My Intuitive Eating Story
Hello! I am Billie Jean, a dietitian with hobbies beyond food.
When I was 10 years old, my younger brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This led me to be a label reader at an early age and also to pursue an education in nutrition in hopes of being a renowned expert on diabetes. Turns outs, however, that diabetes education really was not my passion. Instead, my sights were set on finding the “perfect” diet to manipulate body shape and prevent weight gain. This mindset was reinforced in my weight-centric education. Eventually, my life was filled with my own disordered exercise and eating habits. These became more encompassing until I began experiencing debilitating physical and mental symptoms. Through therapy and lots of family support, I was able to recover and eventually discovered the HAES and Intuitive Eating movements through books and podcasts. It has now become my mission to share this perspective with other women wanting to experience a “fuller” life (pun absolutely intended).
Professional Background
I received a BS degree in Human Nutrition from Southern Utah University in 2012. After working at WIC in Salt Lake County for about 6 months, I started graduate school at the University of Utah. I graduated in 2014 with a MS Degree in Nutrition Education and Research. It was at this same time that I qualified for and passed the exam to become a Registered Dietitian. My first job as an RD was at St. Mark’s Hospital as a clinical dietitian. In 2016, I received the unexpected offer to join the Agriculture and Nutrition Department at SUU in a full-time faculty position. I left that position in Spring 2021 to pursue private practice. As cliche as it sounds, I am grateful for each job, internship, class, and nutrition-related experience because it has shaped the dietitian I am today.
Credentials
- MS: Master of Science in Nutrition
- RD: Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Dietetics
- CD: Certified Dietitian in the State of Utah
- Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor
Outside of Work
I grew up in a super small town in Eastern Utah. My two siblings and I were blessed with selfless, supporting parents who now have forgotten we exist in lieu of the grandkids. My husband, Zack, is a motivated, organizational genius who loves nothing more than starting home improvement projects that seem frivolous to me, but that I end up loving later. The man is a natural intuitive eater and gratefully doesn’t mind occasionally eating culinary mishaps on my part. We have three adorable little girls who keep us up-to-date on all things unicorn. Capone, our dog, acts like an oversized teddy bear with loads of excess energy.
JUST IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING …
- Favorite date night activity: sushi
- Enneagram Type: 9
- Favorite book genre: mystery/thriller
- Biggest pet peeve: unmatched socks
- Favorite pastimes: jigsaw puzzle while podcast listening
- Dream vacation location: Italy
- One of my fears: airplanes … gulp!
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn How it Works!
What “diet” do you promote?
The quick answer: NONE. We will work together to figure out what foods and eating pattern work for you. I believe all foods have value and can fit in your own diet however feels best for you and your body. I do not recommend “diets” that restrict your energy or nutrient intake. I will help you focus on adequacy and satisfaction with your food choices.
Do you accept insurance?
Billie Jean Nutrition, LLC does not accept insurance. I will provide an itemized Superbill upon request that you can send to your provider for reimbursement if interested. Full payment is required before services will be provided.
What does a nutrition counseling session entail?
Before we meet for the initial consult, you will fill out some forms to help me understand your applicable background, goals, and current habits. The initial 60-minute consultation will consist of a formal nutrition assessment. It will also be an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to start setting some manageable steps. During follow-up appointments, we will go over what you have been working on to see how it is going. We will discuss what went well and what did not go well. Together, we will come up with strategies to help you continue with the changes you want to make. I will be there to guide and answer questions a long the way.
How often will we meet?
This depends. I recommend either weekly or biweekly appointments. We can discuss what works best for your situation based on your schedule, needs, and preferences.
How long will we meet?
Healing your relationship with food, movement, and your body may take some time. Most people will meet with me for 6+ months. However, this will change based on each client’s situation.
How and where do we meet?
We will meet either virtually via Zoom or over the phone based on your preference. Billie Jean Nutrition, LLC is based in Cedar City, Utah. For those interested in in-person consults, reach out to me for options available (billiejean@billiejeanrd.com).