Episode 132: Rachel Naar, R.D. on Food Intolerances, Breaking Free From Nutrition Rules, and More

In this episode, we chat with Rachel Naar, R.D., where we cover everything from gluten-free diets to food psychiatry and how to balance a healthy relationship with food and running. Rachel writes, "I'm a decaf coffee-loving Leo with a passion for people, places, running, Motown music, and especially health and nutrition. I enjoy long romantic walks down the produce aisle, and am a fiber fiend and tree nut-allergic smoked salmon fanatic. I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, currently covering the psychiatric unit, post-op surgery, and cardiac general health floors at Mount Sinai West. I have an undergraduate degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a major in Theater. After a couple stints in marketing and sales, I was itching to get back to school to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture and Education. I completed my dietetic internship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia." Questions we ask Rachel include: Why did you start running and what do you enjoy about it? You have a unique pathway to becoming an RD. Can you talk about that? Can you tell me more about why you started Rachel Naar Nutrition and the food philosophy you base your practice on? What influenced your food philosophy? Can you explain what nutritional psychiatry is and how you got interested in it? What is some interesting research in this field? How do you individualize your approach for each client? What is a common challenge that you see these clients face? I also think it’s interesting that you help people with food intolerances and allergies, and I know that it’s something you’ve dealt with in your own life. Have your intolerances or allergies ever affected your relationship with food? Do you have any advice for runners on how to maintain a healthy relationship with food and fuel themselves correctly when it might be a little bit trickier? What is something that you’re excited for that you’re working on? Where can our listeners find you? Show notes: Body Respect - good book to start Gratitude letter to future self - activity for body positivity You can connect with Rachel at www.RachelNaarNutrition.com or https://www.instagram.com/naartrition.