We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Mackenzie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

One of the reasons I love my job is that I’ve had the opportunity to help change thousands of people’s lives. When people’s health improves, their whole lives becomes better. Here are are a few heartwarming stories clients have shared:

“My glucose levels have dropped nearly 50 percent, which was my primary goal since I had crossed the line from pre-diabetic to diabetic before starting with you. I am actually looking forward to my next appointment with my physician to see the surprise on her face when she witnesses my success.”

“An undetected irregular heart rhythm was discovered during my physical. The cardiologist said I was obese. Thanks to Amy, I feel & look the best I ever have. The program has had a domino effect into my personal, professional and spiritual life as well. I just completed my 6-month follow up doctor visit and the heart issue is gone. I’m back in normal sinus rhythm without any medication.”

“I have a completely different relationship with food. I used to be all about restricting and splurging–extreme on both sides. Now we get to the weekend (which used to be 100% centered on what food we were going to have), and we don’t even talk about that anymore. We just eat normal food. I feel great. I turn 35 today, and I feel and look better than I did at 25.”

Stories like this are the best part of my job.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My story is slightly different from most dietitians, as this is my second career. After working in the financial services industry in NYC for six years, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in health and wellness, which has always been one of my primary interests.

For the last eleven years I have provided 1:1 nutrition coaching to individuals looking to gain control of their health and weight. I started by working for a medical doctor in her private practice where I gained valuable experience, and in 2017, I started my private practice, called Imperfect Nutrition. I educate clients so they are able to make informed food choices that honor their body and their health goals.

The name Imperfect Nutrition is meaningful because for a couple reasons. I coach clients to strive for consistency, not perfection. There is no such thing as a perfect diet–diet perfectionism often kills success. Consistency over time is what leads to maintainable long-term results. Be imperfect!

I believe a rigid nutrition plan is not usually sustainable. It is important to consider what works best for an individual. We all have different bodies and lifestyles. Learning how to balance nutrient dense food choices with mindful indulgences is important for long term weight control success and happiness.

My clients will often share that what sets me apart from their previous weight loss experiences is the daily accountability and support I offer as well as the education component of my coaching. People need to understand the science behind their choices in order to feel informed and have long-term weight loss success. I also try to be as real and authentic as I can. My recommendations, recipes, and meal ideas are simple, straight forward, and easy to follow.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Yes, I am thankful I took the leap and made the career change years ago. I love this profession. It combines science, psychology, creativity, and problem-solving. As a dietitian, I did not set out to specialize in weight loss, but over the years it seemed like almost every one of my clients wanted to lose at least a little weight, even if that wasn’t their primary concern, so it evolved into my specialty over time. I get to help improve people’s lives—that’s the best.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Almost all of my new clients come from referrals. I think the best strategy has been to make sure my clients feel like working with me was 100% worth their time and money. In turn, they end up being walking advertisements for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imperfectnutrition.com
• Instagram: @imperfect_nutrition
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Amy-Mackenzie-RDN-Imperfect-Nutrition/100049239235700/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-mackenzie-rdn-3956252

Image Credits
Megan James took these photos