Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C
Getting to Know…………Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C
Mikaela Manzano, my dietetic intern at California State University at Long Beach shared that she wanted to interview Libby as she had met her a few years ago and had kept in touch. What a fascinating interview with a registered dietitian who is working with a unique clientele in NYC!
Mikaela Manzano: When we met a few years ago you were in the small college town of San Luis Obispo, CA running your own private practice and had recently published a book. Now you’re stationed in New York and have started a practice working with performers as The Broadway Dietitian. Please share what you feel have been the most important steps you have taken to help you reach this point in your career.
Libby Parker: In terms of business steps, I have been slowly growing this “brand” of my business until I realized it was my true passion and made shifts over time to make it the main gig. To summarize it into three steps:
I started by providing education to my ideal client audience through blogs, videos, social media, and speaking gigs. This got some attention and led to articles on industry websites and conversations with those in the theatre world which either got me views (ex: Instagram lives on their pages) or introductions.
In any job, it is really about who you know. I went after connections through authentic conversations. I started as “the resident dietitian” (their name) for an organization called The Broadway Body Positivity Project (BBPP). This group led conversations and social justice movements for changing the narrative around diversity (especially body diversity) on stage. As an eating disorder dietitian who understood the theatre world, I have unique insight into providing expert comment in these conversations.
Working with the BBPP led to more speaking engagements, including a large conference for Broadway lovers called Broadway Con. Through this opportunity, I was able to meet even more people and get my name out there. The first year I attended I had many people say to me “I’ve never heard of anyone doing what you are doing!” which gave me the confidence to move forward with this part of the business.
MM: We share a passion for working with clients with disordered eating and eating disorders. What is the most challenging thing about working with this population and what is the number one reason for you to continue doing it?
LP: I adore working with people suffering from eating disorders (Eds), but as with anything, there are challenges! I’d say there are three main challenges with this population:
Parents. Whether minor clients or just open to having family involved, some parents can be the biggest challenge to their recovery and my work. Many, though well-meaning, simply will never “get it” when it comes to understanding what their child is suffering from, or what triggers it. Some simply don’t care to try to learn or try to micro-manage their child’s recovery by pushing things that don’t work. Ugh.
When a client is not motivated. As a mental health condition, Eds are manipulative, and create cognitive distortions that cause the individual to believe that ED is “right” and that science/recovery voices are “wrong.” It’s very black or white. Until the individual decides they want to get better, it is really hard to make progress.
Insurance. Oy, insurance! Whether it’s getting in-network with an insurance company, billing and getting claims submitted correctly, or lack of coverage, it both frustrates me (as a provider) and breaks my heart that insurance is not covering more life-saving services for Eds.
MM: Earlier this year you began to pivot your efforts into The Broadway Dietitian, working specifically with performers. What made you decide to work with this group and what are 2-3 unique nutrition issues and/or challenges that they typically face?
LP: There are a lot of great ED dietitians in the world, and instead of being generic, I wanted to create a niche of ideal clients. From a young age I have been performing and have had a love for musical theatre. This gave me a unique insight into the needs of stage performers, many of whom deal with ED or at least body image issues. I call them “theatre athletes” because I took a sports nutrition approach to the industry. Performers often face long hours, odd schedules, and performances where avoiding GI issues, maintaining an image, and smiling are important. Because of this, performers need specific instructions to help them maintain energy without needing to use the restroom during an act, while looking and feeling fabulous.
My ED/science background makes sure performers eat all the types of foods throughout the day/week, with a foundational belief that there are no bad foods. However, what they eat right before a show or during long rehearsals can really matter!
Many performers have not received good nutrition information. Whether they lack any education, try to find things on their own through Google or books, or have had a dance teacher show them how to diet, they haven’t learned to properly fuel their instrument. That’s where I come in.
Additionally, the situations around the setting and timing of productions add barriers to eating well. From “no eating in costume” to getting out late at night with no open restaurants and long commutes home, performers need to know how to plan ahead.
MM: Give me your best piece of advice that you would share with a nutrition student, intern, or new RD looking to start their own business.
LP: There are so many things that I’ve learned, mostly from experience. I think the main one would be listen to your gut. If it feels sketchy, don’t do it. Read and learn as much as you can about business (not just nutrition business – all business) and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
MM: What is your go-to meal to cook when you don’t have any time?
LP: A DIY charcuterie board. Typically, with sliced apple, cheese, crackers, pickles, and whatever else I have in the kitchen.
Learn more about Libby: @TheBroadwayDietitian
Eating Disorder Specialist, Dietitian & Treatment Consultant
Author of Permission To Eat
@TheBroadwayDietitian