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» ARTICLE CORRECTION
Correction to the article “What Is Weight Inclusive Care?” from the winter 2024 issue of Ventures. The FNCE® session “The Struggle Is Real: Providing Weight-Inclusive Care in a Weight-Centric World” was presented by Kasuen Mauldin, PhD, RD; Dawn Clifford, PhD, RDN; and Tara R. Lovinger, MS, RD.
Note From the Editor
AMY BROWNSTEIN MS, RDN NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Hello, Nutrition Entrepreneurs (NE)! I’m Amy Brownstein, the newsletter editor for 2024-2025 I’m excited to connect with and learn from our members�
My hope is that Ventures fosters community among NE members and serves as a resource for new and seasoned entrepreneurs� In keeping with our DPG chair, Leah Tsui’s word of the year, “shiNE,” Ventures will focus on how we can “shiNE” as entrepreneurs
As a new entrepreneur, I have gained so much from being a member of Nutrition Entrepreneurs From resources on starting a business to Mastermind Sessions and Halfie Hours, the community, advice and motivation from NE have been invaluable I look forward to my role as the newsletter editor, and I hope to cultivate a space for other business owners to learn, grow and shiNE
This issue explores goal-setting, mindset and time management, among other topics, to help you shiNE as an entrepreneur - whether you’re just starting your business or looking for ways to expand your work
Growing a business is hard work in a constantly evolving space As entrepreneurs, we’re often a oneperson show with all the work on our shoulders Collaborating with
colleagues eases some of that burden, providing community, motivation and shared resources
Goal-setting and time management permeate all areas of business While we focus on these topics for our clients, we often forget to prioritize these things for ourselves and our businesses� I’ve been inspired by reading how colleagues integrate goal-setting and time management into their practices I hope these articles do the same for you
We’re always on the lookout for guest authors, product reviewers and student writers If you or someone you know has a story to share or a product to review, please reach out (newsletter@nedpg org) We’re eager to feature a diverse range of members with unique experiences and skill sets
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, is a privatepractice dietitian and consultant She is passionate about translating nutrition science into tangible, digestible information and recommendations Amy is an outdoor enthusiast, spending most of her time biking, hiking or running When she’s not outside, she enjoys baking and trying natural wines
ShiNE While We Reach for the Stars
LEAH TSUI MS, RDN, LDN CHAIR
Hello, Nutrition Entrepreneurs! My name is Leah Tsui, and I will be serving as your Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG chair for the 2024-2025 year� I am excited to write my first “Note from the Chair” for one of our beloved member resources: Ventures !
As you may have seen from our e-newsletter, I recently announced the theme for this year: shiNE If you are new to NE, you’ll start to see how we love to use the letters “NE” somewhere in our theme or “word of the year ” ShiNE was an easy pick for me I thought about how our DPG contains a variety of professionals in all nutrition fields:
y Book and magazine authors
y Media spokespersons appearing on TV and podcasts
y Consultants for healthcare organizations, schools, restaurants, etc
y Public speakers presenting to consumers
y Counselors and coaches for individuals, groups and athletic teams
y Corporate and wellness program managers
y Public relations representatives and software designers
With the diverse ways that nutrition entrepreneurs can work, how do you set yourself apart? This is how shiNE can be applied in all stages of entrepreneurship:
y For aspiring entrepreneurs/new entrepreneurs: Let your personality shiNE through! It’s good to embrace what makes you YOU, because your clients/patients/members are going to resonate with you and your personality when picking whom they want to work with When many folks are saying the same thing on social media, make sure to give credit where it is due and put your spin on it, because your insight may resonate with others in a new way�
y For entrepreneurs three to seven years in the field: You’ve been doing this for a while and have your systems set up Where are there places where you could highlight and shiNE? What could be the next challenge or growth opportunity for you as a dietitian? Do you want to explore a different arm of entrepreneurship? Does this mean hiring someone to join your team so you can scale your business? Perhaps you can take your experience and package it into a book, course or workshop�
y For entrepreneurs eight or more years in: What are some ways you could help others shiNE? Where are the opportunities to offer mentorship or supervision to newer dietitians and entrepreneurs? Are you thriving or just surviving? How can we support you to prevent burnout?
I truly believe that NE is the best DPG there is, and we continue to be the #1 resource for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs Please reach out to me any time at chair@nepdg org I want to hear how you shiNE this year!
Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN, is the owner of Limitless Nutrition, where she does 1:1 virtual counseling, corporate workshops, and consults for several start-ups Leah combines her love of sports nutrition with an intuitive eating approach She’s also the partnerships + outreach coordinator for Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics (WIND) 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 book clubs she's in, or running along the beach
Pivot. Pivot! PIVOT!
JESSICA OSWALD MS, RDN PAST CHAIR
Once a year, I play judge for a class in the business school at the local university This class is called “New Venture Development,” and the students have to come up with a business idea and pitch it to a panel of judges The professor of this class was and is a resource for me and business ventures, and he’s given me advice on several topics that he also covers in his lectures One of these lectures focuses on opportunity recognition
Opportunity recognition is the process of seeking out and perceiving opportunities for new products and services It’s the process of checking to make sure that what you want to do in your business is something that people want and will purchase When you started your business, did you go through an opportunity recognition process or did you dive right in and offer something that you thought others would want … or was it a little bit of both?
For me, it was a little of both Here’s the beauty of opportunity recognition — it doesn’t (and probably shouldn’t) stop once you get your business up and running As a nutrition entrepreneur, you may start recognizing additional
areas where your clients need support or you may find a completely new area that you didn’t originally consider When this starts to happen, it’s natural to consider adding additional products and services or to question if you’re currently doing the right thing� If this happens to you, you might consider pivoting Consider pivoting if:
y Your clients aren’t responding to your original services or products as you expected
y One specific piece of your business gains meaningful traction and you want to focus on that
y You recognize other opportunities while working with clients
y Your perspective has changed, matured or evolved�
HOW TO PIVOT SUCCESSFULLY
You’ve already started a business so you have a bit of “hindsight is 20/20 ” You’ll want to think about the things that you did well when you started and the things that you would do differently Here are some other tips to successfully pivot:
y Do the market research. Listen to your customers Think about feedback that you’ve received from clients and customers in the past Ask current and potential clients questions about what you plan to do - would they continue to be a client,
would they become a new client, how likely are they to work with you? Is this something that clients and customers are interested in?
y Strategize and plan. What steps do you need to take to pivot? Include a timeline for when you plan to launch your new idea Think about whether there needs to be a pause between the old and the new Make sure to include markers to measure the success of your pivot�
y Get comfortable with change. Change is hard Change is scary The good news is that you’ve done this before when you started your business You’ve already made one significant change in your life and you can make another one�
y Communicate and advertise. Let stakeholders (customers, partners) know what’s coming Use the tools available to you, such as email marketing, social media and your website, to let people know that you are pivoting Be sure to include information about what they can expect
y Commit to your pivot. You didn’t make this decision lightly Commit fully to it� Don’t falter� Own the decision and keep moving toward the goal
To some it may feel like a pivot is a sign of failure but it’s truly not Many successful businesses have pivoted at some point in their journey, e�g� Instagram, Netflix, PayPal You can have a successful pivot story
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�
The Importance of Mindfulness for Entrepreneurs
JESSICA CORDING
MS, RD, CDN GUEST AUTHOR
Mindfulness can be described as having an awareness of your internal thoughts, feelings and surroundings In a mindful state we pay attention to what comes up without judging or reacting
Growing up with a mom who was a psychotherapist and certified hypnotherapist, I was aware of mindfulness, but I didn’t think I was wired for it Or maybe on some level, my resistance to it was rooted in low-key teenage rebellion Either way, early in my career, my friends and family would most likely have described me as “busy ” And “caffeinated�” I had no idea how to sit still I truly believed that mindfulness was something for other people who were better at slowing down
Fast forward to today: Not only is mindfulness a non-negotiable in my life; I teach it to my clients
THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness has been widely studied and shown to have many mental and physical benefits For entrepreneurs, mindfulness helps manage stress and anxiety, improves focus and builds awareness of our habits and patterns
I have found it especially useful to help calm my mind when I’m overwhelmed or when I’m tempted to say “yes” to something when my gut knows it’s actually a “hell, no�” For any of my fellow empaths out there, it’s also a wonderful tool for setting boundaries with your energy and avoiding taking on other people’s stuff
Mindfulness also helps me get in tune with what is truly a priority and allows me to understand my resistance when I’m having a tough time moving forward Mindfulness also helps me cope when facing challenges, which, let’s be real, are an inevitable part of entrepreneurial life�
MAKING MINDFULNESS PART OF YOUR DAY
You don’t have to meditate for 20 minutes with your eyes closed first thing in the morning to reap the benefits of mindfulness Even a few minutes can make a big difference! In my opinion, what’s most important is mindfulness practice to be sustainable so you’ll actually do it regularly
Here are a few ways to practice mindfulness in your everyday life:
y Deep breathing or more structured breathwork
y Focusing on your breath
y Body scan
y Walking outside without electronics
y Mindful movement like yoga, tai chi or qigong
y Journaling
y Sensory exercises (examples: name something you can see, hear, feel, taste and touch)
y Noting a few things you’re grateful for
y Observing your thoughts and feelings
I fit in mindfulness by journaling and doing a short meditation before I start my workday, and I take another
moment for mindfulness at the end of my workday to help me shift from “work” mode to “life” mode� I also keep my journal handy to jot down any thoughts that come up through the day and utilize tools like deep breathing and observing my thoughts and feelings if I start to experience stress or anxiety or get overwhelmed On non-work days, I still make use of these tools
While work is a big part of our life, it’s important to be present and grounded in other parts of our lives too� Mindfulness is a powerful (and free!) tool that can help us find a better sense of balance and inner calm and shiNE as our best self
Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian, health coach, The DramaFree Healthy Living podcast host and author A big believer in the mind-body connection, she’s also a certified Pilates mat instructor and a reiki practitioner She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two cuddly rescue cats� Her camera roll is basically all pets, food and funny signs she spots along her travels
The Importance of Collaborating with Other RDs
ALISON ROSENSTOCK MS, RD GUEST AUTHOR
In 2021, about six months after earning my RD credential, I decided to market myself as a nutrition writer Going out on my own was quite challenging, as I am a risk-averse introvert who prefers to dip my toe into the water before jumping It can be scary to put ourselves out there
As a starting point, I crafted a website to showcase my portfolio of published work In order to grow I needed support that would enhance the prestige of my writing and cast a wider net for future projects This involved asking for help in the form of contributions from other RDs, including quotations, recipes and even feedback and proofreading on my writing pieces
These collaborations have been incredibly rewarding and ultimately critical to my success To date, I have published more than 20 evidencebased nutrition articles for several clients and established myself as a
trusted and engaging voice in the areas of women’s health and gastrointestinal (GI) nutrition
Here are some of the many benefits of collaborating with other RDs on all sorts of different ventures (see what I did there?)
y Improve the quality and credibility of your work: Registered Dietitians are important authorities on ensuring that written pieces are based on scientific evidence An article featuring direct quotations and contributions from RDs is viewed by Google as expert-endorsed content, which boosts the piece’s credibility and searchability scores Additionally, RDs who have many years of experience and clout in their field are great resources to provide feedback on your work
y Expand the reach of your business: When other RDs introduce your work to a new audience, such as members of their network or their readers/subscribers, you expand your reach It is also helpful to have a collaborator with an expertise in
areas you don’t In my case, I have a mentorship with Holly Larson of Holly Larson Writes Larson is incredibly SEO-savvy Her guidance and resources have helped me create pieces with more compelling, searchable titles and readability that is suitable for a wide audience, and stronger analytics on Google
y Mutually beneficial backlinks: I always make sure I include multiple links to the work of the RDs who provide collaboration on my writing pieces Web articles with links to credible sources are more likely to be found by the readers you want to attract Having the backlinks to the work of collaborating RDs work improves the strength of your website and improves the reach of your collaborator when readers click on those links�
Freelance and entrepreneurial nutrition work is a challenging process that is more easily navigated with effective, reliable partnerships The support and contributions of other Registered Dietitians have been instrumental in getting me to where I am and will be an important part of my path forward I highly encourage you to pursue RD collaborations of your own and see where the journey takes you!
Alison Rosenstock is a Registered Dietitian, nutrition writer, and consultant based in San Diego, CA Her work focuses on online articles and educational resources in women’s health and GI nutrition through a mindful, culturally diverse and weight-neutral lens Alison also runs a monthly blog series on her website SDNutritionWriter com in addition to a role doing telehealth nutrition counseling Outside of all that remote working, Alison can be found walking around a local beach or lake, in a Zumba® or yoga class, reading an engrossing murder mystery or thriller, or enjoying the delicious Mexican food San Diego has to offer
Could Spending Money to Buy Time Help You Increase Your Income?
JULIE CUNNINGHAM MPH, RDN, CDCES, IBCLC INCOMING DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
When I started my copywriting business, I handled everything solo — from bookkeeping to working with clients It was a heavy load, but I believed I was on the right track, running an efficient operation Yes! I’m bootstrapping this all the way
I got to the point where something had to give, but I struggled to delegate because I was used to doing everything myself
So I used Rescue Time (rescuetime com) to audit my time for a week
Then I categorized my tasks and rounded those tasks off into $10, $100 and $1,000 categories
Ten-dollar tasks include:
y Deleting and unsubscribing from emails
y Categorizing bank transactions
y Top-of-funnel leadgeneration activities
One-hundred-dollar tasks include:
y Responding to simple queries from copywriting clients and students
y Writing social media posts
y Editing my students’ work
$1,000 tasks include:
y Preparing for and getting on calls with potential clients
y Research
y Copywriting
After I audited my time for a week, here’s what I found: I was spending the majority of my time on $10 tasks No bueno
I knew I needed to change my ways
I weaned off frivolous (and dare I say compulsive?) daily checking on things that don’t matter:
y How many books did I sell on Amazon?
y How many people joined my email list?
y How many new followers do I have?
None of that matters� It only matters whether I take the actions to make those things happen
I stopped all that checking in just a few days Then, I hired a virtual assistant (VA) who does top-of-funnel lead generation, which means she searches for companies and people with products and offers that could benefit from conversion copywriting, and reaches out to them using a simple script I provided to her
(In marketing, the buyer’s journey is sometimes referred to as a funnel, where there are many people attracted to your product or services at the “top” of your funnel, and then as they become more aware of what you do, the most interested people stay in your pipeline, while the less interested people filter out So the “top of the funnel” is broad and the “bottom of the funnel” is where the sales happen
If the company or provider responds with a message that they’d like to talk more about copywriting, my VA sends them a link to book an appointment on my calendar, and then I take it from there�
My VA’s lead generation saves me about two hours a day�
My VA also organized my inbox into a few different categories:
y Julie, do this right now!
y Business, but not urgent
y Personal
y Junk?
When I go to my email, I concentrate on the “Julie, do this right now!” label If I have time left over, I move to “Business, but not urgent” and “Personal ”
Once a week, I go into the “Junk” label and unsubscribe from everything there using a service called Trimbox, which I love� (Trimbox lets you unsubscribe from your Gmail inbox without clicking into an email or visiting a site )
This system has saved me about one hour every day�
All told, hiring a VA gave me back two hours a day that I used to spend on lead generation and another hour a day that I used to spend wading through a jungle of email Plus, I’ve gained odd bits of time that were lost to indecision and overwhelm
Yes, I have to pay for VA services But the return on my investment in my VA is well worth it I spend very little time on $10 tasks now Most of my time is spent on $100 and $1,000 tasks
In the last six months, my copywriting revenue doubled because I let go of those $10-an-hour tasks and let someone else handle them
Time is money and money likes speed By spending time on the small tasks that could be delegated, I was hitting the proverbial brakes when I needed to put my foot on the gas�
So far, so good And now the question is, can I let go of those $100 tasks and double it again?
Julie Cunningham, MPH, RDN, CDCES, IBCLC, author of 30 Days to Tame Type 2 Diabetes, writes fiction under a pen name she'll never disclose, and she likes reading thriller novels, traveling, and lying around in her backyard hammock
Five Counterintuitive Strategies to Jump-Start Your Motivation
HELENA RAMADAN MS, RDN WEBSITE COORDINATOR
It can be hard to stay motivated when you are a business owner, especially when it seems like some days your to-do list grows at an exponential rate Here are some unusual strategies I’ve found to kick-start progress when I’m not feeling the entrepreneurial spirit
WORK FOR LESS TIME
If you are unfamiliar with the Pomodoro Technique, it’s a system for time management that involves setting intervals of work and rest to maximize productivity I use a Pomodoro app on my computer to stay on task as well as motivate myself to start an unpleasant one If I have to do something I’ve been avoiding, I set the timer for just five to 10 minutes The trick is, once I start the task and build momentum, I often want to keep working even after the timer has gone off
LEVERAGE PROCRASTINATION
Have you ever noticed how productive you can be when you are avoiding doing something? For instance, this year when I sat down to do my taxes, I cleaned my office, cleared out my old filing system and created a tax organizer for future years I was hugely motivated to do these things because I was procrastinating on doing my taxes� But I also knew that completing these items would make the process of starting my taxes much easier I know it’s counterintuitive, but sometimes you can leverage procrastination like a tool instead of thinking of it as the enemy GIVE IN TO "SHINY OBJECT
SYNDROME”
I often have “shiny object syndrome,” which leads me to jump from task to task; however, this inhibits my progress in any of the tasks It is very motivating to start something novel I’ve found that when I get stuck, learning about a new business-related topic can get me re-energized One trick I’ve used is to watch the recording of an NE DPG webinar that I couldn’t attend in person but still wanted to see Once
I’m done, I usually have a list of helpful tips, several new ideas for my business and a few action items to follow up on The ideas I generate and the novelty of the action items make me want to get back to work Once I tackle some of those tasks, I find that I am more interested in working on other older to-do list items as well
SET THE BAR LOWER
Most messaging I hear is around “how to do more” or “how to be more productive ” But when my to-do list gets too long, I get overwhelmed and often end up accomplishing less So periodically, I will review my to-do list for the day and distill it down to just three high-priority tasks that are important to accomplish� This keeps me both focused and motivated because I know I’m doing the things that matter DON’T FINISH YOUR WORK
I heard this strategy mentioned in the context of writing, but I think it translates well here too� Instead of waiting to take a break until you finish a task, stop when you still
have work to do and you’re excited about completing it I am much more motivated to resume a task that I want to work on versus starting from scratch on a completely new one� Sometimes I even do this unintentionally, when I get interrupted by my kids and it takes a while to circle back to whatever I was doing It can be surprisingly helpful
Want one final tip? Instead of trying out all of these strategies, pick just one to start You may be surprised at how much it helps your business to shiNE Helena Ramadan, MS, RDN, CD, ACE-CHC, is the owner of Healthier with Helena� She got hooked on playing sports in kindergarten and has led an active lifestyle ever since Helena enjoys reading, crafting, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two sons
Avoid Sputtering Out in Space with Realistic Time Management
JESSICA CORWIN MPH, RDN DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
As nutrition entrepreneurs, our vision may often feel like we truly are reaching for the stars - filled with endless possibilities and opportunities to shine To truly soar amidst the cosmic chaos of our bustling lives, mastering time management is essential Without it we are left sputtering out in space, living in a reactionary state (ping! chime! ring!) and quickly getting lost in the black hole of email or social media� Let's embark on a celestial journey together and explore some tips tailored to our mission of reaching for the stars
Break up your constellation. Imagine the universe as your full vision, with each task and goal a beautiful constellation waiting to be discovered Setting realistic expectations is like plotting your course through the cosmic expanse Acknowledge that each constellation requires time and effort to reach Break down your goals into single stars or manageable tasks, realistically estimating how long each task will take� By breaking big projects down into smaller tasks, it becomes easier to fit each task into your schedule and more realistic to make progressstar by star, or step by step By setting realistic expectations, you navigate the cosmos with purpose and precision
Prioritize your brightest stars. Now, let's harness the power of time management as our rocket fuel on this interstellar odyssey Just as astronauts prioritize their mission objectives, prioritize your tasks based on their significance Identify the brightest stars - the tasks that will propel you closer to your goals - and set your sights on them first� As you journey through the galaxy of your to-do list, marvel at the cosmic wonders you uncover along the way
Use color to allocate your time. Timeblocking becomes your navigational map through the celestial sky� Imagine each day as a star chart, with designated time slots for launching into different cosmic endeavors Allocate
time for client consultations, culinary creations, marketing and business administration Always start with your brightest stars first and schedule them during your most productive time of day Color-coding your paper or digital calendar will help you to paint a realistic vision and plan for your day
Build in boundaries. Remember, astronauts need to establish boundaries to navigate the infinite expanse of space Set boundaries around your time and energy, protecting yourself from cosmic collisions and burnout Learn to say no to tasks that veer you off course from your mission objectives, dodge distractions using airplane mode, and create space for celestial contemplation and self-care
Create space in your journey. In the midst of your cosmic quest, don't forget to create space in your day for reflection and rejuvenation Just as the cosmos is vast and boundless, allow your mind freedom to wander Take moments to gaze up at the night sky, to revel in the wonder of the universe, and to celebrate your journey through the cosmos - all the while dreaming up your next project or revising your current strategies
By embracing these time management strategies and creating space in your day, you'll not only reach for the stars but also shiNE brightly amidst the cosmic tapestry of your entrepreneurial voyage
Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, despite recently transitioning away from entrepreneurial work this year and into the field of women's health, couldn't pass up the opportunity to give back to a DPG that has inspired her for over a decade Jessica has 15+ years of experience in public health, culinary medicine, group education, as well as writing and editing That being said, she works hard in order to play hard, soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with her three children, husband and boxer dog
Goals, Goals, Goals!
LEAH TSUI MS, RDN, LDN CHAIR
I love making goals I love the accomplishment of completing a goal But it's hard sticking to goals all the time When I get overwhelmed by working “in” my business, I take a deep breath and go back to working “on” my business� This reframe alone has helped me from going down rabbit holes that may be deceivingly productive but aren’t effectively moving my business in the right direction
One big reason behind entrepreneurship was to create the work-life balance and flexibility that I desire For me this looks like prioritizing life events and putting work and professional life next
Some of my favorite goal-setting tips came from a calendar planning workshop I attended in December 2022, and I reference those notes often as I set goals for the week, month, quarter and year� December is my favorite time to plan what I want my next year to look like, and from there, I can break down each quarter’s big plans and then the monthly plans as each quarter comes along I don’t do the granular work of weekly goals until the next month is on the horizon
I start with the life events: what are the birthdays, weddings, vacations or staycations, family and friend celebrations that I’ll be attending? I put those into each month, even if the exact details aren’t locked down completely� Then I add in any commitments I’ve already made, personal or professional: speaking opportunities, workshops or conferences I’m signed up for Next, I’ll put in “wish list” items like conferences I want to attend or special dates such as seeing a musical at my local theater and putting the dates it’s running, or signing up for a race or competition� Lastly, I’ll fill in my business-related projects: content creation, launches, hiring plans, continuing education or certifications to complete By seeing it all on a grand scale of the entire year, it helps to pinpoint where I can lean in to work more, or pull back from work, depending on what else is happening in my life�
Similar to how I decided on ShiNE to be this year’s NE theme, I also chose a word for my 2024 calendar year� This helped me set the tone for how I wanted my year to look like From there, I was able to build out what I wanted Q1, Q2 and Q3 to look like I am currently reviewing my Q3 plans and looking into building Q4 plans as we’re at the halfway point of the year When I work on each quarter’s project, I pick one to three things I can focus on for that quarter�
I was recently recommended the book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver
Burkeman, and I enjoyed this quick read that had me reflecting on time and how to work productively Instead of relying on downloading the “latest, greatest app” that says it’ll problemsolve everything, this book required a hard look at myself and assessing what I can and cannot do with my finite time
One takeaway was to adopt a “fixed volume” approach to productivity Burekman recommended two types of to-do lists - one “open” and one “closed ” The open list feeds into the closed list, and the closed list has a maximum of TEN entries�
Since reading this book, I’ve practiced this with my weekly to-do lists I have to pare down my “closed” list of what I can realistically accomplish that week, and 10 items is sometimes too many Being ruthless and realistic about my time has helped immensely with setting appropriate expectations for goalsetting This can also be extrapolated to the larger business ideas: what can ideally be done versus what can realistically be done?
Feel free to write to me at chair@nedpg org to share your goals, as I’d love to hear them and see where NE can support you to accomplish those goals�
Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN, is the owner of Limitless Nutrition, where she does 1:1 virtual counseling, corporate workshops, and consults for several start-ups Leah combines her love of sports nutrition with an intuitive eating approach She’s also the partnerships + outreach coordinator for Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics (WIND) 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 book clubs she's in, or running along the beach
Product Reviews
Title: Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides meal planning app
Creator: Ann Kent, MS, RD, CDCES
Date: June 12, 2024
Price: $14 99/month
If you work in private practice, you know that clients are always asking for meal plans There are a lot of mixed feelings in creating a client's meal plan It’s time-consuming for you You can incur the cost of using a meal planning service OR the cost of creating your own meal plan Also, what does the client do AFTER the person finishes that meal plan?
The Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides app is a great solution for your clients or for yourself as a busy entrepreneur The app features a new meal guide each week that is ready for the member to use right away, but also allows for customization to a person’s particular tastes
Each week’s guide includes a challenge meal, a slow-cooker meal, a 30-minute meal, a vegetarian meal, and a grab-and-go meal There are also breakfast, snack and sweet suggestions for each week The app includes substitutions to make for various diets including: gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan A shopping list and preparation notes are provided for each guide as well
Users have the option to add more meals or substitute the meals Recipes can be filtered in over 30 categories, including low-GOS, pescatarian, Asian and similar categories
I found the app and online system very easy to use The recipes were accessible for me to prepare food for my family, including four young kids Great to see family favorites - like Frito pie with a vegetarian spin and five different forms of mac and cheese I also found the recipes to be delicious but still simple enough that a beginner home cook wouldn’t feel overwhelmed
Reviewer: Kimberly Marsh, MS, RDN, LD
Title: Private Practice Owner, Incoming Newsletter Editor for NE
CALL FOR PRODUCT SUBMISSIONS AND REVIEWERS
We are looking for dietitians who would like to review and write a product review and dietitians who would love to have their products reviewed by one of our NE members. If you are interested, please email us at: newsletter@nedpg.org.
Meet Your Executive Committee
Chair: Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN, is the owner of Limitless Nutrition, where she does 1:1 virtual counseling, corporate workshops, and consults for several start-ups� Leah combines her love of sports nutrition with an intuitive eating approach She’s also the partnerships + outreach coordinator for Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics (WIND) 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 book clubs she's in, or running along the beach
Chair-Elect: Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN, is a weight-inclusive 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 lives 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
Past Chair/ Director of Nom Com: 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
Secretary: Leslie Weidner, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a virtual practice where she provides 1:1 nutrition coaching for women in perimenopause She enjoys helping women over 40 learn how to eat in a healthy, balanced way that supports their hormonal health without any strict rules or diets On the weekends, you can find Leslie hanging out with her husband and watching their two boys play basketball, football, baseball or soccer, depending on the season
Treasurer: Maria Morgan-Bathke, MBA, PhD, RD, CD, LD, FAND, received a B S in dietetics with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in May 2009 She received her Ph D in nutritional sciences with a minor in cancer biology from the University of Arizona in July 2013 and her MBA with an emphasis in health care management from Viterbo University in 2020� Maria also recently started her own business
Director of Member Services: Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, despite recently transitioning away from entrepreneurial work this year and into the field of women's health, couldn't pass up the opportunity to give back to a DPG that has inspired her for over a decade� Jessica has 15+ years of experience in public health, culinary medicine, group education, as well as writing and editing That being said, she works hard in order to play hard, soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with her three children, husband and boxer dog
Director of Members Services Incoming: Julie Cunningham, MPH, RDN, CDCES, IBCLC, author of 30 Days to Tame Type 2 Diabetes, writes fiction under a pen name she'll never disclose, and she likes reading thriller novels, traveling, and lying around in her backyard hammock
Education Coordinator: Debbie Memmer, MS, RDN, LD, has enjoyed many years as a clinical dietitian, preceptor and educator, but her passion lies with counseling CKD patients She loves how others react when they realize the impact correct food choices could make on their lives Debbie lives in Ohio with her husband They are empty nesters as their children are exploring and building their lives She loves to travel to visit family and enjoy other climates
Director of Mentor Services: Makeda Mars, RDN, LDN, owner of Lishe Means Nutrition LLC, currently resides in Orlando Florida She loves eating, cooking and growing good food She also enjoys cycling and is getting into golf this year The beach is her happy place
Director of Communications: Shannon McMahon, MS, RDN, LD, has been educating future RDs through the University of Alabama’s online BS and DPD program since 2012 When Shannon is not grading, advising or updating course content, she enjoys belly dancing, reading, Pilates, hiking, skiing, and pretty much anything else that will get her outside! Shannon also enjoys traveling and has lived in six states, 11 cities, three countries and one US territory
PR & Marketing Coordinator: 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 farmers’ markets and gardening She also loves art and design and recently bought a house she's looking forward to renovating over the upcoming years!
Newsletter Editor: Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, is a private-practice dietitian and consultant She is passionate about translating nutrition science into tangible, digestible information and recommendations Amy is an outdoor enthusiast, spending most of her time biking, hiking or running When she’s not outside, she enjoys baking and trying natural wines
Newsletter Editor Incoming: Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD, blogger at lowiodinedietitian com, loves to be outdoors, just not camping� While not very good at any of these, 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
CPE Coordinator: Heather Rudalavage is a weight-inclusive RD As both a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Certified Body Trust Coach in the Philadelphia area, she has been helping her clients achieve wellbeing in the practice she founded, Intuitive Nutrition, for over 15 years She is married to her high-school sweetheart and mom to three nearly grown kiddos When she isn't traveling, you can find her writing her first novel; stay tuned!
Website Coordinator: Helena Ramadan, MS, RDN, CD, ACE-CHC, is the owner of Healthier with Helena She got hooked on playing sports in kindergarten and has led an active lifestyle ever since Helena enjoys reading, crafting and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two sons
Director of Sponsorship: Kelly Powers, MA, RDN, founder of Weeknight Dinners – a weekly plan to help you save time and money in the kitchen - is in love with Italy and Italian food culture� In addition to her love for the Mediterranean, Kelly enjoys cooking for others, taking urban hikes in San Francisco and classic Pilates
Director of Sponsorship Incoming: Ann Kent, MS, RD, CDCES, is the creator of the Peas and Hoppy Meal Guides meal planning app Through Instagram reels, she is realizing her childhood dream of becoming a movie producer Ann co-produced, starred and directed in her first (home) movie at the age of 14 and now loves exercising her creative muscles by planning and producing marketing content for her small business
Annual Conference Director: Katie Breazeale, MS, RD, LD, lives in Texas Katie loves to play tennis and plays on a USTA league team When she is not working, you can find her shopping for shoes, playing with her two children or reading a book
Annual Conference Director Incoming: Karen Kennedy, MS, CN, IFNCP, has had her garden put on hold the past two years and is living vicariously through giving unsolicited advice to others She loves having more time to cut out of work early all summer and head to the river with the dog to swim, suntan and pick berries Her kids are older now and she is enjoying being a kid again herself She has built a practice around using CGMs to "hack your blood sugar" and is having fun being the tech person
Member Awards: Annie Kent is the Eat Fit Northshore dietitian with Ochsner Health She is passionate about inspiring people to live healthier lives, especially in her local community She collaborates with restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and markets on the Northshore to identify and develop nutritious menu options When she is not working as a community dietitian, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, walking on the lakefront, and trying new meal prep recipes
FNCE® Coordinator: Stephanie Dorfman, MS, RD, is passionate about all things wellness, running outdoors, puppies, seltzer and spreading all of the joy Stephanie is the owner of Stephanie Dorfman Nutrition and also works for a corporate food service company� When she's not working or snuggling with her puppy Norman, you can find her running (usually in Astoria or Central Park), baking challah, or laughing with family and friends During the summer months, look for her at her favorite sleepaway summer camp, where her family still works and where her grandparents met
DPG Delegate: Elizabeth Reed, MPH, RDN, LD, has enjoyed diverse career roles of clinical nutrition manager, adjunct professor, analyst-Academy’s Evidence Analysis Library and nutrition consultant There was a successful brief stop in the middle to create a gluten-free baking company as result of her daughter’s diagnosis of celiac disease Currently Elizabeth is owner of Apple A Day Nutrition Consulting LLC that she has owned since 2004, where she provides medical nutrition therapy in private practice Always on the lookout for healthy food, Elizabeth can be found at the farmers’ market or testing a GF recipe
Policy Advocacy Leader: Susan Adams, MS, RD, LDN, FAND, is a Registered Dietitian who consults with assisted living accounts and is an educator at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, who specializes in educating the next generation of nutrition professionals She believes that food and nutrition heal others and enjoys helping the next generation and the greatest generation Susan loves potatoes and has never met a potato that she didn’t like!
IDEA Liaison: Andrea Massop Ramos, MCN, founder and CEO of Healthy FRIENDZ Nutrition LLC, When not working, can be found traveling abroad, gardening, playing tennis or salsa dancing Special family time is spent with her five grandchildren
Nominating Committee: Christie Hunter, MS, RD, LDN, owner of Christie RD and co-founder of Nutrition Practice Network enjoys planning a family trip almost as much as going on the trip� She is a wife and mother of two teenage daughters, but her greatest loves are UNC Tarheel basketball and Michael Buble
Nominating Committee: Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES, hopeful CDCES (summer 2024), and owner of Type One Type Fun, LLC, is personally and professionally passionate about all things diabetes! Her goal is to help those with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones transform from lost and lonely, to educated and empowered In addition to her time spent working or volunteering in diabetes, she loves to dance She was previously trained in almost every form of ballroom dance, and is also a line dancing and Zumba instructor So, if there's a dance floor, you can be sure you'll find her there
Executive Director: Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT, considers herself lucky to be constantly involved with today’s nutrition giants pushing the boundaries� She dubs herself a connoisseur of great sunrises, dark chocolate and sidewalk chalk art When not on the computer, she can be found strumming a guitar, creating impromptu workouts with her kids and, of course, cooking in the kitchen
6301 Snidercrest Rd
Mason, OH 45040
Be A Speaker at the 2025 NE Spring Summit!
It's that time of year again and we need dynamic speakers for our 2025 NE Spring Summit! This year's theme will be Balance starting on March 5th through March 7th. We want presentations that make our entrepreneurial dietitians have Balance with work and life. Help us make this the best year yet! Submit your proposal through the Speaker Interest Form by September 4th.
SUMMIT SPEAKER INTEREST FORM Webinar
Learn More & Register at NEdpg.org/ne-courses
Unlocking the Potential of B2B Business Consulting
Learn More & Register at NEdpg.org > Events NE Peer-to-Peer Mastermind
