Meet Reshaunda Thornton, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, who is rocking the dietetic entrepreneurial world with her company, BetterVessel Nutrition, and her podcast, The Dietitian Against Diets. She’s a prominent media dietitian and has also been a TEDx speaker! Read on to learn how Reshaunda successfully jumped straight into private practice right after her internship. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I recognized the need for nutrition to fill in the gap of preventive health, the expansion of the profession across more industries, and an opportunity to use nutrition as a vehicle to empower people to think differently about their relationship with food.

Your Job Title?
Owner/Founder of BetterVessel Nutrition

Website:

http://www.reshaundathornton.com

Social Media:

- Instagram: @thedietitianagainstdiets

- Twitter: @bettervessel

- Facebook: Reshaunda of Bettervessel

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
Not so typical is accurate! As an entrepreneur, I have to be flexible with my schedule and open to new opportunities. During the week, I work within my consultation practice and meet with clients (in-person and virtually). I have a podcast show that keeps me in the studio two days a week. Other days are allotted for creating presentation talks, consulting collaborations with other businesses, and writing for sports magazines. My “social” time is dedicated to connecting with other business owners and managing social media.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
I created it myself! I decided to start a business day 1 of becoming licensed.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I have a degree in human biology and minor in psychology that goes well with a nutrition degree. This has played a major role in my ability to build customized nutrition programs. Over time, I have developed in public speaking by stumbling upon an opportunity with the local news channel in St. Louis (FOX2News STL) and having over 80 nutrition segments. From there, I have taken up many speaking engagements, had a chance to be a TEDx speaker in May 2019 and releasing my book Play to Win the Food Fight. I know these media platforms were stepping stones to creating a podcast called, The Dietitian Against Diets.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
I know the reason I have found opportunity upon every turn is because I took a chance on myself and my passion for nutrition. It isn’t easy to start a business, but it is worth it if you truly want to make a difference out of your sole creativity. I always remind myself:

1. I know I am the expert

2. I know what my mission is

3. I know why I want to bring happiness and hope to others

Last thing! Remember the (3) A’s: Ability, Availability, Amicability. That’s how you will be successful!

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
I am paid with witnessing people remove the weight self-doubt and having a negative body image due to their struggle with food (and themselves). And to see them live a life of liberation where they now make choices out of love (for themselves), not out of fear (of going backwards).