Why Every RD Needs Their Own RD

As dietitians, we dedicate our careers to guiding others toward sustainable habits—but how often do we step into the client’s shoes and gain a new perspective by meeting with a fellow RD? My recent appointment with a Foodsmart RD was a powerful reminder that every RD can benefit from meeting with another RD—not just for professional development, but for personal health. Even as nutrition experts, we can benefit from:

? A new lens on our habits – Sometimes, we’re too close to our own routines to notice areas for improvement. Another RD can offer insights we might overlook.

? Professional development – Staying up to date with evolving nutrition science and counseling techniques helps us grow as practitioners.

? Accountability & motivation – Just like our clients, we thrive with encouragement and goal-setting. Meeting with an RD keeps us engaged in our own wellness journey.

? Experiencing the client’s perspective – Sitting in the client’s seat reminds us what it feels like to receive nutrition guidance, helping us refine our own approach with patients.

? Self-care & well-being – We dedicate our careers to helping others—investing in our own health ensures we show up as our best selves, both personally and professionally.

Meeting with an RD isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about reconnecting with our own health, renewing our motivation, and enhancing the care we provide to others. This March, let’s take National Nutrition Month a step further by consulting a fellow nutrition expert—RD to RD! Here’s what I gained from my experience.

The Power of Booking the Appointment

The moment I scheduled my session, I felt a renewed sense of motivation. It wasn’t just about the meeting itself—it was the intentionality behind it. I found myself planning ahead, eager to dive into topics like:

??? Plant-based protein sources

?? Quick and easy meal ideas

????♀? Fitting in more movement

Even before the appointment, I made small, positive shifts—like fitting in a run that morning. Just setting the time aside for self-care sets things in motion.

Lessons From My RD

One of the best parts of my session? The storytelling approach. My RD didn’t just give advice; she made the science come to life through real-life examples.

??? Mediterranean diet & overall dietary patterns – Focusing on food groups and variety ensures sustainability. There are many components of the Mediterranean diet that I mimic in my regular habits, so we talked through this diet and identified additional focus areas for me to consider, like whole grains.?

?? Protein & carbs – She offered a refresher on how protein fuels both the brain and body, sharing a story that made the science of protein-building easy to grasp. Even as an RD, I needed a reminder of the simple yet powerful role balanced macronutrients play in supporting energy, focus, and overall performance.

?? Movement & mindfulness – We discussed not just tracking activity but actually tuning in. How do I feel after a workout? How does my body respond to new habits? This mindful awareness helps reinforce positive choices.

Always Have a Plan B

One of my biggest takeaways? Flexibility is key. We all have Plan A goals (like getting in a morning run), but life happens. My RD encouraged me to always have a Plan B—an alternative that keeps me on track rather than making excuses. Maybe it’s a short walk instead of a run, or a quick stretch between meetings. Progress over perfection.

Walking Away With Actionable Goals

By the end of my session, I had three clear, personalized goals:

?? Find better sources of good carbs – I vowed to prepare grains like oats and wild rice to have available throughout the week.

?? Prioritize protein throughout the day – We discussed non-meat protein sources to add to my regular lunch rotation, without shifting too much from my current lunchtime habits.

??? Increase daily movement – On days that I can’t fit in a morning run or evening walk, I’ll take the stairs a few extra times or do squats during other daily routines (like brushing my teeth). Small steps can lead to big, lasting changes without feeling overwhelmed.

But more than that, I walked away with a sense of renewed motivation—the same energy I know our patients are getting from their RDs.

In Summary: Consider Scheduling a Visit in Honor of Nutrition Month

As dietitians, we pour so much into others. Meeting with another RD gives us the chance to refresh our knowledge, refuel our passion, and refocus on our own health. Whether it’s for accountability, new perspectives, or just a reminder of what it feels like to be in the client’s shoes, investing in ourselves makes us better practitioners—and better role models.

When was the last time you sat down with a dietitian? Maybe it’s time to book that appointment!

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Best,

Natalie Filippone MS, RD, LDN

natalie.filippone@foodsmart.com