything else will be easier.

Q: Can you describe how you use your culinary arts background as a dietitian?

A: I’ve worked with a restaurant and culinary consulting group, partnered with a chef at a behavioral center to help revamp recipes and menus, and worked as a private chef specializing in helping people with different health conditions. Creating nutrition and cooking videos has been a large part of what I do as well and that has led to paid opportunities with a variety of brands and commodity boards. Speaking is another aspect and it was after speaking at FNCE® in 2018 that I have also branched into teaching dietitians culinary skills.

Q: What would be the time and financial commitment to pursue culinary arts?

A: This can range depending on the program and path. The cost can be anywhere from $18,000-$40,000 and will usually also require working in a restaurant for a couple months for free as part of an externship.

Every dietitian needs a Q: What inspired you to do culinary arts? Was culinary arts before or after becoming a dietitian?

A: Culinary arts did come before nutrition but the interest was always there. I had to take a cooking and food science class in college and knew there had to be a way to cook that didn’t involve tons of butter and cream. When I got pregnant, I was working on Wall Street and decided to go back to school to become a dietitian. In grad school, I realized that I was the only one who had a culinary background. I did a clinicalfocused internship to see if I liked clinical and it confirmed that culinary nutrition was going to be my path.

base in cooking skills.

Q: Why should a dietitian look into adding culinary arts to her/his resume?

A: Every dietitian needs a base in cooking skills. We have to be able to cook food based on recommendations.

The sky’s the limit here - every RD can use culinary skills many different ways.

In private practice, culinary arts can help you teach your clients cooking skills. It’s a practical way to put medical nutrition advice into action. As a retail or corporate RD, you’ll do a lot of cooking demos. These skills support your recommendations, and the expertise can help you make more money because you are able to get better results for your clients and/or a variety of work.

Q: Cooking demos: What is your best quick tip for doing a live cooking demo via Zoom?

A: Have everything prepped ahead of time in glass bowls. Know your recipe; you can’t read off a sheet of paper. You need to be able to have a conversation and be personable while being able to cook. If you’re not comfortable enough with the cooking part of it, you won’t be able to deliver a good demo because you’re going to be watching yourself prep the food, read the recipe, etc.

Q: What is one culinary skill that you have that makes you feel like a boss?

A: I can cook a steak perfectly every time to whatever temp you want and don’t need a thermometer.

Amanda Sauceda, MS, RDN, CLT, loves pizza. She has a running list of her favorite places and places that she wants to try. Her number-one pizza place used to be a luggage room in the golden days of Hollywood and has a fermented sourdough crust that is to die for.

Chef Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, is a spokesperson, recipe and product developer, educator, and nationally recognized culinary nutrition expert. She creates, produces and hosts cooking and nutrition videos and works with a wide variety of food brands, commodity boards, foodservice operators, health professionals and private clients. She appears in local and regional broadcast media and contributes to many publications as both an expert and an author.

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Self-Care: Allow Yourself Time to be a Newbie K R I ST I CO U G H L I N MS, RDN INCOMING DIRECTOR OF MEETINGS

Being an entrepreneur means we are constantly learning.

While we recognize the value and importance of continued learning, we often forget to allow ourselves time to be a newbie.

Overlooking the need for extra time to adapt to new skills is easy to do, especially when we are operating on a limited timeline. However, we can embrace the need to slow down, as well as missteps in the learning process.

Recently, a phrase that has personally plagued me while learning is “a jack of all trades is a master of none.”

This adage has caused me to feel as though I was failing because there’s a constant need to learn new skills as an entrepreneur.

Until recently, I had not known the original phrase was actually a little different. It went like this, “Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

That said, next time you start to get upset with yourself that you are doing too many things — and not perfecting the art of one thing — remember it means you are more proficient in a wider variety of skills. This can actually be better than being a master of one.

So, keep learning those new skills!

Here are some things to remember next time you are a newbie:

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MAKE PEACE WITH FAILURE

You may find yourself cringing at the idea of failing. However, failure is actually a part of the process in building and growing a business.

Instead of thinking of it as a setback, consider failure as a stepping stone in the direction of growth. When you learn from your mistakes, you build a stronger foundation. Inevitably, you will fail when learning new skills — in life and as an entrepreneur. This makes you an all-around better person and business owner. The sooner you make peace with failure, the better.

The sooner you make peace with failure, the better.

TAKE BREAKS

You may find as you learn that there are points in which you hit a wall.

Perhaps that wall is a concept you are having difficulty understanding or grasping. Or, you simply cannot process any more new information.

It is absolutely normal to hit a point where you feel as though you don’t get it, can’t do it, or you feel defeated.

This does not mean it is time to throw in the towel; instead it is probably just a signal to take a break. Allow yourself some time — a day, a week, or two? — before picking up where you left off.

When you get back to it, remember to be gentle with yourself as you learn.

EMBRACE MESSY ACTION

Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by all the things that need to happen when learning something new? All the moving parts can make it difficult to wrap your mind around what needs to happen first. If you are a “planner” like me, you may prefer to have everything figured out before starting.

However, in most cases, the desire to have all your ducks in a row first is not helpful. This is where the concept of “messy action” can be the antidote to your problems. By taking messy action, you allow yourself the space to practice and make mistakes. In other words, it reminds you to step away from doing something “perfectly” and to just get it done. If you struggle with the concept of messy action, consider this quote by Jon Acuff: “The less that people [aim] for perfect, the more productive they become.” Those are some wise words!

All in all: welcome failure, take breaks and embrace messy action.

Learning is a process that takes time and energy. No one starts as a master when learning a new skill.

Allow yourself time to be a newbie.

Kristi Coughlin, MS, RDN, loves spreading happiness with her business Bring About Happy by creating uplifting products inspired by former private practice clients. In her spare time, she can be found with her family by the lake, traveling, or enjoying her favorite food - pizza!

Six Tips to Master Networking Opportunities at Virtual Conferences and Events A L L I S O N KO C H MS, RD, CSSD, LDN DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES

One of my favorite parts of attending FNCE® is the networking.

I have started some of my closest professional relationships at FNCE® - relationships that have led to mentorship, career growth, professional development, leadership opportunities and lifelong friendships.

There is no denying that there is something about an in-person interaction that can’t be replaced. So what do you do when conferences have all gone virtual? How do you stand out when you are stuck behind a screen? Here are some networking tips to make the most of your next virtual conference or event.

1 Determine your networking goal and have a plan. Just like anything, you’ll have more success if you go into it with a plan. What do you hope to get out of your networking efforts? Perhaps you are looking for a job or a business opportunity.

Or maybe you need some career advice or a mentor. Whatever your intentions are, establish them in advance to help direct who and how you engage with others.

2 Create a great attendee profile.

It allows you to showcase your unique qualities and experience as well as help you stand out from the crowd. Be sure to complete all the essential information and highlight your interests, skills and expertise. If able, link to your social media accounts so people can quickly connect and engage with you outside of the event.

3 Don’t be afraid to use the chat feature and participate in discussions. The chat box has become the new conference hallway. Introduce yourself to the attendees including who you are, what you do, where you are located and what you are hoping to learn from the presentation.

4 Utilize social media platforms to make deeper social connections.

Find, connect with and start having deeper conversations with those contacts you meet on your preferred social media platform - be it Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Be authentic with the comments you make. Before engaging with someone, think about what you want to say and what value it may provide on the topic being discussed. Or, provide your unique perspective. Demonstrate that you have taken time to really learn from the conversation.

5 Go beyond social media. Maybe there’s one or two contacts you really connect with. Perhaps they align with your professional goals, have a career you aspire to, or were particularly inspiring. Consider taking your relationship to the next level by asking if they might be interested in having a virtual coffee.

I know this can be intimidating - but I promise you, during these times of limited face-to-face interaction, it feels good when someone reaches out to learn more about you and genuinely connect.

6 Follow up and stay in touch! This is probably the hardest for me to do after a conference. We get back into our routine, oftentimes forgetting much of what we just learned and losing touch with the other attendees. This is where having a plan comes in handy.

Add following up with your new contacts to your master to-do list and actually do it! Remember - people are busy. If you haven’t heard back from someone within a week, follow up politely to check in.

If someone does connect with you offline, be sure to send the person a thank-you note. Email is great - but consider a handwritten message sent via snail mail. Trust me; this will not go unnoticed!

The chat box has become the new conference hallway.

Whether you love it or hate it, networking is a lifelong activity.

The connections you make - even those made virtually - may open doors to lifelong friendships and career opportunities. I look forward to seeing you all at a future virtual event and connecting with you!

Allison Koch, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, The Running Dietitian, is (unsurprisingly) passionate about running. It wasn't always that way.

In elementary school, Allison came dead last in PE. Her father, a runner, encouraged her to keep trying. By her senior year of high school, she was lapping her classmates. Inspired by her father, today Allison helps coach and pace runners as well as continues to race all over the world.

Also remember networking is a twoway street. You don’t want to always be asking for things from your new connection without also offering something in return. Acknowledge important milestones and support her/him as that person does for you.

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How to Craft the Perfect Elevator Pitch LEAH TSUI MS, RDN INCOMING DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP

As a Nutrition Entrepreneur, you are likely used to telling people what you do, and how it may be different from other dietitians. Having the perfect elevator pitch ready to give at any moment is helpful because you never know when you’re going to need it.

Being able to talk about what you do with an effective and captivating story is how you make a great impression on the person you’re speaking with.

Whether you’re pitching yourself at a networking mixer, interviewing for a job, or talking about your nutrition services in a discovery call, an elevator pitch will come in handy!

WHAT IS AN ELEVATOR PITCH?

An elevator pitch is a 30-second spiel where you introduce yourself and what services you provide that can help the person you are speaking to. You want to use relatable terms that any layperson can understand to keep what you do as the focus, and avoid getting bogged down with technical vernacular.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE AN ELEVATOR PITCH?

There are many occasions where an elevator pitch will be helpful: y At a networking mixer when everyone is meeting new people, you want to have a unique elevator pitch that makes you stand out. y In an interview, describe who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you. y In a discovery call with a potential client, describe what you do, your nutrition philosophy, and how you work together with clients to support them in their health journey. y On your website, using a version of your elevator pitch on the homepage of your website gives audience members a quick and concise way of getting to know you and what you offer.

HOW DO I CREATE AN ELEVATOR PITCH?

Keep it short! Thirty seconds or less is ideal.

Be general – if someone relates to what you do, you can always dive in deeper later with the conversation.

Remember – you are the only you there is! Brainstorm what makes you unique and sets you apart from other nutrition entrepreneurs and express that in your elevator pitch. y Outline:

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➤

I ntroduce yourself and describe what you do in a clear and concise way.

➤

hare an example that shows S how you can help the person whom you are talking to. This specific example may change depending on whom you speak with, so know your audience and be prepared to change this accordingly. You don’t want to show how you can solve just any problem; you want to prove how you can solve that person’s problem.

➤

End with a “call to action” * At a networking mixer, hand a person your business card and ask for the other person’s as well. * In an interview, express your enthusiasm for the role. * In a discovery call, sign the person up for an initial consultation. *O n your website, have the person sign up for your newsletter or download your offer.

Lastly, practice makes perfect! While you don’t want it to sound rehearsed as if you’ve memorized a script, you do want to confidently deliver an elevator pitch about who you are.

Now you know the steps to creating the perfect elevator pitch, so here is one final tip: follow up! You’ve made a positive impression on the person you’re speaking to, and it’s your responsibility to follow through on your elevator pitch. You can do NE-thing, and it’s time people know you are the person for it.

Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, is the owner of Leah Tsui Nutrition LLC, integrating sports nutrition with intuitive eating for her clients. Leah has become quite the plant mom during quarantine. She bakes sourdough bread weekly and loves exploring Los Angeles. In her time off from being an RDN, you can find her coaching functional fitness at her favorite gym, reading a book (or two!) for the several book clubs she's in, or running along the beach.

A Certification in Group Fitness Can Expand Your Practice KEIRNIN HARRIS RD, CLE HUB MANAGER

The field of nutrition is broad and oftentimes all-encompassing. How do we set ourselves apart from our peers and narrow down our area of expertise?

On-the-job experience, certifications and advanced degrees are all great ways to expand your knowledge.

You might consider additional certifications that would benefit you in private practice. For instance, having a personal training or group fitness certification may assist dietitians who want to better help their patients build muscle, gain fitness or learn safe exercise habits.

A few years ago I decided to get my ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification (GFI). Being a nutrition business owner, I have been able to set myself apart from my peers by offering both anti-diet, mindful eating nutrition coaching as well as stressrelieving group workouts. I have been able to offer live group fitness instruction via Zoom in addition to posting videos on an online platform.

This has allowed me to have multiple streams of income from coaching and workout membership programs.

In addition, my clients have access to workouts outside of the nutritionfocused time we have together.

Having a GFI has been a great investment for me and my business

but more importantly has allowed for me to be a one-stop shop for my clients. My clients don’t have to go outside their homes for workouts and nutrition coaching. Both the workouts and nutrition coaching can come to them. In a world that is already stressful and busy, it is beneficial for clients to be able to stay home and still make the progress they wish to seek.

I have set myself apart from my peers by offering both anti-diet, mindful eating nutrition coaching as well as stress-relieving group workouts.

Not all certification programs are the same, but depending on your area of expertise you may find that having one could set you apart from your peers and ultimately help your clients even more. At the end of the day we are here to help make our clients’ lives easier and healthier the best way we can, and I have found GFI helps with this.

Keirnin Harris, RD, CLE, owns Ayvell, LLC where she works with women to overcome dieting mindset, reduce inflammation and stress, and increase joyful movement. She is dedicated to helping women feel their best, be their best and learn to love food again. Keirnin currently holds a Certified Lactation Educator and ACE Group Fitness Certification.

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My Experience Earning & Using a Credential in Weight Management G EO RG I A G I A N N O P O U LOS MS, RD, CSOWM, CDN, SHRM-CP GUEST AUTHOR

Weight management can be a confusing and controversial topic.

Many people with obesity have faced weight bias and stigma which may inhibit them from getting adequate healthcare or accessing resources.

For nearly twenty years, I have devoted my education and career to learning about nutrition and weight management and supporting people in their wellbeing journeys.

After becoming a registered dietitian and completing the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR’s) available certificate of training in weight management, I decided to pursue a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM) credential. I met the CSOWM eligibility requirements by documenting 2,000 hours of specialty-practice experience in obesity and weight management as a RD within the five-year period leading up to the application.

In my opinion, there are no downsides to earning the CSOWM credential.

I am grateful that I received reimbursement for the $350 CSOWM exam fee from an employer; however, I would have pursued the credential regardless. CDR’s CSOWM reference list includes many online position statements, guidelines and reports that I downloaded at no cost while preparing for the exam. This made it convenient for me to study while commuting since I could read the content on my iPad. The reference list includes hardcopy publications as well, and people can review the CSOWM exam specifications and content outline before choosing which references to use.

Benefits of earning and maintaining the credential include positioning myself as an expert in the field that I love and continuously staying up-to-date in obesity and weight management developments. First, while preparing for the CSOWM exam I expanded my knowledge of physical activity interventions, including contraindications to

exercise and medical clearance, and reaffirmed my expertise in behavioral health interventions. I regularly apply this information while providing individual coaching. Second, the CSOWM content outline and reference list were helpful resources as I revamped the curriculum for a graduate-level nutrition course in weight management that I started teaching in 2019. Third, understanding what research is and is not available as it pertains to weight management has been vital when educating healthcare providers.

Benefits of earning and maintaining the credential include positioning myself as an expert in the field that I love.

What is next for me? I recently completed the Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach Training Program and am preparing to sit for a board exam this fall to earn the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) credential. This will only further enhance the work that I do as a RD, both with clients one-on-one and in my teaching engagements.

What is next for you?

Georgia Giannopoulos, MS, RD, CSOWM, CDN, SHRM-CP, is the owner of a private practice and teaches a graduate-level nutrition course in weight management at a top university. Georgia loves spending quality time with her family – many times outdoors or at the kitchen table!

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Becoming a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor: A Life-Changing Experience D EA N N A H OWA R D GONZALES MBA, RD, LD, CDE GUEST AUTHOR

Intuitive Eating (IE) can be lifechanging for us as dietitians and our clients. It helps people make peace with food and create an overall healthy relationship with not only food but life. It’s a game changer.

Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD, and Elyse Resch, MS, RD, CEDRD, FADA, created Intuitive Eating and wrote the book, Intuitive Eating in the 1990s. Since that initial publication of Intuitive Eating, 150 research studies have been published on the effectiveness of IE. It is now considered evidencedbased care. The authors created a training and certification program for health professionals to assure that Intuitive Eating is shared with individuals in a consistent, accurate and effective way. The certification program involves a self-study program, training seminar, supervision sessions, and passing an exam.

Intuitive Eating has impacted my life with professional opportunities and connections, and has opened my heart to having peace with food and my body.

I became interested in pursuing the certification program after reading the book Intuitive Eating. The book really spoke to me and brought alive thoughts that I have felt for many years.

It gives me goosebumps to think about.

I can confidently say that becoming a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor was the best professional education

decision in my 26 years of being an RD. It has added tremendous value to both my professional and personal life. The Intuitive Eating Certification helped me find my tribe and find support from fellow professionals.

The program is intense and offers a considerably large amount of material with research studies and practice exercises. The IE certification program requires both a financial and time commitment.

While these obligations may be drawbacks for some individuals, I felt that the cost is reasonable in comparison to other certification programs. It offers 58 CE once completed and costs approximately $1,300. I spread the certification program over a year period, so it was easier on me financially.

The program challenges many deep-rooted thoughts that I and many dietitians were taught in our education so it was not a certification that I felt I could quickly skim through.

The time commitment for completing this certification varies depending on your available time and finances.

I attempted to set aside a few hours each week to study. I carried the materials with me and would pick them up if I had a cancellation or free time between clients. Taking a year to work through the certification allowed me to meld the principles into my practice and daily life. If I could do the certification differently, I would be more interactive within the supervision groups. I would

have asked more questions, made more connections with others, and scheduled some individual supervision with Tribole or Resch.

The certification has many potential avenues to increase business opportunities, connections and exposure. It has a Facebook group for fellow Certified Counselors and the IE website offers a worldwide counselor directory. I would recommend the certification to both new and established dietitians. I would love to see it incorporated into more internship programs as well. As dietitians, I think many of us have a love for food and helping others but we can also struggle with our own relationships with food and our body. Intuitive Eating has impacted my life with professional opportunities and connections but most of all, it has opened my heart to having peace with food and my body. For that I will forever be thankful to Tribole and Resch.

Deanna HowardGonzalez, MBA, RD, LD, CDE, is the owner of Emerald Coast Diabetes & Nutrition Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. When she is not working with clients, she is spending time with her family on or near the beautiful white sand beaches on the Emerald Coast.

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Is an MBA Worth the Time, Money and Effort?

LESLI BITEL MBA, RDN, LDN GUEST AUTHOR

Getting an MBA is not for the faint of heart. It's time-consuming and requires substantial resources. Because tuition reimbursement is a thing of the past, students are often left footing the bill. Also, the curriculum can be challenging and outside of the comfort zone for many RDNs (it was for me).

Despite these drawbacks, there are some pretty incredible benefits that can make the MBA degree worthwhile and highly beneficial.

First things first: how long does it take? A typical full-time program takes two years but depending on the program, you may be able to personalize this timeframe. Due to having two small kids at home, a budding nutrition private practice, and a husband who traveled for work, I opted for the four-year plan and went to class on Saturdays.

My program had very strict inperson attendance rules which, as you can imagine, greatly limited my ability to travel or socialize on

the weekends. Juggling family and work responsibilities with the rigors of school was challenging but I kept my eye on the prize - I really wanted this degree and was determined to complete it. Admittedly, sometimes missing out on weekend activities like kids' sporting events or dance performances provoked feelings of guilt. But guess what? Everyone survived. And, as a result of my not always being around, my kids became more independent and learned important executive functioning skills that continue to serve them.

Now let's talk about the curriculum and what it takes to be a successful MBA student. In my case, I came to the table with over a decade of business and management experience in the pharmaceutical and diagnostic testing arenas so my priority was finding a program that would provide real-world experience and networking opportunities. I was not interested in learning a bunch of theory or cramming for exams. I wanted practical knowledge that was going to help me to add value on the job. After some deliberation, I ended up choosing an Executive MBA program with an emphasis on global business and entrepreneurship, which ended up being a great fit for me.

An Executive MBA program is very focused on working successfully in teams, doing group projects and consulting, and presenting your findings to a larger audience. Your grade depends entirely upon your team's performance. It isn't just you that matters - everyone on the team gets the same grade so choose wisely! The team orientation can be interesting (putting it mildly!) because you're working with a variety of personalities.

Although challenging at times, I believe it will undoubtedly increase your communication and problemsolving acumen and will prepare you well for future leadership roles.

The MBA credential can open many doors for you and is the perfect option for any RDN who's interested in diversifying her/his skill sets outside the world of dietetics. It's also a great

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way to improve your marketability and open new employment doors. At the end of the day, you're going to get out what you put in so prepare yourself for some long hours (and nights).

Pursuing an MBA degree after completing my RDN was the best decision I could have made.

Pursuing an MBA degree after completing my RDN was the best decision I could have made. Achieving it gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and greatly enhanced my confidence in many areas, despite how challenging some aspects were along the way.

I would do it all over again if given the chance to go back because that degree provided so many opportunities for me both personally and professionally.

Lesli Bitel, MBA, RDN, LDN, is an experienced and soughtafter business strategist and coach. For the past decade, she has helped registered dietitians overcome the confusion associated with the business side of creating a profitable practice. Working with nutrition and functional medicine professionals, Lesli uses leading strategies to integrate multiple streams of income into their business models. Lesli has specialized training in functional nutrition and has experience running her own successful nutrition practice where she specialized in intuitive/ mindful eating and functional nutrition for clients suffering from neurological disorders.

Optimizing Telehealth Delivery for Dietitians K R I STA F E D O RC H A K MS, RDN, CDN GUEST AUTHOR

Does your client visit begin with the click of a mouse instead of the calling of a name? Is your practice looking to open its virtual doors? If so, you are a part of a growing group of dietitians who are taking advantage of the emerging delivery method of telemedicine, or telehealth.

Telehealth increases access to care for many people, and nutrition counseling is well suited for the virtual world in many ways. Yet, technology presents its own set of challenges. Do not let the limitations of technology detract from the high-quality care you provide.

Consider the following to create a counseling space that is welcoming for the client and retains the character of an in-person session in a way that fosters genuine connections.

VISUAL AND AUDIO:

What you see is what you get & “Can you hear me now?”

Setting up a pleasing visual experience is all about minimizing distractions so you and your client can focus on the conversation. Optimize your environment by considering your: y Background. Set up a plain background or one with minimal distractions. Ensure everything within view is appropriate for the patient to see (such as decorations or personal items). If possible, keep the background the same over time to help create a sense of familiarity and comfort for your returning clients. y Clothing. Choose visible clothing that is professional and contrasts with your background.

Don’t be a floating head! y Light source placement. Place the light source behind the camera and toward your face to help eliminate shadows that may hide facial features. y A clear audio connection. This is imperative for a productive visit.

Use headphones with a built-in microphone to quiet background

noise and avoid audio feedback and echoes. Be sure to set your computer settings appropriately to recognize the desired input and output source.

PATIENT INTERACTION:

The 2D Counseling Space

One of the challenges of telehealth is simply not being in the same room as your client. Effective counseling uses tactics such as mirroring body language, observing facial expressions and making eye contact, yet the 2D experience can mask some of these subtle cues. To help build and maintain an authentic connection during the visit, consider the following: y Introduce yourself. Make sure the person knows whose virtual “office” she/he just entered. Let the person know your documenting style and how she/he will be contacted if technology fails and the visit abruptly ends. y Explain your gaze. If real-time documenting during the visit has your gaze tracking away from the camera at times, let your clients know this. Affirm that you are still listening and engaged while looking away to take notes, and then return to making eye contact with the camera. y Stay obviously engaged. Gentle ways of affirming you are actively listening to your client may not be as readily perceived over video. Keep an engaged face, exaggerate body language and facial expressions, and give encouraging verbal cues (such as “Yes” or “Go on”) to show your client you are listening. y Play to various learning styles.

Keep your client engaged by utilizing various teaching tools.

Inflect your voice (auditory). Use the share-screen function to share colorful images (visual).

The genuine human connection of the counseling setting can be such a gift for client and provider alike.

Take time to go through the checklist before your visits, and whether your client is one mile or 1,000 miles away, get ready to truly connect with your client through the screen.

PRE-TELEHEALTH VISIT CHECKLIST:

 Am I dressed professionally?

 Is my background clean, plain and free of distracting items?  Is my face well-lit?  Are my computer settings adjusted appropriately?  Have I tested the tech?  Do I have props, images or handouts ready to show or share?  Once the visit starts, does the patient know who I am, how I am documenting, and how I will contact the person after the visit?

Krista Fedorchak is a registered dietitian and privatepractice business owner offering Christian faithbased insights into caring for body and soul alike. Her favorite screenfree activities are writing letters, chopping veggies and going for leisurely walks with her husband.

nedpg.org | 11

How to Expand Your Writing Skills H E L E N A RA M A DA N MS, RDN GUEST AUTHOR

As an aspiring blogger, I have started and stopped - several different blogs.

Each time, I learned more about who I am as a writer, who my intended audience is, and how I want to serve them. Although these attempts did not result in money in my pocket, they helped me find my voice, and they increased my confidence in putting my work out there. Here are some realistic strategies to use to help you come into your own as a writer.

ACTUALLY WRITE

If we want to get better at writing, we actually need to spend time doing it. Sounds obvious, right?

However, in my life, making the time to write has proven to be one of those things that is simple but not easy.

What has worked for me is a tweak on the typical advice of setting a daily writing target. I choose a few days when I know I will have time to write, and then I set a Pomodoro timer and get to it. Real life being what it is, some days go really well and others don’t. But those days balance each other out and I eventually arrive at the finished product I was striving for.

TRY WRITING IN A DIFFERENT GENRE

This tip is a little different than the usual, but hear me out. Try writing something completely new and different, even fiction, poetry or just journaling. There is something magical about this, because it can help move us out of our comfort zone and into a more creative space.

I came by this strategy inadvertently when I started writing a children’s book for my son. I realized that, even though I am still writing, fiction requires something totally different from my brain. If I need a break from my blog, I work on the book. I can then return to my original work with fresh eyes and new ideas.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY

It is easier to thrive when you are part of a supportive community. To that end, I recommend finding a writing group that suits you, whether virtual or in-person. The group members can help improve your craft by providing answers, advice or even moral support.

I have been a member of NE DPG since I became an RD, and during that time, I have found this group to be incredibly encouraging and supportive. If you are not doing so already, consider utilizing the resources of the NE community,

from connecting with other writers on the NE Hub, to requesting a mentor, to exploring the Author’s Toolkit.

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE

One way to practice writing while simultaneously building your resume and brand is to try freelance writing.

This does not have to mean pitching to The New York Times; what I am referring to here is just volunteering to write something, anything, for someone who would benefit from your work and expertise.

As a dietitian, you are already qualified to do this type of writing, or to write for publications such as Ventures, Today’s Dietitian or Food & Nutrition Magazine. Another benefit of putting yourself out there this way is that it will give you a deadline, which can often do wonders for productivity.

If we want to get better at writing, we actually need to spend time doing it

KEEP AT IT

The beauty of writing is that it can provide us with more than just income.

It can also allow us to reach, teach and heal a much wider audience than we would otherwise be able to. Wherever you may be on your writing journey, keep at it. The more that you write, the more you will learn about yourself and your craft.

Helena Ramadan, MS, RDN, is a mother of two spirited boys, an avid reader and a fitness enthusiast. A second-career dietitian, she also holds a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. When she is not blogging you can find her exploring the redwood groves of Northern California with her sons.

12 | nedpg.org

Toastmasters … It’s Not Just for Toasting!

L I SA J O N E S MA, RDN, LDN, FAND GUEST AUTHOR

“A speech without a specific purpose is like a journey without a destination.”

RA L P H C . S M E D L E Y

Toastmasters is an international, nonprofit educational organization with over 300,000 members in more than 149 countries. There are many reasons for joining this diverse organization, such as becoming a more confident communicator, speaker and leader.

Imagine listening to an educational webinar. Do you notice the speaker using filler words such as “like,” “um,” “uh,” “you know” and “so”? Do you start to pay less attention to what they are saying? Most likely, you become distracted by filler words.

Or maybe you have seen a speaker using her or his hands too much and it wasn’t connected to a reason to move. Using your hands excessively is what I refer to as “filler gestures.”

Too much of anything isn’t good.

Here is a speech outline about my speaking journey with Toastmasters, and how it helped me to become a better communicator, and improve my leadership and speaking skills.

A great opening starts with building better relationships through better communication.

In 2015, I saw an ad in my local paper for a Toastmasters group and I attended the open house. Even though I already spoke frequently, the speakers I saw that night taught me a few lessons. They didn’t use a slide deck but were still able to easily maintain audience engagement.

The speakers accomplished their goal of having the listener hear more about their particular topics.

I was captivated, and wanted to learn more about how to master the craft of speaking. I joined my local chapter and never looked back.

The body of the speech contains the evidence to support the main message.

How does Toastmasters support its main message? It provides a learning experience called Pathways that features five core competencies: public speaking, interpersonal communication, strategic leadership, management and confidence. In addition to these core subjects, there are 11 other pathways one

can take to individualize her/his experience. The many pathways provide an infinite number of possibilities to keep learning.

The conclusion of the speech wraps everything up in a memorable way.

Eventually, I obtained my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) recognition, the highest honor that can be earned by a member of Toastmasters International.

I completed both the leadership and communication tracks, and remain involved in several clubs today, including Nutritionally Speaking, our new NE DPG Toastmasters Club.

I was captivated, and wanted to learn more about how to master the craft of speaking

Are you interested in learning more about what Toastmasters has to offer? Check out the new NE DPG Toastmasters Club, and join us for a fun meeting to learn how to increase your communications and leadership skills.

Start counting your filler words today!

Lisa is an entrepreneur and owner of Lisa Jones LIVE. She is a speaker and author specializing in fueling messages with humor for connection that will motivate, educate and activate.

Lisa has a Master of Arts in nutrition education from Immaculata University and a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from West Virginia University. In 2014, Lisa was recognized as Outstanding Dietitian of the Year by the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the highest honor bestowed upon a Pennsylvania dietitian.

nedpg.org | 13

Telehealth, Insurance and Licensure Q&A AMY PLANO MS, RD, CDE, CDN GUEST AUTHOR

WORDS TO KNOW: Licensure: the process in which a government-associated agency (specific to your state) gives individuals express permission to practice dietetics, which acts as an endorsement that an individual has met minimum competency.

Telehealth: the distribution of health-related services and information via phone or computer.

Superbill: an itemized form used by healthcare providers which details services provided to a patient. It is used to create a healthcare claim which is submitted to payers for reimbursement.

Credentialed: the process of establishing the qualifications of licensed medical professionals and assessing their background and legitimacy.

Q: Can you provide virtual nutrition counseling in other states with licensure in only your state?

Q: Can you create superbills for telehealth (not billing insurance but providing a superbill for the client)?

A: Licensure rules for telehealth are based on the location of the patient at the time of the telehealth call.

Therefore, if the patient is located in a state requiring a license (AKA a “red state”) the dietitian needs to have an active license in that state in order to legally provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to that patient.

A: Superbills can be provided for telehealth. However, they are only applicable for patients who have an insurance type that the dietitian doesn’t participate with. If a dietitian is an in-network provider, then the dietitian must submit the claim on behalf of the patient to the insurance company. And, as always, the patient’s out-of-network MNT insurance benefits will be applicable.

Q: Can you bill insurance in other states if you are only licensed in your state?

A: The answer is it depends. You can legally bill insurance for outof-state patients. In most cases, as dietitians, we credential with national insurance plans - not individual state-held insurance plans.

However, this all still depends on whether or not the patient is located in a licensure or non-licensure state at the time of the telehealth call. If the patient is located in a non-licensure state, then we bill as we would normally bill insurance. However, if the patient is located in a licensure state we need to secure a license in that state before we provide MNT and subsequently bill insurance.

Q: What do you need to know about telehealth to be compliant with insurance and licensure?

A: First things first: you need to know whether or not the patient is located in a licensure state. If the patient is, then you need to secure a license in that state before providing any rendition of MNT to that person. Second, you need to be in good standing in your respective state with your credentialing and licensure status. And lastly, you need to be contracted with the insurance company you intend to bill.

14 | nedpg.org

Q: If telehealth coverage goes away, will we still be able to provide and bill for telehealth services?

A: Telehealth coverage is dictated on a state-by-state basis. Several states have already extended the coverage indefinitely. However, if a state retracts the telehealth statutes then dietitians will no longer be able to bill insurance for telehealth visits.

They will still be able to provide MNT via telehealth (providing licensure rules are followed). However, insurance will not reimburse for the service in a state where telehealth coverage is no longer permissible.

Amy Plano, The Reimbursement Dietitian, RD, MS, CDE, CDN, is a successful privatepractice dietitian passionate about helping dietitians create a profitable nutrition private practice using an insured-based model. Together with her husband she runs the profitable The Plano Program, a health-and-wellness-based center in Orange, Connecticut. Through both her one-one and group-based reimbursement coaching programs, online resources and seminars, she teaches dietitians exactly how to use health insurance to make money in their nutrition practices.

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ISBN - 13: 978-0-9810206-0-0

Title: Health Hijackers: Who They Are and How to Stop Them, Introducing The Zig-Zag Solution™ (based on the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator®)

Title: Craving Change Authors: Wendy Shah, RD and Dr. Colleen Cannon, RPsych

Date: 2008 Publisher: Craving Change Inc. Price: $595 plus S&H What is included: Facilitator’s Manual, client workbook, behind-the-scenes USB wafer, nine video modules with multiple choice exams and case studies.

Ever thought to yourself “nibbling while cooking doesn’t hurt” or “the broken cookies at the bottom of the jar really don’t count”? The good news is you are not alone … and you may also be experiencing heart hunger. If this sounds like you or a client you know, Craving Change is just the tool to help learn how eating habits are affected by daily thoughts and actions. Craving Change takes motivational interviewing to the next level by providing cognitive behavioral strategies to encourage self-awareness and build a healthier relationship with food. Through nine easy-to-follow video modules and a facilitator’s guide with 16 “change and maintain” strategies, this program is designed to ensure you understand how to implement what you learn into your personal practice - where our eating habits come from, understanding our triggers, how to unlearn problematic behaviors, and how to apply approaches to maintain healthy changes. No matter your clientele, when it comes to building a healthy lifestyle, change is always occurring. Once the course and final exam is completed, you are eligible to use the Craving Change program and its easy-to-use worksheets as a Certified Craving Change Clinician.

From beginning to end, this is a program that won’t just sit on your shelf.

Reviewer: Veronica Campbell, RD, LDN Title: Registered Dietitian Affiliation: The Charge Group

Author: Roberta Schwartz Wennick, MS, RDN Date: 2021 Publisher: Labyrinth Publishing Works Price: $14.99 How do we combat that “autopilot” phenomenon trapping us in unhealthy habits? Health Hijackers describes how the sensing, intuiting, thinking and feeling traits from the MBTI® work in conjunction with one another to halt the immediate rewards mentality known as fast thinking. A series of questions from each of the four components creates a highly aware and self-efficacious lifestyle approach known as The Zig-Zag Solution™.

Health Hijackers is ultimately about the decision-making process and how easily it is thwarted by constant pressures increasing the desire for instant relief. Each alternative Schwartz Wennick presents to fast thinking is straightforward and sustainable, so the dilemmas no longer seem insurmountable. Dietitians would likely benefit from practicing the techniques in The Zig-Zag Solution™, as would their clients.

While Health Hijackers offers very practical diet and lifestyle advice, it is best suited for individuals in the preparation or action stage of change. The Zig-Zag Solution™ requires strong and consistent initiative from the participant as it relies heavily on self-assessment.

While it is arguably an intervention deftly tailored to an individual’s needs, the work of looking within to modify behavior is much harder.

Reviewer: Alison Rosenstock, MS, RD Title: Registered Dietitian and Youth Meals Coordinator Affiliation: SDNutritionWriter. com and Feeding San Diego

2nd Edition

DASH Diet Manage high blood pressure with sustainable lifestyle changes

Master meal planning and enjoy more than 45 delicious recipes Discover how diet can reduce disease risk

Sarah Samaan, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN Cindy Kleckner, RDN, LD, FAND

Title: DASH Diet For Dummies Authors: Sarah Samaan, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE; Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN; Cindy Kleckner, RDN, LD, FAND

Date: 2021 Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Price: $22.99 For 30 years the iconic For Dummies series has taken on complex concepts and made them easy to understand. DASH Diet For Dummies continues that tradition.

The book is targeted to the motivated reader who already has or is at risk for developing hypertension and looking to make informed changes to her/his daily habits. In 360 pages, it covers everything from the scientific concepts of the diet to recipes for any time of day (dessert, anyone?). As readers have grown to expect in this series, there are no color photos and minimal graphics. There is a robust “Part of Tens” section which includes lists of tips on implementing the DASH diet. Buyers of the book are treated to additional information regarding the DASH diet through online extras.

DASH Diet For Dummies does a good job communicating the complexities of the science of cardiovascular diseases and provides practical examples of how those diseases show up in the body and in our lives. While the book presents suggestions to address challenges to adopting the diet, it fails to address difficulties beyond a certain kind of reader. Practical tips on how to approach the DASH diet - no matter your social or economic status - would have been beneficial.

Overall, the book is an approachable resource for clients looking to educate themselves on a proven approach to address hypertension. The level of detail provided in the book also makes it a succinct, reliable resource for the practitioner’s bookshelf.

Reviewer: Dawn Anderson, RD, CIP Title: Behavioral Health Dietitian Affiliation: none nedpg.org | 15

Ventures

FA L L 2 0 2 1 | V O L U M E X LV I I I | N U M B E R 2

6301 Snidercrest Rd Mason, OH 45040

NE Outstanding Dietitian Award

Upcoming NE Webinars Utilizing Your Skill Set to Build a Successful Business Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 11 a.m. CST Health Hijackers: Who They Are and How to Stop Them Roberta Schwartz Wennik, MS, RDN

VANDANA SHETH Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, is a nationally recognized and award-winning Registered Dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, owner of a successful nutrition practice, media spokesperson and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes. She is passionate about positively impacting people with science-based nutrition information that is simple, realistic and flavorful.

congratulations!

Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 1 p.m. CST Navigating Conflict and Confusion in Client Communication Mary Angela Miller, MS, RDN, LD & Heather Dugan Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 12 noon CST