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

Hi Courtney, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a Registered Dietitian, I am acutely aware of the importance of work life balance. However, work life balance seems to be this esoteric goal that has yet to be defined. I think it means something different for each of us and can differ in each role and season of life. My definition has certainly changed as an entrepreneur. To be completely transparent, it is something I have yet to master as the owner of a startup, but I’ve been more intentional and it’s certainly the goal.

I love the flexible schedule that being an entrepreneur allows. However, the number of hours per week is certainly much higher than when I was employed. Being able to work from home is very convenient but sometimes too convenient as work and home life boundaries can be easily crossed.

I try to accomplish this by prioritizing and multitasking. Each day, I try to prioritize exercise and preparing a healthy meal. This typically means waking up early to get ahead of the day with a few work tasks. I love the terrible analogy of “eating the frog.” So each morning I get the most important task done then head out for my run before the work day starts. I’m a big proponent of morning exercise because I have found that in the afternoon, it’s easy for other tasks to get in the way or lose steam.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Keys to Nutrition is a private nutrition counseling practice based in the Florida Keys. I provide nutrition consultations via telehealth nationwide and office visits locally in Key Largo. My specialties and practice areas include diabetes, sports nutrition, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, plant-based eating patterns, and weight management.

Being able to provide telehealth consultations across the Keys has been helpful for my clients who live in the middle and lower Keys. It is also very convenient for those who live locally in Key Largo who can hop on a call during their work day or fight traffic.

I started my practice in 2012 while working full-time in other roles along the years and eventually went full-time in 2022. It was not an easy or straightforward process. The covid pandemic allowed me to grow my practice without having to secure a brick and mortar location.

As a dietitian, I take a flexible approach to nutrition. So much of the nutrition advice you hear is so restrictive and often extreme. My number one goal is sustainability. If you make a change to your diet, but you can’t maintain it, what’s the point? I meet my clients where they are at. As a self-proclaimed foodie with a sweet tooth, my clients find me very relatable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! As an entrepreneur, you always have lots of ideas… I like to joke that I would start a wildlife nature tour where I take tourists kayaking to see manatees and crocodiles. I know where they are! Kayaking the mangrove trails is the closest thing we have to hiking in the Keys. You can truly get lost and feel so secluded. I also love boat rides south along the Keys. I still find it incredibly pretty even having lived here for over 30 years. Other attractions I recommend include snorkeling at Alligator Lighthouse, feeding the tarpon at Robbies, and heading down to Key West with bikes and really getting a feel for the island. Most places I frequent are off of Duval.

As far as food and drink recommendations, I actually have a South Florida Plant Forward Dining Guide on my blog that covers Miami to Key West. A few highlights though, Cafe Moka for coffee, Meze Morada for lunch, Pierre’s for sunset drinks, then Square Grouper for dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have always been so supportive of my endeavors. From a young age, my mother instilled the belief in me that I could do anything I put my mind to. I believe our mind can be our worst enemy. I like to live by Henry Ford’s quote, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Once I understood that failure is a part of success, things got easier. I tell my clients this as well. We all fall off the horse sometimes, the important part is getting back on!

Website: www.thekeystonutrition.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-smith-ms-rd-ldn-cdces-4949aa22/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekeystonutrition

Other: Facebook – The Endurance Dietitian: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087086119354 Instagram – The Endurance Dietitian: https://www.instagram.com/the_endurance_dietitian/

Image Credits
Eyes of a Badfish Photography

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