Meet EA Stewart, MBA, RDN, a social media savvy dietitian who has virtually connected with so many fellow RDNs and clients. Her job title? Nutrition Coach/Recipe Developer/Freelance Writer/Cooking Instructor. She’s passionate, funny, and always willing to help out so many people. Learn how her “not-so-typical” day provides her with the freedom to meditate, exercise, care for her kids, and earn a successful living as a dietitian. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? A love of cooking (my parents found me teetering on a stool around the age of 2 scrambling eggs!) from an early age, and a passion for exercise, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle, inspired by my dad who started running marathons in his 40s, is what spurred my interest in nutrition and dietetics. In addition, I took a nutrition class my senior year of college (I graduated with a degree in advertising) led me to go back to school and study nutrition, and it’s been my passion ever since.

Your Job Title? Nutrition Coach/Recipe Developer/Freelance Writer/Cooking Instructor

Company you are with now? Spicy RD Nutrition (self-employed)

Website:  www.eastewart.com

Social Media:
Twitter: @TheSpicyRD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespicyrd
Instagram: TheSpicyRD
Pinterest: TheSpicyRD

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? Having an entrepreneurial spirit, I thrive on “not so typical” days w/ a few routines thrown in for good measure! The morning always starts w/ coffee and social media (sharing, learning, and networking) and getting my kids off to school, but then it depends on what “nutrition hat” I’m wearing that day. Some days are scheduled for one on one coaching and counseling with clients or cooking sessions in their homes, while other days are scheduled for recipe development, writing blog posts, and working on freelance writing assignments. Then, between 3:00 and dinner time, I’m usually on “mom call” and/or squeezing out some “me time” to exercise-hiking, outdoor stair workouts, and the occasional run are my favorites. After my kids go to sleep around 9:00, I usually reply to e-mails and schedule in a little more social media time. Oh, and one thing I’ve added to my routine this year is meditation at least 5 x week. It was hard at first, but I absolutely love it now, and feel it really helps keep me grounded, and less stressed. I’m recommending meditation for all my clients these days!

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I’ve worn many “nutrition hats” over the years I’ve been in nutrition and dietetics. I started out my career working in long- term care. After that I worked in medical nutrition sales which was a lot of fun, but I wanted to be home with my kids (now 13 and 14) so I stopped working for ~ 8 years after they were born-the best decision for me! After my kids were born, I had some health issues and was eventually diagnosed w/ Sjogren’s Syndrome-an autoimmune disorder. Being the “researcher” that I am, I eventually discovered my path back to good health by following a gluten-free diet (I do not think everyone needs to be on a gluten-free diet by any means, but it’s what helped me regain my health the most) and I decided that I wanted to help others, like me, with chronic, hard-to-treat conditions including autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, IBS, and other GI disorders. It makes me so happy to see my clients feeling good again after suffering for so many years!

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? Born with… These are more character traits than skills, but creativity, a natural curiosity for learning, and an optimistic/positive spirit are key for me. Also, I think I’m a pretty good listener which really helps when working w/ clients, and I’m a “50 Shades of Grey” type of person, meaning I don’t think of nutrition and healthy eating in terms of “black and white” – I truly believe “no one diet fits all”, and that’s how I approach my work with clients. Things I’ve learned/still learning…Time management skills, working outside my comfort level, and ditching my natural inclination towards perfecting things-I’m discovering, lots of times I really need to “just do it”!

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Find your passion and your niche…think outside the box…always be open to learning new things, as well as to learning from others. Have fun!!!

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? Hmmm….that’s a tough one because I have so many interests and hobbies. I’d have to say {unrealistically} an adventure photographer for National Geographic or {maybe realistically} a goat farmer and B&B owner somewhere in the country or mountains…maybe one day when my husband’s retired and the kids have moved away.

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.