Lessons Learned By
A New Dietitian Mom

By: Nour El-Zibdeh, RD

If you’re passionate about your work but want to spend time with your family too, then you’re one of many dietitians yearning to strike the balance.
Ten lessons will inspire you to enjoy both worlds.

1. Set realistic goals and draft a plan

Find your passion and focus. With the responsibilities that come with a family, you can’t afford to be distracted. Too many part-time jobs or projects sum up to more than one full-time. Use your professional development portfolio to keep you in line. Once you have an idea of what you really want to accomplish, draft a plan and be realistic in what you can or can’t do. Go after your goals, remembering to define success in your own terms.

2. Embrace life in moderation

You don’t need to be voted mother—or dietitian—of the year, your meals don’t have to come from scratch, and your house doesn’t have to look like a picture from Martha Stewart’s magazine. No matter how hard you work, someone else is working harder. So cut yourself some slack.