[00:00:00] If you're looking to grow your business as a registered dietitian, you've come to the right place. If you're not sure what to do or what steps to take next so that you can create flexibility and freedom in your life, then you're going to learn a lot from tuning into our podcast here at Dietitian Boss.
[00:00:17] I'm Libby Rothschild, the founder of Dietitian Boss, a [00:00:20] fellow registered dietitian and business owner. And in our podcast, I share some The highs and the lows. And I talk all about how to grow your business, get it started. And I interview our clients to date. We've had over 200 interviews from clients who share their journey on our podcast, dietitian boss.
[00:00:37] Leslie is a mindful eating coach and [00:00:40] registered dietitian. She helps people rediscover a healthy and happy relationship with food so they can lose excess weight, repair disordered eating, or just get more out of life. She specializes in helping people end the cycle of yo yo dieting, constantly losing and regaining weight, emotional eating, or binge eating.
[00:00:57] You can find Leslie on Instagram at eating [00:01:00] at eating. freedom. Leslie, can you talk about your journey becoming a dietitian and choosing your specialty? Of course. So for me, started, you know, I've always been interested in nutrition, I think because of my mom's influence. She always cooked everything from scratch and she always made a point [00:01:20] of telling me You know, what vitamins, what minerals, what this is good for.
[00:01:24] Also, my grandmother had an influence. She was always looking for natural solutions. If you had a tummy ache, she would go in her backyard and make some, you know, different kinds of teas and things like that. So I've always been interested in the, [00:01:40] uh, natural. Yeah, part of of, you know, not only caring for your health, but also, you know, just as solutions for anything that comes up health wise.
[00:01:50] So it was sort of a natural thing for me. I've always had that. I think I've always knew that I was going to be. So that was never a question [00:02:00] for me, but as far as my specialty, the way it happened for me was when I was about, I would say maybe 15, 16 or so, I started dieting. I wasn't overweight, particularly, but because of society's pressure.
[00:02:16] I wanted to lose a few pounds, so I started dieting. [00:02:20] And so when I started dieting, everything kind of went sideways. I started having all kinds of food issues. I started binging towards the end of it. And I just felt like I had no Control over food. I have no reference point. I was just completely lost when it came to food.
[00:02:38] It was just this thing. That [00:02:40] was a huge problem in my life. It was the center of my life and so I felt like I had to find a solution for that. So I started. I didn't want to continue to diet, but I didn't want to be overweight either. So to me, people always say that's an impossible thing to do, but that's what I wanted.
[00:02:57] So I wanted to look around [00:03:00] for that. So I finally came across a line of thinking that focused on mindful eating, but not mindful eating in the sense of portion control, but it was mindful eating in the sense of coming back to your body, feeling your body, listening to your body, being in tune with your body.
[00:03:16] And that really resonated with me, I think, because of [00:03:20] my natural, my family's influence. I was always, I always respected. My body and I knew there was something there so that was a journey for me for a few years and then I found a solution in that but I was able to stop binging and I was able to also keep my weight because I was, I started fluctuating I was like up [00:03:40] 10 pounds down 10 pounds up 20.
[00:03:42] Down five and it was always up and down the whole time and that was really upsetting for me So I was able to accomplish those two things. I was able to stop binging I was able to lose the excess weight and and stay and have peace And tranquility and have a ease When it [00:04:00] comes to eating. And that's what I've always wanted.
[00:04:02] I love food. I love flavors. I love to eat everything. I don't want to eliminate anything. So I was able to do that by following this line of thought. So then when I graduated high school, it was a natural transition to just go into nutrition. That's what I wanted to do. So I went to school in New York. [00:04:20] At that time, it was, I had the choice of doing a clinical nutrition and a combination with food science.
[00:04:27] I love the food science aspect of it because I love food. I love cooking. But as I was going through the course about my third year into the course, I started working for a hospital and [00:04:40] then I started realizing this is not for me. But I was at the point where I was almost finished in a committed relationship.
[00:04:47] I wanted to get married and I wanted to move on and get on with my life. So I finished it. But then when I started looking into jobs and everything, I started going into the [00:05:00] typical traditional jobs, the school district, I worked for the hospital, I worked for the WIC, and none of that really resonated with me.
[00:05:10] And that's the thing. Sort of, uh, when the wheels started turning, when it comes to where I am now. That's a great segue to the next question. You own a business. [00:05:20] So can you talk a little bit about how you were able to clarify your message? Like, what is your message? Can you talk about, like, if you were to introduce yourself, can you explain what you do based on, of course, your background of how you became a dietician or why you became a dietician?
[00:05:35] Yeah, that is something that I'm still working on. [00:05:40] My messaging is really working with people that are in that place that I was in, that they don't want to be dieting. They don't want to be in that place where they're not only struggling with food, but also having to watch everything they eat and be very militant.
[00:05:57] Count calories or that everything [00:06:00] fits. So, you know, that mentality where you have to really make sure that you stay within a certain protein goals, certain calorie goal and all of that. None of that resonates with me, but at the same time, I don't want to be overweight. So coming, having the messaging where people.
[00:06:19] Are [00:06:20] able to do both. They're able to stop binging. They're able to stop dieting and they're also able to stay within their natural weight, their natural body. So that essentially is my messaging that I love working with people that are in this place where they want both and they They're especially social media.
[00:06:38] Now they're getting the messaging [00:06:40] that you have to choose. If you want to stop binging, you have to stop focusing on weight and it's really not focusing on weight. It's really focusing on your body and what it's telling you and tuning back into that. And what do you think has been the hardest part?
[00:06:55] About the messaging you just described in terms of how the client perceives that message. [00:07:00] I think the hardest part is because there's so much messaging out there, especially in social media, that it's exactly the opposite that you have to choose one or the other. So people really have that mentality that they have to be militant about their eating or else they're not being effective.
[00:07:18] So I actually [00:07:20] just had a client that she's really, uh, focused on. She just discovered calorie deficit. So she wants to try that and she wants to be with that. And she feels that that would be more effective than focusing on really honing in and tuning in to your body and what it's telling you. So, to me [00:07:40] that was kind of challenging because I'm like, that is going to take you to a path of possibly an eating disorder.
[00:07:46] It's challenging. So I think the, the, the fact that there's so much out there now, especially with influencers that, Don't have the background, don't have the education. And I know that's very frustrating for a lot of [00:08:00] us. It's a fact it's out there. So that's, that's the challenging part to have people be more, um, open to, to try something different.
[00:08:09] And if you were to say one or two tactics to help people become more open, knowing everything you just said is rampant, what would you say helps that the client become more open and [00:08:20] willing to look within and learn some of these lasting tactics? I think that's actually a loaded question because I'm actually in the journey of as dieticians, we all know that in school, we're not taught counseling skills.
[00:08:36] So I'm here. I am, you know, after being in this field [00:08:40] for 20 plus years, you I'm having to learn how to meet the client where they are. I mean, I've heard that all my life, but I really didn't know what that meant. So that to me has an, is being a journey to really be present with them and really hold in to.
[00:08:57] To to meeting where they are, and that is a [00:09:00] huge learning curve for me because I'm naturally a teacher, so it's really hard for me to kind of put a different hat on and kind of understand that that's what they need in order to advance and get to this place. Really well said and thank you for sharing that and you're not alone and feeling like a teacher 1st and [00:09:20] having some of these deep counseling skills are challenging.
[00:09:22] And I do take a lot of practice. Are you seeing the reward with your clients when you are able to practice some counseling tactics on a more a deeper level and really let them. Think and lead the session. Are you seeing a change with them? It's early days, but, um, but definitely [00:09:40] when I learned to kind of ask questions and talk less and teach less, it's really interesting to see that people really want to, they don't necessarily need that advice right away.
[00:09:55] What they're looking for is to really express themselves and to really [00:10:00] Letting them get to that point where, because a lot of the clients that I work with, they're not even able to connect to what it is that they need. So to me it's, it's sort of like a helping them even formulate what it is that they're struggling with.
[00:10:16] Some of them, actually a lot of them that I work with don't even know [00:10:20] because they're so far removed from being with themselves. So it's, it's really, it's a, it's an interesting journey to see that. It is an interesting journey. And I appreciate you sharing that because that's, that's really relatable. So you said one of the tactics would be, or you said two tactics, asking them questions, and then I think you also [00:10:40] mentioned like listening.
[00:10:41] Right. So listening more or open ended listening. Is there anything else to add to that in terms of tactics to help the listeners, if they too are looking to developing a deeper relationship with a client or the patient? I think also the, uh, the validation is, is really important because that opens them up.
[00:10:58] They [00:11:00] understand. what they're struggling with, because some of them will come to me and say, you know, that's really, I know that's really weird, but that's what I do. And I said, actually, it's not really weird. It's very common, you know, and they're very surprised by that. It's like, wow, that's normal. I said, yeah, that's normal.
[00:11:17] I struggle with that myself. My [00:11:20] clients struggle with that. And it's, it's something normal. So it gives them a big sense of relief. And that in turn allows them to open up more. Yeah, that's beautiful. And you have a gift at helping people feel comfortable to open up with you, which is something that your clients are lucky to be able to work with you because you make them feel comfortable.
[00:11:39] So [00:11:40] that sounds, I can just feel that in this conversation. And that's part of the skills is making, building that rapport and having people feel comfortable is important. When you're looking as a dietitian, um, speaking to the listeners to develop a relationship and help impact change or change talk or motivational interviewing and building rapport is hugely important.
[00:11:59] So I wanted to [00:12:00] make a segue. Thank you for sharing that and talk a little bit about how you acquire clients. And I know you do a lot of networking. Um, so can you talk a little bit about how networking has played a role with you getting clients? Maybe a tip or two for the listeners as well. For a lot of the folks who wanted to do what you're doing would be helpful too.
[00:12:19] Yeah, [00:12:20] that actually has been what's the word I want to say life changing because I initially tried to focus on doing ads. And that was sort of, you know, putting the, the, the cart in front of the horse, right, as they say, because really my messaging and working [00:12:40] with clients one on one and getting to know them and talking to them is, it was something that I hadn't done yet.
[00:12:47] So when I started connecting to people in a networking setting, so I joined the Chamber of Commerce, my local Chamber of Commerce. And I've gotten about, I don't know, maybe four clients from there. [00:13:00] And that was really kind of mind blowing to me because I didn't know that that was. something that I really needed to be doing.
[00:13:08] So it was really interesting to see that, you know, because you think you're communicating your message, because we're all dieticians, we care, right? So it's one thing about caring [00:13:20] and, and being, wanting to help people. And it's another entirely different thing being able to communicate that in a way that they understand.
[00:13:28] So by networking, I am a whole new person. learning to do that more and more and more. And I'm always surprised as to how things are perceived. So the chamber of commerce, [00:13:40] uh, you know, going on to the tip here is the chamber of commerce allows you not only to have an opportunity to get clients, but also to hone in your message in a way that you can ask them questions.
[00:13:53] You can make it fun. I'm actually starting to do something now where I'm I ask him a nutrition question and then [00:14:00] I'm getting responses and interesting to see how they perceive what I'm asking, which is different from what I perceive. So that has been an invaluable tool for me and, and also being a source of referral as well.
[00:14:15] So I have had referrals as well. So, It's really a, an amazing [00:14:20] tool to, to be able to do that. And thanks for sharing that. If you were to go back and say any hesitations or issues you had with putting yourself out there with networking, specifically the chamber of commerce, looking back, what would you say your reservations were?
[00:14:34] They were more personal than anything else. They were self limiting beliefs that I [00:14:40] had that I kind of had to work through because I was sensing people's reaction to. What I was saying as lack of interest, and it really wasn't about that at all. Just people were not really understanding. I thought it was clear people were just not understanding it.
[00:14:56] So the self limiting beliefs and having an [00:15:00] open mind of not only reaching out to people, but Following up with people and it was, it could be as simple as not doing the follow up because my self limiting belief regarding that was, well, you know, if they really wanted to work with me, they would just contact me and having the opening my [00:15:20] mind up to the fact that sometimes people just simply get busy.
[00:15:25] And it's not because they're not interested. So that was a huge mindset shift that I've had. So it was mostly self limiting beliefs that I had. And what helped you work through those? Did you have any kind of practice journaling, things like that? So the listeners can take [00:15:40] a tip. I think it was mostly talking it out with you and also doing it.
[00:15:47] I think doing it and you know, I found myself talking to myself a lot because I do the follow up and all of a sudden it's like, Oh yeah, I, I, I meant to get back to you. Yeah, let's schedule this. Or then all of [00:16:00] a sudden I get a link from Calendly that they scheduled after I did the follow up. So it wasn't a matter of them not wanting it.
[00:16:07] So it's, it's really doing it. Sometimes you just kind of. Even though you don't really believe or you, you're like, yeah, okay, I'll do it, but whatever, you know, but if you just do it and then you get the [00:16:20] positive result to the time it is, sometimes it isn't, it's not always a positive result, but if you see the fruits of your labor, then that you kind of see, Oh, okay.
[00:16:30] I guess that is the case. It's, it wasn't about me. So there was a lot of, it's not about me moments for me. Okay. Yeah. And, uh, [00:16:40] that sounds really powerful. That sounds like a transformative experience. So thank you for sharing those tactical tips and your experiences with the listeners, is there anything else that you would like to share with the listeners or you think would be helpful for them on their journey to either starting or growing their virtual private practice?
[00:16:58] Um, I would say [00:17:00] the most important thing is, is the number one, the basic thing that I think is an underlying thing for. All of my life, in every situation, be it professional or personal, is the trust factor, trusting yourself. When you have a feeling about something, um, listening to it, [00:17:20] and really honing into it and exploring it.
[00:17:23] Because a lot of times I, I think myself and, and a lot of people have a tendency to kind of go with the, what's popular, instead of going with what it is that you, uh, want. Are being called to do or called to explore more so trusting [00:17:40] yourself and trusting that the these messages that are coming from you are valid and they should be paid attention to is ongoing theme of my life.
[00:17:50] So I always have to be reminded of that. It's beautiful. So that theme of what helps you with your message with your clients and with your [00:18:00] practice is also something you carry on to your business practice, right? Trusting your gut and business. And as a, as a clinician, as a dietician, that was beautifully said Leslie.
[00:18:11] And that just substantiates your messaging and the way you think in business. So in closing, you've been able to get clients without using social media. Yeah. [00:18:20] And hone in on your skills to use your intuition to help clients and help them challenge societal norms, the messages that they're getting about how they need to think and operate within the context of nutrition, which is not necessarily always being in touch with their body.
[00:18:35] So you come in and help them get in touch with their body so that they can do the hard, deep [00:18:40] work. It takes to really trust themselves. Anything else? That you want to wrap up with, or can you remind people where to find you and connect with you if it is social media, or you can leave your email and we can make sure that folks can connect with you that way in the show notes.
[00:18:53] So is there, what's the best way that people can contact you? Um, I am on Instagram, so my [00:19:00] handle is @eating.freedom. My following there isn't great, isn't huge because I haven't really focused on that. Best way to contact me is via my email and the email it's [email protected]. Um, so I can become. Yes.
[00:19:16] Well, we'll make sure to put that in the show notes and thank you so much for sharing your story, Leslie. It was an [00:19:20] absolute pleasure. Likewise. Thank you. Looking for support to grow your dietitian business or even get started. I invite you to join the library, our monthly affordable membership that shows you exactly what to do every step of the way so that you can create the business of your dreams.
[00:19:37] Not sure if it's the right time. The [00:19:40] membership gives you an option to. Go at your own pace. We have modules, a roadmap to show you exactly what to do and monthly live calls, as well as new content that we release every single month based on requests. Inside of the library, we have four stages of business.
[00:19:55] So whether you come in getting started or you want to enter the membership and grow or scale [00:20:00] your business, we have the appropriate resources for you and our team, including myself available to answer your questions. Head on over to dietitianboss.com and check out the library today. We'd love to see you there.
