We had the good fortune of connecting with Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Libby, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
“All registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.” – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

In the US, the term “nutritionist” is not legally defined. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of training. RD/RDNs are medical professionals who have at minimum a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and now new grads are required to have a Master’s as well. Then we have a minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours under licensed RDs in multiple settings, similar to a medical residency. Then we sit for a national board exam and have continuing education for the rest of our careers, recertifying every 5 years.

Not only are Registered Dietitians NOT the food police, but most of us don’t make meal plans. We look at the whole person, including interperting labs and working with complex diagnoses, and then counseling our clients using psychology to create behavior change.

In the eating disorder industry, we are far more like mental health therapists. Our scope of practice allows us to counsel clients in any modalities that were are well trained in, including (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, etc.

We do not come out of undergrad knowing how to effectively work with eating disorders. We must go on to have MANY hours of additional education, supervision, and experience to become competent in helping people recover from eating disorders.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Now, 11 years into my career, I have pivoted to two very niche areas of work. 1) Eating Disorder Treatment Placement Specialist / Therapeutic Consultant.
In this role, I am one of only a handful of individuals who specifically work to help clients find the best providers or programs for eating disorder treatment nationwide. I do this through my years of experience as a clinician, as well as my knowledge and connections with most of the programs and providers across the US.
It is a combination of case management, concierge service, counseling/education, and outreach. I feel so strongly that there is a lack of education around how to help people struggling with an eating disorder, that there is not a knowledge of what will work best for each individual. I work to find what is going to best help the particular individual’s needs and communication style.

2) I am “The Broadway Dietitian” (R). I have a passion for the education of health practices for “theatre athletes” as I call them – anyone working in theatre, onstage or backstage. I offer seminars on “weight inclusive nutrition for theatrical students” (my signature talk), and provide sports nutrition for the complexities of performers. I am also working on a book and college curriculum for this population on all aspects of health for the performing artist, coming from a body-neutral and compassionate stance for the needs of energy for the rigors of theatre life, and addressing mental health, addictions, and physical health. I have a background as a performer, and it is a major passion of mine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In NYC: We must take in a Broadway show!
Favorite dinner restaurant: Tessa on Amsterdam/ W77th.
Walk around: Lincoln Center

In LA:
Find a speakeasy and get beautiful cocktails, then head to the Pantages theatre for a musical.
Favorite restaurant: Lemonade! Get the macaroon! I recommend bringing an ice pack and getting a few 😉
Walk around: Pasadena

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Broadway Body Positivity Project

Working to amplify diversity in musical theatre.

Website: https://thebroadwaydietitian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebroadwaydietitian/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dietitianlibby/

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