Meet Marisa Barsotti, RD, LD, who is also an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and provides her clients with herbs and spices for optimal digestive health. She focuses on teaching her clients how to cook so they have the skills they need to eat right for them. - Sarah

NutritionJobs: What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?

Marisa Barsotti, RD, LD: Helping others lead a life of wellness, and let go of unrealistic expectations of perfection.

Your Job Title?

Registered Dietitian and Ayurvedic Health Counselor

Company you are with now?

I own my own business called Digest Peacefully, LLC

Website:

www.digestpeacefully.com

Social Media:

As an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and mother of 3, I realized social media was taking away from my physical presence and adding to stress, anxiety, F.O.M.O., and a not so peaceful digestion. I counsel clients to slow down, and reconnect with nature, and unplug as much as possible. I did not fee as if I was setting an example by striving for an unrealistic image on social media.

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?

A typical day at work for me, since I work from home, is meditation, exercise, a quiet breakfast with my children, and arrival of clients to provide hands-on cooking instruction in my own kitchen. I typically prepare for clients (handouts foods, herbs, spices, etc) the prior day.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?

I have been a registered dietitian since 2006 with a variety of positions from clinical dietitian in a large nursing home and rehab facility, food service manager, clinical dietitian, and wellness presenter. I am also a yoga instructor, which has paved the way through the various fitness facilities I have taught at over the past 6 years to begin one on one client interactions. I wanted more hands-on demonstration, teaching folks how to cook healthy food, and show them how fun it can be, and how to include the whole family.

I also enjoy presenting information in a variety of settings and connecting with groups of individuals looking for answers in an overwhelming world full of nutrition information.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I have the ability to connect with people and understand where they are truly coming from. The ability to have a conversation with individuals in a sincere way has always come easy to me, and something I truly enjoy.

I’ve learned along the way the importance of listening to truly listen versus listening to merely respond. Each individual I encounter has as much to teach me, as I do them!

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?

Listen. Listen. Listen. As dietitians we are so much more than conduits of nutrition facts. Become well rounded in something you are passionate about, and get out in your community for your voice to be heard. Something as simple as volunteering at your local food pantry and interacting with folks is powerful stuff.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?

Herbs and spices! They are what help us digest peacefully!

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