309: The Dietitian Coach Approach, Insurance Changes & New Opportunities – Jenny Westerkamp

In this episode of Sound Bites, host Melissa Joy Dobbins interviews Jenny Westerkamp, a registered dietitian and founder of All Access Dietetics and All Access Dietitians. Jenny shares her journey from aspiring Doritos inventor to sports dietitian for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs—culminating in a World Series ring. She discusses how her experiences in professional sports inspired her to develop the 'Dietitian Coach' approach, which blends nutrition science with behavior change coaching. The episode dives into the transformative impact of insurance changes, particularly the expansion of preventive nutrition counseling coverage under the Affordable Care Act, now available virtually and often with zero out-of-pocket costs. Jenny emphasizes the underutilization of dietitians due to public and provider unawareness, and highlights how her practice bridges the gap between education and real-world application through coaching psychology, nonviolent communication, and the NBCHWC credential. She also outlines the evolving landscape of private practice options for dietitians, from solo ventures to working with private companies or joining fellowship programs. The conversation underscores the power of coaching over traditional instruction, the importance of long-term client relationships, and the need for better training in behavior change to increase retention and impact.