Q: Why did you decide to become a nutrition expert?
WS: I started Whitness Nutrition because I wanted to provide a resource for women to learn about their health and improve it preventatively - before it became reactive in a clinical setting. Real food for real joy. First! I wish my doctors had pushed that holistic effort on me, before medication when I battled both my Celiac and colitis diagnosis. 

The ability to educate others and share with them how I fully enjoy life without any physical or emotional ailments and as little medication, intervention, and supplementation as possible, is such a gift and rewards me every day. 

Q: 2020 was pretty crazy for everyone, how did you manage your business?
WS: 2020 was a crazy year! Whitness Nutrition became an 100% virtual based practice, with a rapid growth rate of followers and engagement on social media, which was super exciting! I taught my entire endocrinology clinic how to use a virtual practice for six months. I also became aware of the need for readily accessible education which gave me focus. 

Now, I have continued to practice virtually and am also back in clinic for diabetes education, averaging around 70 patients a week. 2020 brought in a lot of new individuals to the Whitness community, with more people looking to educate themselves on how to be their healthiest self (immunity became a hot word!). Expanding our client population to cover the nation came with providing more easily accessible educational resources and hiring on an employee, which has been a huge help! Outsourcing is hard but with good community and organization it’s been incredibly efficient 

Q: Were there moments in your career that were pivotal to getting where you are today?
WS: I finished a master’s degree and passed my board exams as a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, debt free, by the age of 25. I think that’s my most proud moment as of right now. And, 48 hours later I was offered a full-time job and 24 hours later - received a proposal from my now husband, on a Swiss alp mountaintop. It was the best 72 hour span of my life, both professionally and personally. Being able to balance a full-service nutrition private practice for a wide variety of all health, gender, and age profiles, on top of the other responsibilities of life is pretty cool as well! 

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
WS: I hope that we can see past the “girl boss” and see there is a greater equality with ALL bosses. 

Q: What are the best practices you have employed to build a successful career? 
A: Collaboration over competition. We can all co-exist. I’ve really leaned into my community and supporting other liked-minded practitioners and businesses. I love to connect people who need each other and can mutually benefit. This has helped me find some of my greatest success and it’s really nice to be surrounded by people who believe in a similar mission. 

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
WS: Prioritize the things that provide the greatest payoff and benefit, don’t waste time on people or things that don’t bring you joy or success. Find what you're passionate about and work for what you believe in! 

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
WS: Good question! I have surrounded myself with some pretty amazing women in my life. Professionally - Steph Greunke and Ali Miller - both mamas who are dietitians and seem to set great boundaries with work hard/play hard hustle. Also, by Urban, who has provided an amazing platform at Whole30; one that isn’t stagnant, continues to revolutionize, modernize, and have heart for all humans. Personally, my mom, who is an entrepreneur and consistently pivots - she is flexible with growth and that has inspired to know the SAME way it’s always the best way.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
WS: Well, every morning I say “grateful, thankful, blessed” to remind myself that I AM, even when the world says otherwise. Also, “it’s never too late to start again.” I think living your life with confidence, gratitude, and awareness in yourself is really important, if you can’t cheer yourself on, who else can? Also - if you’re pursuing a career because of the money you’ll make or the potential fame you’ll gain, stop now. On the hardest days, only passion and grit will keep you energized. Money and fame are fleeting!

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
WS: Work life balance is a tricky one, but there are a few things I prioritize on a daily basis. One is getting joyful movement every day; I want to sweat and encourage endorphins in a variety of ways. Another is incorporating wholesome foods at each meal that always allow my body to choose flavor and texture, too! Lastly, setting aside time in my day to be present with my husband, our dog, family and/or friends - I am blessed with some great people in my life and I want to soak up every minute I have with them! 

Q: What would be the title of your autobiography?
WS: “Food, Fact and Faith” - I love food, I love science, and I love the Lord.

Six Things About Whitney Stuart

1. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? 
Either Jennifer Garner or Reese Witherspoon because I feel like I could be besties with either. We would talk about floral designs, new books and how to make healthy snacks for kids over iced Americanos. 

2. What’s your favorite international food? 
Sushi!! Not sure if that counts as international anymore, but I can eat it all day, every day. Coming from the PNW, I love a quality seafood dish like sushi. 

3. Favorite Dessert? 
Macarons, I’m a sucker for a light, fluffy and delicious French dessert. Plus, they’re naturally gluten free so a little less stress as well!

4. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken.
Visiting the Swiss Alps because that is where I got engaged to my best friend and now husband, Chase. It’s also the place of my family roots! 

5. What’s your signature drink? 
Water (always!), Iced Americanos and Tequila Soda - extra lime. 

6. What would your perfect Saturday be like? 
Some form of movement, coffee and pancakes with my husband, lounge on the couch with our pup, Jax, Mani/Pedi with a girlfriend and finish the day with a really delicious sushi dinner.