RDN Spotlight: LaTrice Love, RDN, LD, CLC
Follow LaTrice on Instagram at @nutritionbylove!
What is your ethnicity/race? Did your family have any customs related to food? Please describe.
African American/Black; I grew up with my grandmother who prepared southern meals such as collard & turnip greens, chicken, cabbage, cornbread, peas, eggs, sausage, bacon, etc.
Where/when did you go to undergrad/dietetic internship/grad school?
Auburn University - undergrad; Be Well Solutions Distance Dietetic Internship
Why did you decide to choose nutrition and dietetics as a career?
I chose nutrition and dietetics initially because I love food. After losing my mother to a stroke along with nutritional deficiencies, I knew I wanted to help others live healthier lives through food and nutrition.
What do you do now as an RDN and what does a typical day/week look like for you?
I am a Georgia WIC dietitian who provides nutrition education for women, infants, and children. A typical day consists of educating families on healthy foods, physical activity, limiting screen time, and reducing sugar-sweetened beverages. As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), I counsel both prenatal and postpartum women on the benefits of breastfeeding. Also, I work part-time as a clinical dietitian at a hospital that mainly performs orthopedic surgeries. Lastly, I provide nutrition counseling through my private business, Nutrition by Love.
What is/was the biggest challenge for you in becoming a dietitian and how did you overcome that challenge? This can be related to being an RD of color or not just any challenge?
My biggest challenge was self-doubt. I doubted my ability to pursue dietetics after I was told "if you don't have at least a 3.5 GPA you will never become a dietitian." I overcame those negative words by surrounding myself with people who believed in me. I spoke positivity into my life, focused on my course work, and told myself "I am a Registered Dietitian.”
Have you had any mentors in your career if yes how have those mentors affected your career/life?
Yes, my mentors have been phenomenal by encouraging me and teaching me how to navigate throughout my career thus far.
Why do you think diversifying this field is important?
I believe diversifying the field is important to relate and build relationships with patients who are similar to me.
What is a piece of advice you would give a student of color interested in entering the field of dietetics?
Never give up! Seek mentors and build relationships.