Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen Lorenz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kristen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
Looking back I can’t believe I launched my private practice when I did because we were early into an 8-month deployment. I was working nights and weekends as a transplant coordinator and also caring for a 2.5 year old and a 6 month old alone. For some reason, though, I was motivated and driven and KNEW it was the time. At that time I’d been a dietitian for 10+ years and had zero doubt or insecurity regarding clinical knowledge or counseling skills. I had the “what” but lacked the “how” : marketing, automations, billing, product suite development, etc.
Hiring a business coach was hugely impactful. I still, consistently, work with business coaches and don’t see myself ever stopping.
My advice to anyone considering starting any business would be : get clear on the problem you want to solve. What do you want to do and with whom? And then just get started. You can always make adjustments as you go. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made changes to my practice as it’s developed — and all of those changes came from experience I wouldn’t have had without getting started.
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 name is Kristen Lorenz and I’m a Registered Dietitian (RD). I chose this career because I love food and wanted to help people (and I needed a major that didn’t require economics because I definitely failed that class).
When I graduated college, virtual private practices didn’t exist. And it was made abundantly clear in my internship that starting a private practice would be nearly impossible. So I went the clinical route and worked in ICUs and in transplant for 10 years which I loved!
I started my private practice because I love nutrition, I love helping people and felt that too many people were getting misinformation from uncredentialed people. These days learning about nutrition can feel like you’re drinking from a firehose – there’s a LOT of unnecessary labeling and food rules/judgement out there. Most clients come to me feeling like they’re drowning in information and are seeking clarity and confidence which is exactly what I can do.
If you think about it: from early childhood kids are exposed to habits which result in a manual override of one’s intuitive hunger and fullness cues and perspectives of food. Examples of this include the “clean plate club”, withholding dessert until all food is consumed, using food as a bribe or as a constant reward or coping =mechanism and using binary terms like “good food” and “bad food” around kids.
I help people tune back in to their bodies, learn how to eat in a way that makes them feel great and ultimately come home to themselves. It’s a process and takes bravery and unlearning of years of diet culture to reestablish habits to fuel a lifetime of health and happiness.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Size does not equal health. HABITS result in health.
Both statements were not taught to me in college or my dietetic internship. It honestly took years for me to adopt this understanding. I even started my practice focusing exclusively on weight loss, but over time I realized striving only for intentional weight loss wasn’t always rooted in health and that made me question and challenge a lot of internal beliefs.
Now, it’s important to say that I believe in body autonomy. Sometimes a person may lose weight as a result of cultivating new habits, but I prefer to focus on WHY that habit is important to the client and how good that habit makes them feel.
If it feels good, you’re going to stick with it.
If we only focused on weight, people get attached to or focused on a number which is, simply, a data point.
When a person steps on the scale, typically they’re looking to validate something — a feeling.
Feeling yucky? Does the number on the scale confirm you’re yucky?
Feeling fit or lean? Does the number validate that? If that number doesn’t validate how you’re feeling, then what?
Why let a number dictate how you feel when the habits you choose could actually do that (and more effectively).
Do you like how you feel more after yoga or walking or crossfit? Do you want to feel that way again?
Do you like how you feel after eating a certain meal? Would you want to feel that way again? Why or why not?
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
What I love about the field of dietetics is how broad it can be. You can work in foodservice or clinical. Community (like WIC or government programs) or corporate wellness. Private practice or group practice. There are specialties and other credentials and certifications you can earn. Never stop learning. Choose continuing education that actually interests you.
For private practice success, my recommendations are to
1) Invest in a mentor who is in a place in their business you want to achieve and find friends who own their own business or do what you do.
I met 2 RDs in a group mastermind 4 years ago and I consider them best friends of mine. It’s helpful to share stories, bounce ideas off one another and for connection. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely.
In addition to nutrition counseling, I’ve helped a handful of RDs in their businesses and it’s incredibly rewarding.
2) Just get started + be consistent
Isn’t it funny how business encouragement and development is similar to what a dietitian might say about new habits?!
3) Give yourself permission to evolve
Just because it’s working for others doesn’t mean it’ll work for you. Find what feels best to you and go from there. If what feels best changes, listen and make a decision. Get and stay curious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kristenlorenznutrition.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelastdietitian/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenl/
Image Credits
Photo Cred: Tim Galloway