Daily Inspiration: Meet Lisa Andrews

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Andrews.

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My interest in nutrition and health started when I was young. My father had diabetes, and my mother struggled with her weight most of her life. After 5 children, who wouldn’t? I felt like I was always around someone who was on a diet. My mom was also a good cook, so food was central to my life.

After completing my degree in nutrition, I moved to Cincinnati to do a dietetic internship at Good Samaritan Hospital. My first job was at the VA Medical Center as a clinical dietitian. I worked primarily in the intensive care unit and enjoyed the patients and staff there.

After 8 years of work, I went back to school for a Master’s degree. I continued to work at the VA, but only part-time. The remaining time I worked as a community dietitian and adjunct instructor for the University of Cincinnati.

I started my small consulting business in 2008 while still working at the VA. Eventually, I left in 2014 to have more time with my 2 daughters, and to grow my business. I’ve done some freelance writing, cooking demos, and consulting work. It’s been great to diversify my skillset.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any business, there are ebbs and flows. Some of the struggles I’ve had were related to having very few colleagues who owned small businesses. It can feel lonely at times. Now, the opposite is true. There’s more competition than when I started consulting. However, that also means I have others to talk to and refer patients to.

Another thing that’s tricky with business is the inconsistency of work. You have to hustle to network, make connections, and market yourself. It’s not always easy to do all of that yourself. I have hired people along the way to help, including website designers and marketing experts,

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a registered dietitian who specializes in mincing onions and words. I’m known for “digesting” scientific information into actionable sound bites to improve your health. The VA provided me with a lot of clinical knowledge to help people with chronic illnesses. My interest in cooking has helped me educate others through food and writing. I’ve written 3 cookbooks and write for Food and Health Communications and other outlets.

I’m very passionate about reducing food waste and food insecurity. I like to teach people how to buy, prepare, and eat nutritious food on a budget. Currently, I counsel patients through a telehealth platform called Nourish. Most insurance companies cover the appointments. I also provide cooking demos for a few non-profits and companies, which I really enjoy. I’m proud that several doctors in Cincinnati refer their patients to me.

What sets me apart is my years of experience and sense of humor. Eight years ago, I started writing food puns and adding them to T-shirts. I now have a full line of tees, totes, mugs, cards, and stickers. Part of the sales goes towards supporting non-profits that work with food insecurity. I’m most proud that the National Dairy Council purchased one of my shirts for giveaways at a national nutrition conference. How fun to see my fellow dietitians wearing them!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The nutrition industry has had big shifts and trends. Health “influencers” and TikTokers impact what people purchase and eat, and it’s not always based on science. There’s always an obsession with weight, but at what cost? Sadly, we’re seeing patients become malnourished with the use of weight loss drugs.

Our current government has also impacted our food system. The cost of food has gone up while the access to it has decreased. SNAP (food stamps) are limited, and I worry that this will impact health. Government regulations also affect what’s in our food.

In addition, the new food pyramid isn’t based on science. It’s difficult to support the ideas of people who lack nutrition expertise to begin with. I feel like I’m playing whack-a-mole with all the misinformation out there.

Finally, AI has already changed our industry. Nutrition information can be found via ChatGPT, while health articles may be written by AI, instead of credentialed professionals. Honestly, some days, I’m looking forward to retirement!

Pricing:

• Food pun shirts $27.00
• Food pun cards $4.00
• Food pun stickers $3.00
• Food pun totes $24.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soundbitesnutrition.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nutrigirl
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/soundbitesnutritionllc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nutrigirl/
• Twitter: https://x.com/nutrigirl
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sound-bites-nutrition-cincinnati?osq=Lisa+Andrews
• Other: https://signup.usenourish.com/providers/lisa-andrews