Nutrition Insights 2024: Guiding You To A Healthier Lifestyle!

In the bustling world of nutrition and wellness, where conflicting advice can often lead to confusion, Amy Beney stands out as a beacon of clarity and guidance. As a registered dietitian and the driving force behind Nutrition Insights in Lockport, NY, Amy has dedicated her career to helping individuals improve their health through informed and personalized dietary choices. With a deep understanding that even the smallest changes can yield significant improvements in overall well-being, Amy empowers her clients to take control of their health. Her commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles has made her a trusted partner for those seeking to navigate the complexities of nutrition with confidence and ease. In this Delivery Rank’s interview, Amy shares her insights on the power of nutrition, the importance of tailored advice, and her passion for helping others achieve lasting wellness.

What inspired you to become a registered dietitian and start Nutrition Insights in Lockport, NY?

I knew in high school that I wanted to be a dietitian.  I am not sure how the professional entered my thoughts for a career.  I had never met a dietitian until I did an internship program through my high school that allowed me to be an intern with hospital dietitians.  I had worked in food service positions in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.  I also volunteered at nursing homes while still in high school.

I began Nutrition Insights PLLC after taking a break from working as a dietitian to have my kids.  I had a strong desire to get back into working as a dietitian but working for someone else wouldn’t work for my family.  I knew from school and early on that a private practice dietitian was where I wanted to be and work.  I live and work in Lockport and convenience and lack of a commute is a huge bonus!  It turns out there is a huge need for nutrition counseling.

I truly believe that being a dietitian is the best job in healthcare.  We get to talk about the best things in life: food, sleep, and healthier lifestyles. 

How do you approach guiding clients through the overwhelming amount of nutrition information available today?

There is a huge amount of nutrition information available, good and bad.  I try to keep things as simple as possible.  It is also important to focus on the basics, including sleep, what is drinking, being mindful of what we eat, and activity level are usually the key areas to focus on.  Many times, people do not need complex diets or lifestyle changes.  Consistency is key and making changes that are sustainable long term.

How do you tailor your nutrition advice to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual client?

Tailoring nutrition advice to each person is the goal of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).  Reviewing each person's unique situation including past medical history, goals, current lifestyles, barriers to success and areas that person feels they do very well. MNT gives the ability and the platform to listen to a patient and create goals, problem solve and tailor nutrition advice.  Individualized and personalized nutrition therapy is the key difference between meeting with a dietitian versus getting information online.

What are some common misconceptions about diet and nutrition that you encounter, and how do you address them?

One of the most common misconceptions and one of the reasons people may be hesitant to meet with a dietitian is that people often say “I know what I am supposed to be doing.”  The knowledge about health and nutrition may be known but how to get there day in and day out is a struggle.  Meeting with a dietitian is like knowing the name of the destination but a dietitian provides the map with the easiest route.

What role do you believe emotional and psychological factors play in dietary habits and overall wellness?

Emotional and psychological factors play a huge role in dietary habits and overall wellness.  Probably more so than people realize. It can be a driving force in food choices and managing stress levels. People can turn to foods for emotional comfort and to help manage issues such as stress and anxiety. Mental health can such as depression or anxiety can lead to changes in appetite such as eating too little or eating too much. Anxiety and depression can also affect our GI tract. Many GI issues are multifaceted with an emotional component being one of the factors.  When working with people, it is important to address not only what we are eating but the why we are eating, emotions are part of the answer.  

To read more about Nutrition Insights, please visit https://mynutritioninsights.com/