Let’s be real—dietitians love to complain.
Some more than others.
Whether it’s our long, windy academic path, the perceived lack of respect for our profession, or the struggle for fair pay, dietitians often find themselves stuck in victim mode. And honestly, most don’t even realize it.
If you’re an insurance-based dietitian, you’ve probably heard—or said—things like:
- “Insurance doesn’t work for me.”
- “Should I report this to the insurance commissioner?”
- “How am I supposed to grow when three other dietitians are in my town?”
I hear this sh*t constantly.
As an insurance-based dietitian who built a thriving practice long before it was the norm—and continues to scale sustainably—I’m over the complaining.
I’m tired of the victim mindset.
The truth is, you can build a wildly successful nutrition practice that accepts insurance. But it requires grit, courage, and ACTION.
The Private Practice Game Isn’t Zero-Sum
Here’s the thing: private practice isn’t a zero-sum game. I don’t have to lose for you to win. We can all succeed. There are more than enough people who need our help.
My hybrid insurance-based group practice sees over 500 patients a month. I live in Connecticut, where my town has at least seven other insurance-based dietitians. We all coexist—and thrive. Collaboration will always get you further than competition.
Stop going to battle with your team.
“Should” is the Root of All Pain
- “It should be busier.”
- “The Academy should be doing more.”
- “Insurance companies should teach us how to bill.”
We’ve all had those thoughts. But the word “should” won’t move your practice forward. Venting on Facebook threads won’t build your business. Wishing things were different won’t change the reality.
Want to succeed as an insurance-based dietitian? Focus on what you can control and take bold, consistent action.
Growth Comes from the Suck
I didn’t become good at running an insurance-based practice overnight. I sucked. I failed—over and over. I made every mistake in the book (some of them twice). But I kept going.
Every struggle was a rep that made me stronger.
So when things go wrong in your practice, stop assuming it means you’re not cut out for this.
Problems are just growth opportunities in disguise.
Running a business isn’t binary—it’s not pass or fail. It’s a skillset you develop through repetition and experience.
Your Success is Built in the Hard Moments
Each level of business will test you.
You’ll feel overwhelmed.
You’ll want to quit.
But that’s where fundamental transformation happens.
As an insurance-based dietitian, your journey will never be linear. But if you can embrace the discomfort, let go of the victim narrative, and lean into action, you’ll build a practice that supports you and creates massive impact.
As usual, take THIS blog as a love letter to myself. We ALL need a good kick in the pants now and again.
I am cheering for you!
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