The Joy of Eating, previously Avocado a Day, is a food and wellness blog filled with delicious and nourishing whole food recipes and practical nutrition advice.

If you have any specific questions about starting a private practice, please ask in the comment section versus email. I SO wish I had time to answer each one of your emails individually, but unfortunately one of the realities of running a business is that it takes a lot of time! I now offer career coaching calls for aspiring private practice dietitians! Check out my service page for more information. Tomorrow is my 31st birthday. Insert the cake and balloon emojis that I don't know how to put into my blog because I'm technically challenged!!

This year, April 4th has a special meaning to me. One year ago today, I nervously walked into my bosses office, put in my 3-week notice, and quit my well paying, government job with great benefits so I could pursue my dream of opening a private practice. A year later, and I am sill no expert. Much of what I've learned has been through failure, not success.

Apparently, I look like I've got my act together! First, I'll answer this question It was always my dream to start a private practice. Looking back, I don't really like kids nor do I like exercise, so clearly, it wasn't such a great idea. Still, I had an entrepreneurial bug. My dietetics internship at Emory was clinically focused, and after I graduated, I started working in a clinical position at a small, community hospital. My job let me dabble in a little bit of everything.

At the time, I called it my dream job. Over time however, I realized in that type of setting where client load and numbers rule, I couldn't provide the type of care that truly transformed health and wellness. Plus, I had recently started a blog that was starting to become profitable and nurtured my creative side. I wanted to what I could make out of it. All signs were pointing for me to move on. So, without much planning or foresight, I left to start my business.

In the last year, there have been ups and downs, but as I round out days of being my own boss, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. No, my business isn't exactly where I want it to be, but it's getting there, and I'm feeling fulfilled, inspired and helping a lot of people in the process. Still, looking back, I could have been a lot more prepared! Here's what I wish I knew and what I've learned in the past year.

You don't have to be a clinical dietitian. I repeat, you do not have to be a clinical dietitian to get your "base knowledge.

It's the best way to gain the skills you need for the career you truly desire. Make the most out of the experience. To a certain extent that's true - someone still halfway anesthetized from surgery or vomiting up blood doesn't want to chat about food, but many still do.

Dietitian and Nutritionist - Career Rankings, Salary, Reviews and Advice | US News Best Jobs

When I was working clinical and covered a cardiac floor, I put tons of time and effort into educating and coaching those patients. It gave me basic counseling skills, and when I saw many of those patients again in cardiac rehab, they had made big changes based on what we talked about. Think about your passions. Invest in a camera, sign up for courses and maybe a career in food styling or blogging awaits. Are you a yogi? Take courses and read books on mindful eating.

Pursue a certificate in personal training, which would be a great combo with nutrition coaching. Make the most of your internship. Most internships offer elective rotations.

Work with a private practice dietitian and get a glimpse into what they do. I SO wish I did this when I was an intern.

Even if you have no aspirations of becoming a blogger, I highly recommend starting your own blog. You don't have to share it with anyone - it can be something for you keep to yourself! Every day of running a business, you're putting your entire heart and soul out there for the entire world to see, connect to, disagree with, embrace or reject. The idea that you can fail in a very public way is terrifying and awful, but if you give into that fear, you'll never have the chance to succeed.

Get used to doing scary things, whether it's public speaking, signing up for a new workout class by yourself or just striking up a conversation with a stranger preferably one that's not driving a white van.

No, I don't mean go out and quit your job today. But do start taking steps towards opening your practice, whether it's networking with other private practice RDs, reading books or taking a business course, or joining the nutrition entrepreneurs dietetic practice group. Start building the business skills you need so it's not so overwhelming when you finally do open up shop.

Don't be afraid to sell.

How to Make Money as a Health Coach | Institute for Integrative Nutrition

This was a big fear for me, and still is. But, it's kinda essential to having a viable business. I figured if they loved the initial session, they'd schedule follow ups. That happened sometimes, but mostly, clients went in expecting a total transformation with one session - not so realistic. Since then, I've started selling nutrition services in packages, and it's been much more successful for me, AND for my clients. I cannot stress the importance of this for everyone who dreams of nutrition counseling.

I think were many dietitians go wrong is with an emphasis on education, which is rarely helpful for clients. They can read a book and know what to do - it's your job to break down barriers, foster "aha" moments, motivate and THEN educate.

Dietitians and Nutritionists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Expect clients to have barriers. Counseling in private practice is NOT easy!

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Learn to say no, even in the beginning. When I first started my business, I took every paid opportunity that came my way.

I was placed on the referral list for a large hospital and immediately started receiving tons of referrals, most of which were for clients outside of my ideal base.

A few months later, I accepted a prn job as a clinical dietitian, which turned into days a week, because I couldn't say no when they needed help and I was scared of not making money. I was focused on making money, not building a business. Luckily, I was able to recognize that, take a step back, think about branding and relaunch with a new business plan when I relaunched my site.

Since then, business has been growing steadily in the direction that I want. One thing I learned - if your reaction to an opportunity isn't "YES!! Since starting my practice, I've learned SO much, but in hindsight, I wish I had done more planning and preparing. One thing I've realized from the vast number of emails and comments I've received since this post is that aspiring private practice RDs desperately need guidance!

I know I did - and still do!! She is a dietitian and successful business coach who helps dietitians and coaches create a thriving practice that doesn't interfere with living a life they love. I've found a huge benefit just from her free weekly newsletters! Any private practice RDs reading this? Would love to hear your advice! Hey, I'm still learning too! I feel crazy honored to have been a presenter at the RD Entrepreneur Symposium , teaching a seminar on harnessing your unique voice to attract your ideal client.

The symposium is packed with 18 expert sessions from six figure dietitians and marketing pros designed to give you actionable steps to grow and start your business. As someone who spent hours and I mean HOURS! Get more info and s ign up here! I get a ton of questions about HIIPA! Here's a great article on it. My Story The Philosophy. Nutrition Coaching Food Sensitivity Testing Career Coaching Collaborate.

Check out the bottom of the post for more resources! HOW DID YOU GET HERE: Start building the business skills you need so it's not so overwhelming when you finally do open up shop 2. Vegetarian Ramen Noodle Soup with Mashed Bean Bowls with Roasted