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 helped new parents establish a solid foundation for nutrition from conception into early childhood, guided others through picky eating phases that felt like they'd never end, and supported people with digestive issues to find relief and expand their diet.
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 IBS, I have it, too. Getting diagnosed and finding clear, effective treatments is tough, and I want to help expedite the process 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" and quick fixes and instead, we'll create lasting habits.
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 working in a children's hospital in Valparaiso, Chile opened my eyes to the direct effect maternal health has on newborns. Working with a dedicated healthcare team to reverse some of the negative effects inspired me to become an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves by educating and empowering my clients with the tools they need for the health they deserve.
Living in Chile also allowed me to learn Spanish, which has opened 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.
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.
