What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? My grandmother was five foot tall and weighed 360 pounds. Doctors told her if she did not lose weight she would be dead within 5 years. She joined Overeaters Anonymous and lost 100 pounds. During her journey I saw how food can heal. Although she was still obese at 260 pounds, she lived twenty years later after losing the weight and improved her quality of life.

Your Job Title? I work in long term care as a staff dietitian. I am also building a private practice specializing in diabetes education and yoga.

Company you are with now? The company I am building is called Central Valley Diabetes Self-Management Program.

Website:
http://www.dealwithdiabetes.net

Social Media:
Twitter: @AllisonLBRDN

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? If I am working at my long term care facility my day consists of assessing residents and meetings with my inter-disciplinary team. When referring to my business my day consists of teaching yoga classes and providing medical nutritional therapy with my clients. I have just been approved as a provider for several insurance companies and Medicare. I can’t wait to be a full time nutrition entrepreneur!

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I used to be a consultant for my building for several years. When the business model for the company changed they hired me on staff full-time. Working as a full-time employee versus a consultant has allowed me to make some systemic changes in the building. I was able to convince the administrator to contract a chef weekly for several months to improve the staff’s cooking skills. This was a game changer for my building. The resident told the inspectors the building had NEW chefs!

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I think I was born with a great sense of humor, natural curiosity and storytelling abilities. My mother is a writer and my dad had multiple talents when it came to self-expression. Yoga has played a big part along the way developing patience. I amazed sometimes how centered I feel since starting the practice.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? I know I sound simplistic but don’t give up. Prior to becoming a dietitian I was in the Navy. My Navy friends told me nobody does what intend to do after leaving the military so I just need to stay until I retire. I knew otherwise and used my GI bill along with working part-time to get myself through school. The best part of this field is once you become a dietitian you have so many choices to decide what success looks like for you.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Free tickets to travel around the world. 

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.