Meet Gauri Junnarkar, MS, RD, LD, CDE, LMT, BAMS, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Ayurveda Practitioner, and Massage Therapist. She’s combined her 3 passions into 1 practice where she offers a complete wellness experience for her clients. A holistic and integrative approach to nutrition and health can make many powerful and positive changes in one’s life. Read on to learn more about her unique and intriguing career path. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I have a degree in Ayurveda which is a holistic health science that originated in India 5000 years ago. Spices, herbs and foods are an important aspect of Ayurveda. I love research, and was always intrigued by the amount of research done in modern nutrition. So decided to get a Masters in Nutrition, become a Registered Licensed dietitian and combine the two modalities to offer an integrative approach to nutrition.

Your Job Title? Founder, Dietitian, Ayurveda Practitioner, Massage Therapist at Ayurnutrition.

Company you are with now? Ayurnutrition

Website:
www.ayurnutrition.com

Social Media:
 – Facebook: Ayurnutrition
 – Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/115369332731623800191/+AyurnutritionLewisville/about
 – Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ayurnutrition-lewisville-2
 – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ayurnutrition
 – Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ayurnutrition/
 – Instagram: Ayurnutrition
 – Twitter: @guarijunnar

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? A typical day starts with getting to my office by 9 am. Next I log into the schedule to look at the appointments for the day. I take out the client files in order of appointments. Next make arrangements to be ready for the client. If the client is coming for a combo session which includes consult and massage therapy, then I make sure I have everything ready for the Consult and massage therapy session. A typical day may have 5-6 consults and combo sessions. In between sessions I finish documentation for the sessions. Lunch is usually between 12-1 pm. Depending upon the time and the next session I answer client emails and phone calls. I also take mini stretch breaks in between sessions. After my last session, I make appointment reminder calls for next day and head home by 6-6:30 pm. So the typical days is busy, but as long as I am organized and on top of things it goes pretty smoothly.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I always wanted to open my own private practice with nutrition and wellness as the base. Since I have a background in Nutrition, Ayurveda and Massage Therapy, I wanted to offer an integrative approach to Nutrition and wellness combining all the three modalities. I researched and planned at least 3-4 months before starting my private practice with regards to office space, equipment, supplies, business set up and forms needed. I decided the date I would open the office and took the jump.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I have an inborn sense of Intuition, integrity, adaptability, analytical mind and Key for detail. Skills that I acquired along would be knowledge, confidence, awareness, organization, doing things on time, planning, curiosity, empathy, customer service and giving 100% to my job. I feel that each day I am learning something new.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? I feel planning is the key. Be organized, visualize where you see yourself in 5 years. Know where your passion lies, what are your strengths and limitations. Make a road map, understand what steps are involved to achieve your goals and work towards it. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward. Take small steps. Don’t give up on your dream ever!

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? Happiness and a sense of fulfillment that I made a difference in a client’s life by providing him/her with tools and guidance for a healthier life.

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.