Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Serena Stewart, Registered Dietitian, running coach, and running nutrition expert, for a conversation about what dietitians need to know about running nutrition, sports nutrition, and building a private practice that evolves alongside your life.

Jennifer and Serena explore why so many runners unknowingly underfuel, how proper nutrition impacts everything from performance to GI symptoms and recovery, and why working with a sports dietitian is about so much more than carb loading. They also discuss creating offers beyond one-to-one counseling, finding mentorship within your specialty, and designing a business that supports both your clients and your personal life.

Why Running Nutrition Is More Than Just Eating More (04:41) Serena explains why fueling runners requires far more nuance than simply increasing calories. She walks through the many pieces that come together in an individualized running nutrition plan, from glycogen replenishment to GI tolerance and recovery.
How Serena Accidentally Found Her Niche (07:32) Serena shares how her clinical background unexpectedly led her into running nutrition, and how what started as a hobby became a thriving private practice.
Helping Clients Connect the Dots Between Nutrition and Performance (13:24) Jennifer and Serena discuss why dietitians need to translate nutrition science into meaningful, real-life outcomes so clients understand how proper fueling supports both their running goals and everyday life.
Building a Practice Beyond One-to-One Sessions (15:56) Serena shares how her services evolved from individual counseling into memberships, masterclasses, and her Eat Like an Athlete Bootcamp, creating more flexibility for both her clients and herself.
Why Group Programs Can Create Incredible Client Results (21:14) Jennifer and Serena reflect on the unexpected benefits of group coaching, including peer support, shared learning, and creating a client experience that goes beyond traditional individual sessions.
Growing Into Sports Nutrition With Confidence (24:52) Serena shares why supervision, continuing education, and asking for help have been essential to her growth as a sports dietitian.
The Overlap Between Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorder Care (26:57) Jennifer and Serena explore the important relationship between running nutrition and eating disorders, along with the ethical considerations, boundaries, and referrals that help dietitians practice within their scope.
Marketing That Speaks to Real Client Pain Points (31:14) Serena explains how identifying the specific symptoms clients experience has transformed her marketing and helped attract the right people to her practice.
Building a Business That Fits Your Season of Life (34:06) Jennifer and Serena close with an honest conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself permission to build a business that supports your family, your values, and your long-term goals.

Whether you're a sports dietitian or simply want to feel more confident supporting active clients, this conversation will help you better understand the important role nutrition plays in performance, recovery, GI health, and overall well-being.

Beyond the clinical conversation, this episode is also a reminder that there isn't just one way to build a successful private practice. As your expertise grows and your life changes, your business can evolve with you. The most sustainable practices are often built by staying curious, continuing to learn, and creating offers that allow you to care deeply for your clients while honoring your own priorities, too.

This episode is a reminder that some of the best opportunities come from being willing to ask questions, seek mentorship, and trust that your business is allowed to grow right alongside you.

Sponsor:

✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.

Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

Connect with Pursuing Private Practice:

🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice

📧 Email: Contact Us

Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business:

🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice

✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge

👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member

💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog

🎙️The Pursuing Private Practice Podcast

About Serena:
Serena Stewart is a Registered Dietitian and running coach specializing in helping female runners shift their focus from shrinking to fueling for BIG dreams! Serena uses a unique blend of somatic counseling techniques and running nutrition to help female runners embrace eating like an athlete while learning to finally feel more comfortable in their skin. She is a runner herself and has run 4 BQs, 33 half marathons, and 7 marathons. When not running, she enjoys cooking, hiking, or playing in the park with her son.

Connect with Serena:
Instagram: @runnergirldietitian

Resources from Serena:
Free Race Week Checklist
Offseason Reset

Why Running Nutrition Is More Than Just Eating More (04:41) Serena explains why fueling runners requires far more nuance than simply increasing calories. She walks through the many pieces that come together in an individualized running nutrition plan, from glycogen replenishment to GI tolerance and recovery.
How Serena Accidentally Found Her Niche (07:32) Serena shares how her clinical background unexpectedly led her into running nutrition, and how what started as a hobby became a thriving private practice.
Helping Clients Connect the Dots Between Nutrition and Performance (13:24) Jennifer and Serena discuss why dietitians need to translate nutrition science into meaningful, real-life outcomes so clients understand how proper fueling supports both their running goals and everyday life.
Building a Practice Beyond One-to-One Sessions (15:56) Serena shares how her services evolved from individual counseling into memberships, masterclasses, and her Eat Like an Athlete Bootcamp, creating more flexibility for both her clients and herself.
Why Group Programs Can Create Incredible Client Results (21:14) Jennifer and Serena reflect on the unexpected benefits of group coaching, including peer support, shared learning, and creating a client experience that goes beyond traditional individual sessions.
Growing Into Sports Nutrition With Confidence (24:52) Serena shares why supervision, continuing education, and asking for help have been essential to her growth as a sports dietitian.
The Overlap Between Sports Nutrition and Eating Disorder Care (26:57) Jennifer and Serena explore the important relationship between running nutrition and eating disorders, along with the ethical considerations, boundaries, and referrals that help dietitians practice within their scope.
Marketing That Speaks to Real Client Pain Points (31:14) Serena explains how identifying the specific symptoms clients experience has transformed her marketing and helped attract the right people to her practice.
Building a Business That Fits Your Season of Life (34:06) Jennifer and Serena close with an honest conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself permission to build a business that supports your family, your values, and your long-term goals.