The most important work we can do as dietitians — and as a practice — is to make nutrition care accessible and affordable for more people.
That mission feels especially urgent now, when so many Americans are struggling just to put food on the table or have seen their SNAP benefits reduced. While our reach is still limited to those with insurance, we believe everyone deserves access to credible, compassionate nutrition guidance, and we’re committed to expanding that access wherever and however we can.
I’ve spent the past five years trying to build accessibility into our practice. We onboarded every insurance plan we could, and I was thrilled to see how many more people were coming through our doors.
But I quickly learned that some of the larger insurance companies sending the most clients were also paying the lowest rates. Something had to give.
I faced a hard choice: either lower pay for our team and downsize, or stop accepting those particular insurance plans.
It was a tough pill to swallow. I felt discouraged having to tell people we could no longer take their insurance and shift back toward a model that relied more on private pay.
That reality never sat easily with me. I knew there had to be a better way to expand care — a model that could strengthen what we do locally while giving us the infrastructure to reach more people.
And that’s where this next chapter begins.
Starting a New Chapter with McDaniel Nutrition Therapy
I shared this news on social media last weekend, but I wanted to expand on the story here.
About a year ago, I was approached by someone interested in buying our private practice. While I was impressed with his vision, the timing wasn’t right. I wasn’t looking to sell, and I still had so many goals for McDaniel Nutrition, and I wanted to be the ONE to make it happen.
Six months later, on the final day of a 10-day retreat (a post I’ve written about here on Substack), I opened my email to see his name again. He was checking in and updating me on his work, wondering if I’d wanted to reconnect.
When I saw his message, I felt something unexpected: openness, curiosity, and lightness. The ME in all of this seemed to melt away, and I could feel the potential for serving in the ways I always knew we could. With their partnership and power, we could expand access to care in a way I couldn’t do alone.
So, this week, I officially signed: McDaniel Nutrition Therapy has a new owner.
About Our New Partner
Our new partner’s company shares our vision: to make healthcare more proactive by putting registered dietitians at the center of care and by expanding nutrition coverage so more people can use their insurance instead of paying out of pocket.
Unlike many large networks, their goal isn’t to rebrand or absorb local practices. They believe in strengthening the heart of local care, preserving each practice’s identity, people, and values, while giving them the infrastructure and support to grow.
In short: they can power us up to do a better job of what matters most increasing access and affordability in nutrition care across America.
What This Means for Our Clients
This transition means:
Broader insurance coverage
Smarter technology and telehealth support
Continued access to our same local team and personal connections
Ongoing options for both in-person and virtual visits
And yes, I’ll still be practicing and seeing clients :)
What Will Change
I’ll be stepping away from business operations, no longer managing day-to-day logistics or leading the team, and stepping back from running social media.
Instagram and Facebook have felt like chapters I’m ready to close. I’ll still pop in occasionally, but platforms like this (Substack!) feel more intimate and authentic, a better fit for the kinds of conversations I want to keep having.
What Won’t Change
The philosophy, care, and mission remain the same.
McDaniel Nutrition Therapy will continue to be grounded in compassion, connection, and evidence-based practice.
Our team remains.
Our clients remain.
Our shared commitment to collaboration and care remains.
Thank You
Thank you for allowing me to share this next chapter.
It’s a reminder (to myself, most of all) not to rush decisions. The right ones don’t feel tight or forced; they feel open, expansive, and aligned with purpose.
This one feels exactly that way. ✨
Here’s to growing access, widening the table, and helping more people receive the care they deserve.
XO,
Jennifer
Menu for the Week of November 10-14th
Monday
Mushroom Pasta: I picked up a beautiful mix of mushrooms and wasn’t quite sure what to make, so, pasta it is! I might toss in some shrimp for a bit of extra heartiness.
Tuesday
Avgolemono Soup: Don’t ask me to pronounce it perfectly, but I do know this Greek lemon-chicken soup is a favorite of a dear friend who’s having surgery soon. I’m learning to make it in her honor, and it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Wednesday
Black Bean & Cheese Enchiladas: This is one of those go-to recipes where I usually have everything on hand. If the corn tortillas refuse to roll (which happens!), I just layer them instead and turn it into a hearty enchilada casserole.
Thursday
Air Fryer Greek Chicken: I don’t often make full meals in the air fryer, so this recipe caught my attention. It has nearly everything you need…juicy, marinated chicken, colorful veggies, and bright Mediterranean flavors, all in one easy, hands-off cook.
Friday
High Protein Egg Bites: I almost skipped this recipe because of the “high protein” label (do we really need to say that about eggs?). But these bites are worth it: simple, customizable, and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, with or without the marketing buzzwords.
Happy Fall, Y’all! XO Jen (I get to do that…I’m from TN).
Delighted for you and with you. ❤️