Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bakios.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was inspired to become a Registered Dietitian by my grandmother, who survived cancer multiple times and believed that food can help heal. I knew it was my path to learn more about nutrition and teach preventative health through evidence-based guidelines. Her strength throughout her health journey led me to specialize in nutrition in college.
I am a graduate of the University of Arizona and have 10+ years of experience as a Board-Certified Registered Dietitian providing medical nutrition therapy counseling. I started my career caring for individuals with chronic kidney disease, where I discovered my passion for helping others navigate the challenges of staying healthy while managing life events.
Over the past 3 years, I have branched out on my own and created my private practice with an emphasis on preventative health. I have been honored to help hundreds of clients achieve sustainable weight loss, improve their lab values, and build healthier lifestyles. I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach; therefore, I follow much of the same advice I teach. I enjoy hiking, rucking, horseback riding, and biking in the mountains. I love trying new foods and finding easy meal and snack ideas to share with my clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest operational challenge is the limitation of practicing in all 50 states. Registered Dietitians do not yet have a compact license, so each state requires separate applications and annual fees, which can cost hundreds of dollars per year. I am addressing this by gradually adding more states and using business income and tax write-offs to cover the expenses. Expanding my state reach allows me to serve more clients via telehealth, including those in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
Marketing is another challenge, as advertising requires financial investment. However, I’ve taken courses to improve my strategies and remain committed to ongoing learning.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Be You Nutrition offers telehealth-based Medical Nutrition Therapy in 28 U.S. states, covered by insurance. I am partnered with Fay Nutrition, a company that contracts Registered Dietitians with several insurance providers to offer $0 to low-cost copays. Fay Nutrition provides both dietitians and their clients with tools for consistent communication and planning to help meet their health goals.
As a Registered Dietitian, I provide evidence-based counseling to support weight loss, improve lab results, and prevent or manage disease, while considering the whole person—including factors such as sleep, stress, and exercise. Our goals include building balanced meals, incorporating functional foods, and encouraging regular movement. I take time to truly understand my clients, allowing me to better meet their needs and guide them toward long-term health success.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Partnering with Fay Nutrition has been an excellent resource for finding mentors. On their platform, Registered Dietitians are able to collaborate, share feedback, offer encouragement, and discuss ways to improve our practice. The communication board allows for ongoing peer support, and we can also send referrals to one another.
The Women’s Business Center of Utah is another outstanding resource for mentorship and networking. I took a class with other small business owners while building my practice, which helped me learn the essential steps of starting a business and connect with other local entrepreneurs. Their services are offered at no cost, which was especially valuable during the early stages of creating my business together consistently to navigate challenges, build sustainable habits, and celebrate their successes.
Pricing:
- $0 copay (if insurance covers)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://be-you-nutrition.com/
- Instagram: @amybakios
- Facebook: Amy Bakios
