Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Grun.
Hi Natalie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a registered and licensed dietitian in the state of Texas serving the greater Austin community. I specialize in treating eating disorders and those that struggle with disordered eating. I am a certified eating disorders registered dietitian and practice from a Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating lens. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 2016. I’ll be honest; after graduating, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew only one thing: I enjoyed working with people one on one.
It took me a few months to land my first job and I applied with no expectations of being hired since I felt at the time most jobs required 1-2 years of experience. My boss at the time decided to take a chance on me without having that prior experience. I truly feel like that job changed my life and the direction of where I was headed. I was hired as a registered dietitian at Integral Care, which is a mental health agency here in Austin. The whole job process had me questioning whether I wanted to be a dietitian, but something clicked once I started at Integral Care. Incorporating mental health and nutrition was something I became passionate about and that is when my interest in serving those that struggle with eating disorders and disordered eating began.
There was always a small part of me that wanted to start a private practice but I thought to myself, “oh, that will be ten years from now or when I’m older and have more experience.” There was a lot of encouragement and support from my community and peers. Without them, I don’t think I would have had the courage to take the jump as soon as I did. I started the practice in the summer of 2019 and left my full-time job in the fall of 2019. I wanted to have autonomy and be able to provide accessibility to clients. My clients teach me daily and it is an honor to be a part of their journeys.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Starting a private practice can be daunting. The support from my family, friends, mentors, and community made it possible. There was risk in leaving a full-time job and solely relying on individuals to trust you and your practice. COVID-19 threw a curveball and took a toll on me mentally and emotionally as a healthcare provider. There was uncertainty about the virus itself, the coverage of insurance, and providing support for clients who were also experiencing the same uncertainty. The past 16 months have truly taught me the value in taking care of myself so I can support others. I love the saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice provides nutrition therapy to those struggling in their relationship with food and body. I work one on one with individuals and provide support as they navigate healing their relationship with food. My hope is that I can provide a space for people to truly be their authentic selves and feel connected. What sets my practice apart is I strive to meet my clients where they are at. I value collaboration with my clients and want them to know they are the expert of their bodies, not me. Another thing that is important to me is accessibility to treatment. I make it a point to be on various insurance plans, which include: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna.
I am proud to say that I have poured my whole heart into this work. I care very deeply about each of my clients and always strive to provide quality care.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
I typically view myself as not a big risk taker and do things “with caution.” I can confidently say starting my own practice was the biggest risk I’ve taken in my career. Through this journey, I’ve learned to take a different perspective on risk and to see it as an opportunity. After starting my practice, I’ve received additional opportunities to continue to grow and challenge myself ex: community groups, public speaking, etc. Moving forward, I plan to continue to push myself to grow and take risks.
Contact Info:
- Email: natalie@nataliegrunrdn.com
- Website: https://www.nataliegrunrdn.com/
- Instagram: @thegold_rd
- Facebook: Natalie, Grun, RDN, LLC
Image Credits
Noble Photography
