Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Aasand.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Absolutely! I have been passionate about the intersection of both physical and mental health since before I graduated high school. Because of that, I pursued a degree in dietetics and then a Master’s degree in Public Health. I wanted to not only help people, but I wanted to try to prevent harm and negative health outcomes. My first job out of graduate school was at a residential eating disorder facility as a dietitian in a critical care unit. It was not uncommon for clients to need extreme medical measures to help them nutritionally rehabilitate, such as tube feedings, supplementation, and even one-on-one support. I learned so much about how food and the absence of food impacts our bodies and our minds. What I fell in love with was able to connect with patients and clients on such a personal level that I didn’t know was possible as a dietitian. I’ve been working as an eating disorder dietitian for the last 8 years and have had my own private practice for the last 5. In my private practice, I have continued to pursue continuing education and certifications to try to best serve my patients and this incredible community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been challenging. Above all, I’m so grateful for the clients and patients I get to work with. Having a private practice in the eating disorder community can be tough. Right now, there is an absolute shortage of providers, and being in the helping profession, I want to help and support everyone. Thankfully, we have incredibly talented dietitians joining this field regularly.
Another struggle is that it can be absolutely devastating to see patients go through such difficult times. Our society doesn’t do the best job of identifying eating disorders nor understanding them. I’ve been hit with roadblocks when trying to educate clinicians who are less familiar with eating disorders. They tend to not be open ideas like weight-inclusive care, understanding weight bias/stigma, or the idea that whether they know it or not they see eating disorder clients themselves.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Taylor Aasand Nutrition?
Taylor Aasand, MPH, RDN, CEDS, is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and registered dietitian nutritionist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in eating disorders and intuitive eating, helping people heal their relationships with food, body, and by extension themselves. Taylor is passionate about helping patients connect with their bodies and using their inner wisdom to build their confidence around nutrition.
She practices from a weight-inclusive, Health at Every Size lens -emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care rather than the medical norm of weight-centric care. I strongly believe that weight is only one piece of the puzzle, & not something to try to “control.”
When Taylor is not providing direct patient care, she is pursuing policy change around weight stigma and eating disorder care in Arizona most recently with the Arizona Department of Health and changing weight-centric policies within Women, Infants, and Children and SNAP-Ed services and presenting at state and national conferences regarding this important work.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship, or what we call supervision, has been my biggest game changer. Without supervision/my mentors, I would not be where I am today. Supervision helps me feel less isolated in private practice. I have a safe space where I am able to staff cases, get business advice and receive constructive, trusted feedback. The connections I have made during supervision, which I still do at least monthly, are so unbelievably valuable to me. This is my biggest piece of advice to dietitians who want to be in private practice and/or the field of eating disorders. Hire a mentor and hire more than one!
Contact Info:
- Website: tayloraasandnutrition.com
- Instagram: @tayloraasand
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-aasand-mph-rdn-ceds-a1263573/
Image Credits
Jennica Amaes
