Jamie Mok, MS, RDN, RYT
Getting to Know Jamie Mok, MS, RDN, RYT
Talk about full circle! I was fortunate to act as preceptor to Jamie when she was attending California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Now she is supporting another CSULB dietetic intern, Nadine Khouri, by giving of her time and allowing this fabulous interview. Please read on to learn more about Jamie.
Nadine Khouri: Can you describe how you integrate yoga and nutrition education in your practice?
Jamie Mok: In my personal life, learning and practicing yoga has helped me navigate difficult transitions and periods of change. Yoga has completely rewired my brain and heavily influenced my relationship with food and nutrition philosophy. One of my main missions as a dietitian is to help guide individuals to transform their eating habits and make lasting lifestyle changes, which is a deeply personal journey. In my practice, I introduce mindfulness to my clients. By helping them get in touch with their bodies' signals (hunger and fullness cues), becoming more present when preparing and eating food, and observing their relationship with food, clients gain greater awareness about their nutrition and feel more empowered to make healthier choices that are best for their bodies. It’s my intention to hold a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients to engage in honest, compassionate conversations about food to make meaningful shifts in their health behaviors.
NK: Please share one thing you wish you had known or been better prepared for when starting your private practice.
JM: For me, one of the toughest parts about opening a private practice was starting off without structure and minimal guidance. In the beginning, it felt daunting and overwhelming. Since there isn't one manual or master guide to refer to, I learned along the way and built a system that worked for me. Had I known that prior to my pivot, it would have validated my experience and cast less self-doubt. Entrepreneurship requires someone who is extremely self-motivated and persistent. If this resonates with you, you will do well!
NK: Congratulations on being a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics! What suggestions can you share for an early career registered dietitian who may want to follow this path?
JM: Thank you! I'm so glad I applied and feel fortunate to have this experience as an Academy spokesperson. I have my inspiring colleagues and former spokespersons, Mascha Davis and Yasi Ansari, to thank for nudging me to apply. If one is interested in becoming an Academy spokesperson, I recommend: becoming an Academy member (if not already), visiting eatright.org to learn about the spokesperson program, connecting with spokespeople online and at in-person networking events and conferences, and getting involved with your local dietetics groups and special interest groups.
NK: How has podcasting influenced your work, and what aspects of it do you find most rewarding?
JM: Based on the handful of podcasts I've been on, I've really enjoyed the experience! Speaking on a podcast feels like a casual chat over coffee. I find podcasts give a stronger sense of personalities than print or even broadcast. They're usually less scripted and more open, leading to natural conversations. As both a speaker and listener, I connect with and appreciate this organic feel.
NK: One of your services includes a grocery store tour, what do you enjoy the most about conducting them, and how do they benefit your clients?
JM: I genuinely enjoy grocery shopping, so I thought it would be fun to offer grocery store tours to clients. Many former patients and clients have expressed how much they dislike going to the market and find food shopping stressful. In response to this, taking clients on grocery store tours intends to alleviate the stress of food shopping by walking the perimeter and aisles together, selecting foods that align with their health goals, understanding food labels, sharing tips for shopping on a budget, and answering nutrition questions about specific foods or products that come up along the way. Hosting grocery store tours bridges the gap between dietitian recommendations and home application. It helps clients take that next step in putting a nutrition plan into action.
NK: What recent meal did you make or have that was out of this world?
JM: I love my mom’s cooking. Anytime she visits, she will prepare dinners. Her salmon is incredible! She broils it in the oven with a little soy sauce, pepper and ginger. It’s very simple, yet full of flavor. I can’t seem to replicate it, so I ask her to make it every time I see her. So good!
NK: What will we always find in your pantry?
JM: I have many pantry staples that I make sure to have stocked at all times. One of them is oats - usually both steel cut and old fashioned rolled oats. I make a batch every morning for my family!
Jamie Mok is a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutrirtionist (RDN), registered yoga teacher (RYT) and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With over 14 years of experience, she brings a holistic approach to wellness that leverages her expertise in science-based nutrition and a mind-body approach to inspire healthy change from within. Jamie has been featured in prominent media outlets including Today.com, Eating Well, and Very Well Health, and live broadcasts such as KTLA Channel 5 News. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Jamie is the owner of Yogini RD LLC, a company offering personalized nutrition counseling, yoga and meditation classes, and corporate wellness programs. She shares her expertise and simple, plant-based recipes on her Instagram @the_yogini_rd.