I met Alixandra Fenton, RDN, at a DPG/MIG meeting during FNCE 2015 in Nashville. Alixandra was so captivating and passionate about social media and how she used social media to enhance and expand the Behavorial Health Nutrition DPG. I’m thrilled to see dietitians connecting with the masses to spread good health information. Read on to learn her story. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I first became interested in nutrition in college while playing Division I Soccer at Cal Poly San Luis Obsipo. I was fascinated by the impact food and nutrition had on my athletic performance and wanted to learn more. I was thrilled to learn there was a major dedicated to Food and Nutrition at Cal Poly and quickly changed my major during my 2nd year. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

Your Job Title: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Owner of Honest Nutrition, Social Media Chair for Behavioral Health Nutrition DPG

Company you are with now: Honest Nutrition

Website:
www.alixandrardn.com

Other Social Media links you would like to include: 
– Instagram: @Alixandra_rdn
– Twitter: @AlixandraRD
– Pinterest: @AlixandraRD

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: There is not necessarily a typical day for me, but the majority of my time is spent seeing clients in my private practice. I primarily see clients in-person at my office, but do occasionally have phone/Skype sessions. Client sessions can range from seeing the client individually or with other family members, meal/snack support in office or restaurant outings, and grocery store tours. When I’m not meeting with clients I enjoy writing articles for my blog, networking with other health care professionals, and speaking in my community. I also manage the social media accounts for Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? Over the past few years I have been so inspired by the entrepreneurs in this field. It was refreshing to discover that there are so many non-traditional career paths to take within the nutrition field. Feeling encouraged I began to pursue my goal of private practice. I was lucky enough to be approached by a fabulous psychologist looking to collaborate and share office space. I started seeing private clients 1-2 days a week and recently have expanded my practice to full time! It has been a lot of work to build my practice, but I’ve never been happier!

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? Being a competitive athlete growing up I have always been very hardworking and determined. Being part of a team for so many years really helped me develop the social and leadership skills necessary to build a private practice. Along the way I have learned the importance of being patient.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Take risks and be authentic. Do what truly makes you happy, not what you THINK you should be doing. 

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Hmmmm how about delicious food and airline miles! Food and traveling…doesn’t get much better than that!

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.