with Registered Dietitian Laura Downer
Get to know Laura
Hi, I'm Laura! I have 5 years of experience working with people to build simple and nourishing habits. Whether you're here for yourself or your child, you're in the right place if you're looking for a dietitian that can bring simplicity and peace of mind back to mealtime.
I have a Bachelor's of science in nutrition from the University of Arkansas (woo pig!) and I completed my dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to become a Registered Dietitian.
Since then, I've run my county's Mobile WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) Clinic counseling pregnant women and new parents through their unique lifecycle stage. I've also managed a family-focused health program to educate and support parents in forming better health habits for their household.
From conception to early childhood, through picky eating phases that feel like they'll never end, or digestive discomfort that seems to interrupt everything, I've met my clients where they are at and saw them through to the other side to meet their health goals.
Whatever your story is, working with me means bringing peace of mind, variety, and simplicity back into eating.
Approach to Care
I consider you the expert on yourself or your child. Consider me the nutrition expert. In our sessions, we'll share our combined expertise to create habits that are sustainable, enjoyable, and uniquely tailored to YOU.
I take time to listen to your goals, and what progress looks and feels like from your perspective. It's your goals, your symptoms, and your definition of progress that guides our sessions. Not interested in weighting yourself? No problem! I practice a weight neutral approach to care, so we won't talk about it unless you want to.
For those with chronic digestive discomfort, I've been there. Finding the right treatment for your symptoms can feel like a shot in the dark--often an expensive and confusing one. I'm here to expedite the process and provide clear, effective treatment strategies so that you're back to feeling your best (physically and mentally!) as soon as possible.
I enjoy problem solving with my clients, and I believe there's no challenge that can't be overcome with some creativity and intentionality. Together, we'll set goals that you're genuinely excited to start. We'll ditch the unsustainable "solutions," fad diets, and quick fixes to create lasting habits instead.
It's my goal to make eating a simple and enjoyable experience for everyone through all of life's stages.
Where it all began
Spending a season during undergrad in a children's hospital in Valparaiso, Chile opened my eyes to the direct effect maternal health has on newborns. Working with a dedicated and diverse healthcare team to reverse some of those negative effects inspired me to become an advocate for those who may not always have what they need to advocate for themselves. Through education, compassion, and empowerment, I equip my clients with the tools they need for the health they deserve.
Living in Chile also paved the way for me to learn Spanish. Becoming a fluent Spanish-speaker has opened up many opportunities to be an advocate for those who have limited access to healthcare. Making nutrition care accessible for all is a core value of mine, and the heart behind Buena Nutrition.
¿Hablas español? ¿Conoces a alguien que se beneficiaría de la atención nutricional? Ve mi pestaña "Español"
Offline
When I'm not in sessions, it's highly likely that I'm out rock climbing or biking with my husband. I'm a fluent Spanish speaker, so when we can get away for a vacation, our favorite destinations are Monterey, Mexico and the Catalonia region of Spain - places that are saturated with vibrant culture and mountains to climb! On a rainy day back in the states, you can find me nerding out over sourdough fermentations or my own craft beer home brews.
