Bonni London, MS, RDN, LDN
Bio: Originally a personal trainer with a marketing background, Bonni pivoted to become a passionate dietitian in a private practice, who advocates for holistic wellness while managing a growing online presence, launching a book, and anticipating the future interception of dietetics with personalized medicine and technology.
- What inspired you to become a dietitian?
Ever since I can recall, I’ve been captivated by the interplay between diet and exercise in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition science has especially piqued my interest; from day one, I’ve been like a sponge, eager to soak up the vast array of information available in this field.
- Could you tell me about your educational background and the path you took to become a dietitian?
In the 1990s, as a personal trainer, I began to grasp the transformative role that nutrition plays in achieving optimal results for my clients. However, I knew my understanding was incomplete and needed deepening. Although I held a bachelor’s degree in marketing and retail from Syracuse University, my passion for health and wellness compelled me to pivot my educational journey.
Residing in New York City at that time, I enrolled in New York University to earn my Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition. I complemented this academic achievement by becoming a Registered Dietitian, completing a rigorous internship at Beth Israel Hospital. Simultaneously, I maintained my role as a personal trainer, often sacrificing sleep but never my enthusiasm for the work I loved!
- What does a typical day or week look like for you as a dietitian?
With 14 years of experience as a private practice dietitian, I’ve continually honed my skills not only in nutritional consulting but also in business marketing. I recently expanded my reach by launching a YouTube channel called “Healthy Rebels,” where I regularly share evidence-based advice and tips. I also maintain an active online presence across key social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
I’m thrilled to announce that my first book, “Healthy Rebels: Live Well, Lose Weight, and Defy a World that Makes Us Fat,” is slated for release in January 2024.
Before the pandemic, public speaking was another avenue through which I shared my expertise. I frequently presented at local organizations and participated in various networking groups to connect with like-minded professionals.
In addition to these initiatives, my core passion lies in the one-on-one consultations I have with my clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness firsthand the transformative effects that informed diet and lifestyle choices can have on individuals’ lives.
- What are the most challenging as well as rewarding aspects of being a dietitian?
The most challenging yet rewarding facet of being a private practice dietitian is guiding clients through behavior change, especially given the profound influence of our contemporary environment.
- What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a private practice Dietitian?
A successful private practice dietitian should ideally embody a multitude of characteristics and traits to efficiently cater to their clients’ needs.
They should possess a robust educational foundation in nutritional science, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning to stay abreast of evolving dietary guidelines and research.
Strong communication skills, including effective conveying of advice and active listening, are crucial. A sense of empathy and compassion enhances the client experience, making them feel understood and supported.
Adaptability, organizational skills, and a high level of ethical integrity are also essential, enabling the customization of strategies to meet individual client needs while maintaining confidentiality and honesty.
A client-centered approach, focusing on personalized, goal-oriented strategies and regular follow-ups, is fundamental.
Furthermore, possessing business acumen, technological proficiency, and a motivational demeanor can significantly bolster a dietitian’s practice, facilitating effective service marketing and client motivation and engagement.
- What do you see as the future of the dietetics profession?
As personalized medicine and artificial intelligence continue to advance, the field of dietetics is poised for significant growth. This evolution underscores the growing recognition that prevention is the most effective form of healthcare.