Transforming Lives Through Nutrition Excellence – Interview With Mandy Megan Conyers-Smith
- Brainz Magazine
- Dec 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Mandy Megan, an accomplished registered dietitian with a decade of expertise, holds a Bachelor's in Applied Human Nutrition, a Master's in Clinical Nutrition, and is pursuing a doctorate in Functional Medicine. From hospital care to outpatient services, she now leads Mandy Megan RD Services, empowering clients through nutrition counselling and program development. Her mission: Helping clients feel their best, eat confidently, and optimize their health for years to come. Her strengths lie in motivational interviewing and behaviour change strategies, driving lasting health outcomes.
Mandy Megan Conyers-Smith, CEO & Registered Dietitian
Tell us about a little about Mandy Megan RD Services:
Mandy Megan RD Services is a nutrition education and counselling practice dedicated to helping individuals break free from the cycle of dieting so that they can truly transform their health and well-being.
In my practice, I aim to empower all of my clients to build consistent healthy eating habits and make lasting lifestyle changes, enabling them to feel their best, eat confidently, and optimize their long-term health.
With over 13 years of experience in community program development, acute care, and primary care settings, I offer a comprehensive approach to achieving health goals. My approach blends behaviour change strategies, nutrition and culinary education, and prompt follow-ups, making it ideal for those struggling with nutrition-related chronic conditions and healthy weight management.
My services include 1:1 virtual appointments, group programs, and community and corporate wellness workshops. Additionally, I proudly serve as an independent contractor at two reputable clinics, Naturally Inclined Health and Refresh Health and Wellness, and a major grocery store here in Alberta. In working with these organizations, I have the opportunity to bring my skills and passion to diverse communities.
Years in Business:
While I've been working as a dietitian for over 13 years, I started my private practice several years ago (seeing just a few clients here and there). However, I transitioned to full-time private practice within the last year, and it has been such an incredible journey. Learning lots about business and really keying in on who I serve to support the best outcomes.
About My Practice:
Mandy Megan RD Services is committed to helping clients manage and prevent chronic conditions while promoting healthy weight management through evidence-based, personalized nutrition counselling. My practice offers a holistic and flexible approach to nutritional well-being. It includes tailored guidance, modern engagement tools like live chats between visits, meal photo and journal sharing, and the exchange of anthropometric and lab data trends to track progress.
I prioritize motivational interviewing (which helps my clients understand their intrinsic motivation to change and their roadblocks or barriers) and other behaviour change strategies such as goal setting and problem solving. I also offer group programs that support healthy nutritional habits.
By minimizing follow-up times and encouraging active client participation between visits, I've created a client-centred practice that effectively addresses the daily challenges individuals face when striving to make sustainable changes to their eating habits.
Inspiration to Pursue My Profession:
My motivation to become a dietitian comes from a deeply personal experience. When I was younger, I watched a close family member struggle with various health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. They had to follow different diets and take many medications, which made their life challenging, both physically and mentally. Seeing them feel overwhelmed during doctor visits and trips to the grocery store profoundly impacted me. Imagine me at 13 years old trying to help! I had no idea what to do. I would say things like, 'Are you sure you should be eating that? The doctor said you shouldn't,' or 'Did you take your medication today?' She would always tell me not to worry about her because I was so young, and she didn’t want me to bear any of her burdens. Her passing away due to her health decline was a turning point in my life. I didn't know much about healthcare professions back then, and I initially thought about becoming a doctor. However, when I learned about nutrition and dietetics, I felt a strong pull towards it. Choosing this path has brought me immense happiness and fulfillment. It's a career that allows me to make a positive difference in people's lives, and I'm truly grateful for the journey it has taken me on.
What I'd Like Listeners to Know About Me:
I've always been described as an empathetic person, which I feel greatly aids in my ability to connect with my clients on a personal level. I have a strong commitment to supporting my community and a deep passion for cultural sensitivity and awareness.
I am also a published author – I wrote a book called "Eating Healthy for Your Heart" for those seeking to eat well to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. Currently, I'm working on a book that will help those who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes.
