I reached out to Ellen on the advice of interviewee Jean Caton as she had recently featured her on her podcast. It was so great to hear about a dietitian/psychologist and learn all the amazing things she's done on the path to her current career. She has a unique niche looking at women's wellness and how we treat ourselves, not just the food we eat.

Why did you become a RD?

I was looking for a change in career direction and had always been interested in nutrition and love working with people to help them live healthier lives.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Coaching/counseling, speaking and writing in a variety of areas including: weight management, diabetes and women’s health. I also specialize in helping women make peace with their bodies and food.

How would you explain what you do?

I take a holistic—body, mind, heart & spirit—approach to empower people to optimize their health & wellbeing. I help women achieve health, happiness and balance so they can reach their full potential quickly & effectively without stress.

What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? 

Social media (writing and posting), public speaking, counseling/coaching, networking and podcasting.

What has been your career path?

• Clinical dietitian (inpatient and outpatient)

• Nutrition/health journalist (I’ve writen for numerous publications including Self, Good Housekeeping & Better Homes & Gardens)

• Celebrity Chef - I was half of The Cooking Couple™ with my husband. We had a nationally syndicated radio show, wrote books and did product endorsements.

• Master Personal Fitness Trainer

• Online nutrition expert for Rodale (Men’s Health, Women’s Health & the Abs Diet)

• Wellness Coach (current)

• Writer/Podcaster (current) -just released my 4th book (The Diabetic & The Dietitian) and starting a podcast called, Wellcouples.

What advanced education or special training do you have? 

I have a PhD in psychology, Certified Wellcoach®, Reiki Master, Mindful Self-compassion Teacher, Training in Intuitive and mindful eating and diabetes management, Certification in Adult Weight Loss Management, previous certs as personal fitness trainer.

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

Focusing on making healthy eating fun, easy, accessible & affordable. Improving the food supply. NO more dieting instead using mindful or intuitive eating. Acceptance of a variety of healthy body sizes especially for women.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

We’re not the food police. We can be flexible and work with you to create a healthier lifestyle

What would you like people to know about RDs?

Many of us are foodies and love eating.

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

Respect from doctors. Moving clients who are stuck into action.

What do people think that you do for a living?

Help people lose weight.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Helping women heal their issues around negative body image and dysfunctional eating. Ending dieting. Introducing RDs and other health practitioners to self-compassion as a motivational tool.

What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

Solid, evidence based education. Our diversity. We do so many different things.

What is your favourite meal?

My husband’s barbecue!

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

Stop beating your body up because it’s not “perfect.” Replace the self-loathing with self-love/self-compassion. It’s much more effective. There are a wide variety of ways to live and eat to be healthy!

Anything else you’d like to add that you feel would be valuable:

I’ve been an RD for 23 years and love it as a career. I continue to evolve and grow in terms of how I help people.

More about Ellen:

Twitter: @eralbertson

Facebook: Dr Ellen Albertson

LinkedIn: Ellen Albertson, PhD, RD, CD

Website: Dr Ellen - Empowering Women at Midlife

Website: SmashYourScale.com

Thanks Ellen!