Meet EDRD Pro member Bre Syron, RDN: Bre is an outpatient dietitian at Bloom Health & Wellness Promotion who lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves family time, camping, hiking, Mac & Cheese, and Reese’s peanut butter cups!

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What’s saving your life right now?

More days of sunshine and flowers blooming outside!

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would it be, and why?

I feel very lucky to have already had some pretty amazing mentors who have helped me become the person I am today.

What’s something you’ve learned recently?

The research on the gut-brain connection and how it can impact our clients with eating disorders. The research coming out on this topic is so fascinating!

What would you say is one of the most valuable skills you’ve developed in your career?

I would say I am still developing this, but the act of actively listening and really taking words in. This is such an important skill when working with clients to really figure out what they need instead of giving them what I think they need/following my agenda. That whole idea of ‘the client is driving the bus’.

What words of encouragement or advice would you tell your younger self?

It is ok that things are not going/did not go as you expected or planned. Some of the greatest things in life come completely out of left field and are 100% out of your control.

If you didn’t do what you do professionally, what other job or field would you have pursued, and why?

I always wanted to be a forensic scientist! The crime scene shows have always been a favorite

What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

I don’t think I am a very mysterious person…prior to becoming a dietitian, I went to culinary school and cooked professionally for a few years before going back to school for nutrition.

Where do you work?

I work in an outpatient private practice with a group of amazing RDs at Bloom Health & Wellness Promotion! I primarily see clients with eating disorders, however, I have been very interested in GI dysfunction and have been taking on some more clients who are struggling with GI issues.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

My favorite part about what I do is seeing clients repair their relationship with food and themselves.

Why eating disorders treatment? What drives you?

I fell into eating disorders by accident when I was looking for a part-time job so I could still be home with my daughter. I always thought I would go into food service management of some kind. I ended up working at the residential level of care and fell in love with the work. It was a steep learning curve with lots of ups and downs, but what drove me was trying to figure out ways to connect with my clients and help them repair their relationship with food.

What’s your favorite meal?

Gosh, this usually depends on the time of year. Mac & Cheese is a staple for me, but do Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs count as a meal?

Who are your favorite social media influencers in the non-diet, recovery, body liberation space?

• @dietitiananna
• @foodpeacedietitian
• @chr1styharrison
• @immaeatthat

What books or resources have made a difference in the way you work?

• Body Kindness By Rebecca Scritchfield
• Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita Johnston
• Anything by Ellyn Satter
• Sick Enough Jennifer Gaudiani

How did you find the non-diet, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size® approaches, and what inspired you to adopt these frameworks?

Through my work in the residential setting, we utilized these approaches with clients, and I have continued to apply them in my practice. Prior to this, I worked in diabetes and weight management which just never felt right for me.

What is one non-diet, Intuitive Eating, and/or Health at Every Size® pearl of wisdom you’d like to share?

There is not ‘one way’ to do this approach, and it is going to look different for every person. I think what is most important is empowering clients to find freedom and acceptance with food and their bodies.

What projects, products, or services do you offer that you want to share with our audience?

I currently offer 1:1 nutrition counseling via telehealth and will be moving back into in-person in the future. I do grocery store tours, meal support sessions, and cooking sessions with clients. We are currently developing some online courses that will be available in 2021 and are hoping to have some in-person classes/seminars as we are able to offer them!