Today I'm pleased to share all about Amrie. She has a great approach to helping others with a non-diet focus including being mindful and working on people's relationship with food and themselves. I love the statement on her website 'nourish those you love - including yourself' as I am all about self love and being the best version of yourself. 

Why did you become a RD?

Many of my favorite childhood memories took place while making a mess in the kitchen. But, I was just having fun, I had no idea that I would eventually have the chance to teach other people about food. Then, my senior year in high school, I was looking for alternative options for the science requirement. I was given permission to take a human nutrition course at the local junior college, and that really carved the path for me. The professor was so passionate and the science totally clicked for me. I loved how this profession combined teaching, counseling, and science.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

I specialize primarily in eating disorders, but my philosophy and approach also reaches those who are affected by disordered eating, chronic dieting, and body image struggles. I take a non-diet approach, using the principles of mindful and intuitive eating.

How would you explain what you do?

The goal of my work is to help others heal their relationship with food and their bodies.

Primarily, I provide one-on-one nutrition therapy in my private practice, DeFrates Nutrition. Common topics of discussion include feelings around food, food patterns, food fears, hunger cues, eating disorder behaviors, triggers, support, coping skills, and body image. I collaborate with the client to create a meal plan while at the same time challenging them to try new foods and providing the structure and expectations for appropriate eating based on their individual needs. Under the DeFrates Nutrition umbrella, I also speak publicly and blog about nutrition, body image, and self-care.

Another role I hold is a contracted position as a recovery coach for Eating Disorder Recovery Specialists. In this role, I provide meal support for clients at a restaurant, office, or home setting. These clients have their own outpatient team, including a dietitian, and I help the client to achieve the goals set forth by that team.

Lastly, I am a per diem dietitian for the eating disorder program at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. In this role, I perform group education on nutrition and body image. I also provide meal support.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks?

Each day and each week is SO different! Typically my time is spent between the following tasks:

· Client Appointments

· Charting

· Meal Support

· Group Education

· Communicating/Coordinating Care with other dietitians, therapists, psychiatrists, and doctors

· Writing/Blogging

· Website Maintenance

· Social Media

· Public Speaking

· Mentorship

· Professional Supervision

· Continuing Education

What has been your career path?

My first job after becoming a registered dietitian was with a non-profit organization that organized fitness and educational events for youth and adults living with diabetes. From there, I began working in eating disorders at a residential treatment center. Now I work in a variety of different roles, but all within eating disorders. I so whole-heartedly believe in the philosophy and approach of this work, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

I attended San Diego State University for my Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition. From there, I completed my dietetic internship at UC San Diego Medical Center, with a medical nutrition therapy emphasis. I am currently working toward becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CEDRD), and look forward to going back to school for a master’s degree at some point!

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

I would love to see dietitians gain more recognition as a reliable source for nutrition information. There is so much “noise” out there in the world about nutrition, and dietitians are such a valuable resource for setting the record straight.

Now, on the other hand I would also like to see a shift away from dieting culture and weight loss. Not all dietitians have the same philosophy, and that’s okay, but I would hope that the majority of us would follow a non-diet approach that accepts bodies of all sizes. Let’s help people take care of themselves by empowering them to feel good about their bodies, rather than making them feel like they have to look a certain way to earn praise and worthiness.

More about Amrie:

Website: DeFrates Nutrition

Blog: DeFrates Nutrition Blog

Twitter: @amriew

Instagram: @defratesnutrition

Facebook: Amrie DeFrates, RD

Pinterest: Amrie DeFrates, RD

Thanks Amrie!