Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Baum
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I wasn’t sure exactly how. In my freshman year of college, I took an introductory nutrition course, and it was love at first lesson. Learning about food, metabolism, and how the body works was fascinating to me, and that’s when I decided to pursue dietetics. During my studies, we briefly covered eating disorders (just one day in one class, actually), and that’s when a light bulb went off – I knew I wanted to specialize in this area.
After graduating with my degree in nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin, I continued my education with a graduate degree in nutrition at Texas Woman’s University. I sought out hands-on experience by working at two eating disorder treatment facilities during graduate school. I started as a Behavioral Technician, where my responsibilities ranged from monitoring vitals and supporting patients during meals to documenting their food intake and even bringing some joy to the process through playing games or arts and crafts. It was a very immersive experience, and I really connected with the patients.
From there, I transitioned into a role as a Dietary Assistant, working directly alongside dietitians and learning the nuances of being an eating disorder dietitian. This experience gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully treat eating disorders, from the clinical side to the personal. I really worked my way up from the ground level, and those years of experience shaped my approach and expertise.
After completing my dietetic internship and becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD), I began working at a local eating disorder facility where I helped build their nutrition program. I loved working in this acute setting, but I wanted to follow patients on their recovery journey from start to finish. That desire to see the entire process through led me to open my own outpatient private practice, Emily Baum Nutritional Counseling, in 2022. Now, I’m able to offer more personalized, long-term support and guide clients through every stage of recovery, in a way that feels empowering and sustainable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting and managing my own business has not been a smooth road, and I don’t think anyone would say it’s been easy! In many ways, it’s similar to what I tell my clients about recovery—it’s rarely a linear journey. There have been plenty of ups and downs along the way.
When you’re trained as a dietitian, you learn about food, nutrition, and clinical practice—but no one really prepares you for the business side of things. I had to figure out things like finances, budgeting, taxes, marketing, sales, and operational systems on my own. There’s been a learning curve, and I’m still learning every day. I often joke that I’m working two jobs—one as a dietitian and the other as a business owner!
These challenges have forced me to be resilient, constantly reassessing and adapting to changes in the economy, fluctuations in my caseload, and shifts in cultural trends. It hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and has made me stronger, both as a business owner and as a professional. I’ve learned to embrace the ups and downs and to see them as part of the process.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), my focus is on helping individuals who are struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, or those simply tired of the never-ending cycle of dieting and seeking a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.
One of the biggest misconceptions about being a dietitian is that I am going to tell you what to eat and what to avoid – but that’s not my approach at all! In my practice, I provide one-on-one, personalized nutrition counseling in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. I work with adolescents and adults, helping them to better understand how their relationship with food and their body affects their daily life and well-being. Many of my clients come to me after years of battling restrictive eating, yo-yo dieting, and disordered eating patterns that ultimately contribute to anxiety, stress, and compromised physical and mental health.
When I begin working with a client, my goal is to understand their full history – everything from their past eating habits to current behaviors, how they feel about food and their body, and any physical or emotional challenges they may be facing. With this understanding, we can develop a customized approach to help them achieve sustainable nutrition goals that are aligned with their values and lifestyle.
What sets my practice apart is the deep emphasis on compassion and collaboration. I take a client-centered approach where the individual is in charge of their body and the decisions they make, with me acting as a guide. My role is to help them uncover what’s been working and what hasn’t, so they can move toward nourishing, balanced eating habits that promote overall health and well-being without rules or restrictions.
What I am most proud of is the environment I’ve created—one that’s safe and non-judgmental, where people can feel comfortable exploring and healing their relationship with food and body. Too often, these topics are tied to shame and guilt, but my practice is all about moving beyond those negative emotions to build confidence and trust in one’s body.
At the end of the day, I want my clients to walk away feeling empowered—feeling good in their body, confident in their choices, and equipped with the tools they need to lead a fulfilling life. My work isn’t just about food—it’s about helping individuals reclaim their sense of self and break free from the cycle of dieting and disordered eating for good.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I come from a large family, and I’m often the go-to person for my nieces and nephews when they face challenges. I think this role has translated into my work in a meaningful way. While I see clients of all ages, my “sweet spot” is working with teenagers and young adults.
At this stage in life, peers are typically their closest confidants, and they’re not always inclined to turn to adults for help. I love building a therapeutic relationship where they feel safe to talk to someone older, and I can be a calm, non-judgmental presence to help them navigate their struggles with food and body image.
Food and identity are often so intertwined at this age, and I really enjoy helping them rediscover the joy of eating and establish their own, authentic relationship with food. Working with high school and college students often means engaging with their families, teachers, coaches, and counselors, so they have a support network beyond our sessions. I think this reinforces the message that asking for help and leaning on trusted people in your life is not only okay, but essential for growth and healing.
Pricing:
- $150/50 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilybaumnutritionalcounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilybaumrd/
- Other: eb.nutritionalcounseling@gmail.com
Image Credits
Emily Baum
