Amy Gorin, MS, RDN
Intern Alyssa Skinner is fascinated by registered dietitian nutritionists that are in the media sharing evidence-based information and translating the science into content that resonates with consumers. An opportunity to interview one of the most-quoted media dietitians in the country…none other than Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Master the Media, was really a dream come true. Read on to learn about their conversation.
Alyssa Skinner: When you were an intern did you ever imagine that this is where you would be in your life and career? Did you always have this vision of becoming a media dietitian or did the stars just align?
Amy Gorin: When I was leaving my job to go do my dietetic internship, I had a conversation with my editor-in-chief about coming back after I finished my internship and she said that I was not going to want to come back. Sure enough, by the time I finished my internship I wanted to try my hand at having my own business and being a media dietitian. I honestly didn't know what it was going to turn into, but I'm so happy that it all worked out the way it did. I love it!
AS: There is obviously a lot of hype associated with social media and being an influencer. Colleagues wish to have the kind of platform that you have! Can you share what the flip side is to all of this? The best parts of your job and the not so good from a realistic point of view.
AG: I'm trying to get the word out about media dietitians; instead of calling ourselves influencers, we are experts with influence! You don't have to have hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram to have influence. You're influential because you have these credentials behind you. Instagram and social media can be fun, but they can also just be really draining. Being totally transparent, I know which parts I enjoy and which parts just drain me. So….. I have help. I have a virtual assistant who helps me with the parts that I don't find very fun and that keeps it manageable and enjoyable. As RDNs, we're always growing. Even when you're established, you're still kind of figuring out what brings you joy, what doesn't, and then how you can find support in the areas that aren’t so fun.
AS: I wanted to touch on the topic of inclusivity. I love that the message that is out there about inclusion of every, size, color, and orientation. Thank you for being a leader in setting the example. That stood out to me when I came across your IG account. Seeing the word inclusive as part of your title made me feel like I could connect to a real person who shares my values. Could you speak on what inclusivity means for you and how you incorporate it as part of your values as a dietitian?
AG: Absolutely, it's so important just to be aware of how you’re talking to other people. For example, it’s important to be aware of nuances that make people feel that you're doing your best to be inclusive. Examples of this include using terms such as “people with obesity,” versus “an obese person.”
And then I take an inclusive approach to plant-based eating. Some people see this term and think, “Oh that means vegan.” But that’s not necessarily the case. Many interpretations of “plant based” exist. My goal is to help people eat more plants—and whether you are vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or just curious, I want to help you. I'm just trying to make people feel more comfortable coming to me for guidance. They don't have to fit any particular mold.
AS: Your IG Master The Media is such a great resource for early career dietitians to navigate social media. Without divulging what is in the courses, would you be able to tell me what are the topmost important factors for someone to be a successful social media dietitian?
AG: I run the Master the Media Instagram account and love to share media tips and student success stories there. Beyond social media, traditional media is very important, as well. What I teach in the Master the Media Coaching program is how to successfully nail and execute media interviews with editorial outlets and then leverage and share those on your social platforms to elevate your personal brand. And then even to take it a step further, you can partner with brands you love as a media dietitian. One thing that always hits home with my students is once we narrow in on the dietitian’s niche, that specific area of expertise, it allows everything to fall into place. People come to you because you're an expert, whether it's in sports nutrition or diabetes management. When you're an expert in that area, that really helps define your brand.
AS: What are your hands down favorite plant-based foods and share a recipe that you have developed……
AG: I have an edamame smoothie that I really love making! That's one of the best things about plant-based eating is that you can concoct these unique, delicious combinations. I take frozen edamame and just blend that with soy milk, vanilla bean, and almond butter. It ends up being super delicious and you get that huge amount of protein. Day to day, I love broccoli, fennel, and creamy oat-based oat milk, which makes a good latte!
Learn more about Amy:
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