Kelsey Smith, MS, RD, LDN

How would you describe your approach to nutrition counseling? 

My counseling style is rooted in weight-neutral, client-centered care, where respect, curiosity, and individualized support guide every session. I take a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach, focusing on genuine connection and honoring your lived experiences with food and life. With a little light humor to ease nerves, I aim to make our time together feel welcoming, collaborative, and far from intimidating. We’ll set goals based on your readiness and what feels meaningful to you—never a preset agenda—while gently reconnecting you with your body’s internal cues like hunger and fullness. Through an intuitive eating lens, I’ll support you in discovering the foods that bring joy, energy, comfort, and confidence so you can nourish yourself in ways that feel empowering both physically and emotionally.

Which avenues of dietetics do you feel most passionate about pursuing? 

Currently, what is sparking my passion and is keeping me excited in the dietetic realm, is all things sports nutrition, hormone health, overall wellness and life longevity, and healing people’s relationships with food. I find it incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation that happens when someone rebuilds trust with their body and cultivates a peaceful and confident relationship with food.

If you were to have any other profession other than Registered Dietitian, what would it be and why? 

If I weren’t a Registered Dietitian, I would probably find myself as a photographer, event planner, or owning my own boutique. I’ve always loved capturing moments in my own life with my camera and designing spaces that feel warm and inviting for my friends and family. And somewhere in that dream life, I’d also be running a Bernese Mountain Dog farm—because life is simply better with a few giant, lovable dogs by your side.

Where can we find you when you’re not in client sessions? 

When I’m not in client sessions, you can find me chasing my next adventure—whether it’s heading to a local concert, strolling through a farmers market, exploring a new city, or hitting up a new coffee shop or restaurant. I’m a volleyball fanatic (seriously, I’ve been obsessed since I was five) and you’ll often catch me on the court 4–6 times a week. I have family and friends all over the country and some in other countries, so I am often on a walk catching up with one of them while soaking up the sunshine. Basically, if it’s fun, active, or full of good vibes, I am likely there!

Education & Certifications:

B.S. in Dietetics from Missouri State University; M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from Illinois State University

Contact Kelsey: Kelsey@Nutritious-Thoughts.com