Caroline Thomason 2022:  Nutrition and Wellness

Caroline Thomason is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, passionate about helping people find a healthy, confident relationship with food and to stop chasing quick fixes.  In this feature, Caroline shares insights on achieving a healthier, happier lifestyle. 

Please tell us a bit about your background and what led you to a career in nutrition and wellness?

My story probably sounds a lot like most women... I spent years of my life chasing quick fixes, feeling frustrated, and overwhelmed with food. I became a dietitian to learn how to eat in a balanced way and find peace with food.

I had what can only be described as a lightbulb moment when I realized that my history with food combined with my education made me pretty dang excited (and hello, relatable!) for helping people with their own relationship with food.

How do you work with your clients to help them overcome their challenges?

I work with my clients in a really unique way now through my nutrition membership. Exactly like you have a membership to the gym, my clients have a membership to me as their dietitian. Together we hop on calls every week or every other week, may spend some time tracking their food or looking at other data points, and have many check-ins in between. Rather than one off appointments, my clients make so much more progress with the support and accountability provided in our working relationship. 

What are some of the most common nutritional mistakes that you observe people making?

When my clients come to me, they are often tired of spending so much time and energy chasing quick fixes, feeling out of control around food, and spending all their willpower trying to restrict their calorie intake. Together, we find a more sustainable approach that they feel like they can do forever.

If you could persuade people to change three things about their lifestyle, what would that be?

Number one, is getting rid of all-or-nothing thinking! When you’ve been dieting for years, all or nothing thinking is often pervasive and can really prevent you from reaching your goals. One of the first things we need is less extreme thinking so that we can be more resilient and make progress with nutrition.

Number two and three are a little easier… I recommend that people focus on regular meals every few hours each day, and include plenty of balance at those meals. Typically, this looks like three meals a day with a good source of protein, carbs, fruits and veggies, and healthy fat. This is certainly easier said than done and there are always exceptions to the rule, but this is a great starting place for most people.

Are there any non-negotiable self-care practices that you regularly follow or would recommend?

I’m a big believer that everybody is different. However, for me, it’s really important that I do some type of movement every day. I don’t hold extreme beliefs about exercise, but every day you could find me going on a walk, going to yoga, heading out for a run, or weightlifting at the gym. Exercise is one of the best ways that we can improve our health – physically, mentally, and spiritually – and it’s free!

                                                          To learn more or get in touch with Caroline visit
                                                                             www.carolinethomason.com