Meet Meghan Coffey | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meghan Coffey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meghan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After ten years of practicing as a Registered Dietitian, I had gained valuable experience in many areas of the field. I found my passion lies in two vital areas of dietetics: sustainable weight loss and effective diabetes management. In 2022, I had earned my advanced practice credential as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and that helped me gain more confidence working with that population I truly enjoyed.

As time passed I found myself day dreaming about how I would run a nutrition program and creative ways to engage my patients that inspire and empower them to make sustainable nutrition changes. I knew other Dietitians who were working in private practice and thriving. With the increase demand for telehealth visits, it opened more doors for flexibility and low overhead risk. The idea of starting my own business and entrepreneurship never scared me and I had the support of my family to go for it, so I did! It sounds simple but I could already see myself doing it before I took the leap.

In spring of 2023, I filed for my LLC and slowly checked off one box at a time to create Meghan Coffey Nutrition, LLC. It has been so rewarding and the challenges have provided amazing learning opportunities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Meghan Coffey Nutrition, LLC, is a virtual nutrition private practice. Meaning, I provide nutrition counseling and support via Telehealth. This enables me to have a wider reach in my community and the entire state of Texas bc patients do not have to leave their home for nutrition consults.

Building off that plan to have a wider reach for patients to access nutrition support, I decided my practice would be also insurance-based. Accepting insurance lowers the barrier of care by making sessions affordable. Many patients do not even realize their insurance policy may cover a dietitian session so this has been very rewarding benefit to incorporate into my practice.

Accepting insurance was not easy and comes with many admin hurdles. I took the time to get credentialed with major insurance providers and become in-network to increase the availability of nutrition care and support.

With a decade of experience as a Dietitian, I’ve honed the knowledge and skills necessary to help my clients achieve lasting success. I work closely with my clients to create a customized nutrition plans that fits their unique needs, preferences, and goals. I believe in the power of science-backed nutrition. Staying up-to-date with the latest research allows me to provide you with the most accurate and effective guidance on your wellness journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived in Houston for 14 years and it truly is a diverse city with so much to offer. I may be a Dietitian but I am not the food police so many of my visits would be centered around food! I have young children so many of my plans would be family friendly. Being from New England originally, I love crawfish season here in Houston. It is so fun to enjoy a crawfish boil with good friends. In addition, The Houston Rodeo and Live Stock show is like nothing I ever experienced before and offers so much entertainment and fun foods to try.

The Rustic is another laid back spot for a good time hanging out with drinks, food, and music. Onion Creek is a fav in fall to sit out and watch a good game with burger and a drink. For a fancier evening out, Brennans offers an elegant atmosphere and delicious Southwestern-Creole dishes.

Houston has a huge sprawl and I live in the NW so anytime a friend comes to visit we always stop at Rudy’s BBQ for some delicious smoked turkey and brisket and Torchy’s Tacos for some breakfast tacos! These spots are great for fast casual dining with kids in tow.

My go to activities would be hitting a F45 workout at my favorite studio, Louetta. BIG yoga is also a fav for a good sweat. Heading to a Farmer’s Market on Saturday to shop and sample local favorites. Texas grows so much wonderful produce, it is really amazing what you varieties you can find. Then a stop in the museum district to see what cool exhibits are being highlighted or the Cockerel Butterfly exhibit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story begins at the University of Rhode Island where I earned my undergrad. What is so amazing about dietetics is the diversity. You can specialize in food service management, clinical, community nutrition, media, nutrition research, the list goes on. I always loved nutrition but it wasn’t until I was at URI that I fully understood the versatility of the career path. Thanks to my professors, who provided a first class education and inspired me to look beyond traditional opportunities and create my own.

Historically, dietetics is a female dominant profession. I have had the honor to work with countless strong female leaders and mentors over my years in practice. The encouragement and guidance I received from them has been invaluable and shaped the leader I am today.

Lastly, my family and close friends have been so supportive and always there to cheer me on. I appreciate their love and support more than they know.

Website: https://meghancoffeynutrition.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghancoffeynutrition/