Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christi Bowling. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Christi , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I was an art studio major in undergrad and had high hopes of working in computer animation one day. After touring the school with the top program in the nation after I graduated, I felt my stomach drop and knew that career was not for me. These students had no other human interaction during class and spent almost the whole day in front of a computer. I needed to be around people! Around this time I was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. I knew nothing about diet and nutrition, so I started to study it. I became fascinated with how you eat one way to treat hypoglycemia, but another way if you have kidney disease or another way to lower cholesterol, etc. I really dove in head first and began to explore healthy cooking and meal prep and planning to better control my blood sugar. During this time I was also trying to decide what career I was going to pursue next because I knew it wasn’t computer animation! My grandmother one day said, “Christi, you love nutrition and health so much you should be a dietitian!” Lightbulb moment! I knew that was what I was put on the Earth to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Farm to table was ordinary to me before it became fashionable. My love & passion for flavorful food began in Madisonville, Kentucky, in my grandma’s kitchen, breaking up beans and helping her can vegetables from her garden. Homegrown vegetables & their “from scratch,” mouthwatering, southern preparation was part of my daily diet.
Growing up, I was an all state athlete which peaked my interest in keeping a proper diet to provide the necessary energy to maintain performance. A diagnosis of hypoglycemia in my teen years, made types of foods and ways of eating a learned discipline to ensure my health. This knowledge and personal experience motivated my pursuit of a career in dietetics.
I am a true foodie, firmly believing in wise choices and moderation, but also the occasional, necessary chocolate cupcake! I use the same approach with my patients and love to see their determination to achieve their own personal wellness vision. Through proper planning and hard work, I’m able to help them achieve prime wellness and that’s even more satisfying than sweets.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe having the personal health experience that I’ve had definitely better shaped me into the dietitian I am today. Patients appreciate someone who has struggled with a medical condition they face and are more willing to listen and apply the knowledge shared. I do believe I am a very thorough and detail oriented person. This has helped with making personalized plans for my patients. I like for everyone to come away understanding completely what they can do to improve their health or reach their personal goals. I like to be available 24/7 to my patients so they never feel left alone and can always ask for advice.
I am very stubborn and can be competitive also! I was an athlete growing up, so I suppose it is a part of me. That has helped me to strive to always be improving myself in my field and to obtain goals that I have set for myself (Like being the first RDN with Disney).
For those folks early in their journey, I would just encourage them to self reflect on their qualities that they believe can most encourage and drive them to accomplish their personal and professional goals.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents were absolutely amazing when I was growing up. I always felt like I could do absolutely anything and have the backing and encouragement of my parents. I always felt surrounded with so much love, which I also think is important growing up and for the person you become as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beprime.co
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-lee-bowling-ms-rdn-ld-921b845/
