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For the fourth edition of our Clinician Spotlight series, we would like to introduce you to Laurie Dunham, MS, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S, Clinical Director. Laurie specializes in helping individuals improve their relationship with food and their body. She works with teens and adults with a range of eating issues and eating disorders, and poor body image. She teaches Intuitive Eating and also has a background in Sports Nutrition and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Tell me a little bit about yourself and what fueled your interest in nutrition?
I love helping others improve their relationship with food and their body. With all the hype about what is “good” and ”bad” for health, I strive to help my clients and their families sort out fact from fiction in the most caring way possible.
Participating in high school athletics and having a grandfather who had a heart attack at an early age are what initially fueled my interest in nutrition.
What’s one of the wackiest nutrition myths you’ve heard of?
Can’t choose one- there are waaaaay too many out there.
Favorite snack? Totally depends on my mood but chocolate PB cups are top on the list. Chips and guac are also always welcomed!
What interests you most about health and nutrition? Health and nutrition are spoken of everywhere, whether you want to hear about these topics or not! I am most interested in learning how these messages impact the individuals and families I work with, both physically and psychologically.
What skills do you consider to be essential to work in this industry? Understanding the science of nutrition is important, but I believe it is equally, if not more important, to understand the psychosocial implications that being bombarded with constant conflicting nutrition and “health” information in the media can have on a person.
Do you see a shift happening in public perceptions of nutrition? I see a greater interest in nutrition from the public. The internet and social media have created a platform for all sorts of public messages on this topic. When the messages are accurate, this is amazing. But, when misinformation is so widespread it can create fear about food that isn’t necessary.
Fun fact about you? I’ve been skydiving and it was amazing!
What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without? “Today I will not stress over things I can’t control”
To read Laurie's formal education and work bio click here.