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Break free from the rigidity of dieting to discover a sustainable way of living that feeds your unique mind, body, and soul.

 
 
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hello beautiful!

I'm Lindsay Sparks, a registered dietitian on a mission to help others move beyond the numbers and recognize that their value and beauty comes from within. Life is more than just going through the motions, it's about getting in tune with your mind and body to live a life well-nourished.

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Services

 
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It's time to ignite and radiate confidence from within by creating the happy, healthy life you deserve. Together, we'll redefine the way you view what healthy is and help you make peace with food and your body.

 

Inspiration to Spark Your Life

 
 
 
 

Ignite Your Inner Spark

 
Did you know Americans have been ranked #1 in the world for "food worry"? As a culture, we are obsessed with the minutiae of food/nutrition. Just today I overheard a really sad conversation at the grocery store between two women who were lamenting over "giving up" some of their favorite meals and food items (in particular, carbohydrates. ugh. #poorcarbs) in the name of the "diet plan" they were on. If only they knew, taking care of your body doesn't have to be so miserable!! . I'm all about striving to feel good physically, to experiment with nutrition/food to find what works best for you and your body, to engage in positive behavior changes that enhance your health. But I'm not about losing your mental health or taking the joy out of eating/food in the process. . What does "eating well" mean to you? To me, it means eating a variety of ALL foods, from all food groups (carbs, proteins, fats). It means living a life where I don't have to count, track, portion, or micromanage my food. It means getting excited about travel, eating out with friends/family, eating what sounds satisfying to me 98% of the time (because there are times where food isn't 100% satisfying) -- all without fear, guilt, or "having to make up for it later." It means using evidence-based nutrition interventions in my life to help my body feel it's best, not as a means to force my body into a certain size/shape. . Yes, I truly believe we need to love food more, not less. We need more curiosity about our food behaviors and choices, not more judgement and shame. Shame is a terrible motivator. Tell me -- what foods do you love? Who/what has shaped your fears around some of the foods you love? Are these thoughts rational or science based? If you aren't sure, reach out and get support. My waiting list for new clients, starting mid-June (post-maternity leave) is still open! Sign up using the link in my bio.
Behavior changes + challenging old thought patterns that aren’t serving your health ain’t easy, friends! Be patient with the process and practice self-compassion along the way. Remember to reflect on the “why” behind your intentions. Consider all of the time/energy you could have more brain-space for if you were less preoccupied with micromanaging food or your body size. What could you accomplish? What would you pursue instead? . If you don’t believe that you can be an “intuitive eater,” build up your support system. I have faith in you and I truly believe you are capable of amazing things! You were born an intuitive eater. It’s your birthright to have an enjoyable, stress-free relationship with food + your body. . I’m currently gearing up for maternity leave (baby Sparks is expected to arrive anytime the next few weeks 😬🤱🏼) and while I am not taking on new clients at this time, I’ll start seeing new clients (virtually and in-person, in my Springfield, MO office) mid-June. 👉🏻 Check out the link in my bio to sign up for my new client waiting list to stay in the loop. I’d love to help you discover a peaceful alliance with food and your body. 💕
Reminder that no matter what diet culture tries to tell you/sell you -- bodies are not static and they will change, they are meant to change, and though it may be difficult to accept body changes, it does not benefit your health to spend a lifetime at war with your external shell. . If you can't love your body (as I know that is a tall order for many), can you at least care for it? What are some barriers that prevent you from treating your here-and-now body with kindness? How can you overcome these barriers? . Here are a few ideas that I hope may help you if you are struggling to come up with ways to overcome: 1) Create a body positive/body diverse social media feed and "unfollow" any accounts that make you feel badly about yourself, your body, or your food preferences (I've tagged a few of my fave accounts in this post) 2) Write down affirmations or coping statements on an index card and pull it out when you are having a "bad body image moment” (here are a few of my faves, below)... - "I am enough, just as I am" - "I’m not choosing a body size for myself anymore, but I am choosing how I want to take care of myself" - "I am creating a reality of worth not based on my body size" - "My body is my home. My body deserves love and respect" - "My beauty is not limited by your definition of pretty" 3) Get support from a non-diet, Health at Every Size® therapist and/or dietitian in your area. . #happyinternationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2019 #allbodiesaregoodbodies #healthateverysize #haesdietitian
It’s both fascinating and sad to me how body appearance can be the “go to” in conversation, especially amongst women. During my pregnancy, I’ve received an onslaught of unsolicited body comments. I’ve been asked outright (by a complete stranger, mind you) how much weight have I gained in pregnancy...have been told that I “look small,” and also that I “look big” “for how far along you are,”...have been told I’m “lucky” for “being all belly.” I’ve been asked how much am I exercising and “are you keeping up with an exercise routine.” Have been asked if I have stretch marks yet and am I using any lotions/creams to prevent them. The list goes on… . For someone who used to have terrible body image and disordered eating/exercise behaviors, I am so, so grateful I’ve recovered and have built up my toolbox of coping skills before going through this pregnancy journey. I’m even more grateful for having formed a healthy relationship with food and my body. The old me would have been in a panic about all the changes my body has gone through and will continue to go through as I bring life into this world. The old me would have been hyper focused on every thing I ate and likely already contemplating what kind of dietary pattern/exercise routine I would need to get into post-baby to “get my body back.” . Body comments can and do cause harm, pregnant or not. Comments on body shape/appearance keeps us playing small. They are surface level. They don’t dig deep into the real, meaningful, amazing concept of what’s going on *inside* the body/mind and what our bodies are here for us to do — to live our lives — to create, to nurture, to experience, to share, to connect. What can you say/ask/comment on instead of someone’s body? Here are some ideas: “How are you feeling?” “How’s your job/school/hobby?” “What are your plans for the summer?” “Read any good books lately?” “I love your ______” [insert anything here that has nothing to do with body]. . Reminders: You cannot tell how “healthy” someone is based on their appearance alone and weight/size/shape does not equate to worth/value. You can take care of your body, regardless of it’s size or appearance.
The concept of guilt in eating has come up a lot in my interactions with patients and clients this week. Guilt/shame around eating often stems from diet culture -- society's placement of moral value around food, bodies, and health. This has been occurring for centuries, getting stronger and stronger with each decade, moving us further and further away from authentic health. . Over the years, I've learned this guilt doesn't discriminate on foods either. I've had clients feel just as guilty for eating an apple or carrots as they do for cake or cookies. When we get to the root of the guilt, it's often due to a fear of weight change (aka fat-phobia), non-scientific info, and/or the idea that worth/value = a body size or the absence of disease. . Do you struggle with guilt/shame around eating? Are you tired of feeling this way? It may seem really hard to grasp that you can dig your way out of these feelings, but IT IS possible. Have patience and trust that your body is wise. I’ve seen my clients lives transformed (and my own!) with unconditional permission to eat ALL foods and the deconstructing of food having a moral value. . Here is an activity that can help break down the deprivation, binge-restrict cycles you may be stuck in: - Make a list of foods that you have been avoiding/restricting or foods that you feel “out of control” around - Choose ONE of those foods - Include this food on a daily basis over the span of a week. Yes, daily. Every day. The same food (brand, flavor, etc). - Helpful tips: try to be at a “gentle” or even “neutral” hunger level when including the food (i.e. avoid being ravenous/empty tank) and SAVOR the food. Slow down. Notice the taste, texture, temperature, smell. - Notice what happens when you have this food every day. Remain curious, not judgemental. The goal is not burn out; the goal is to form awareness and body trust. . Remember: You are not a good person or a bad person based on what you eat. Food has no moral value.
Tonight’s 15 minute dinner: pasta + jarred sauce + feta cheese + salad kit. 💥 The gangs all here: protein (used high protein chickpea pasta from @eatbanza) + carb + fat. 🥳 Bonus: vitamin C from the salad + tomato sauce will help my body absorb the plant based (“non-heme”) iron in the pasta. Extra bonus: fiber, which helps my GI tract. 💩😉 . P.S. reminder that we all have different needs, bodies, preferences, and experiences when it comes to nutrition + feeding ourselves day to day. What “works” for me, may not be right for you. You are unique, one of a kind! And that’s a beautiful thing to be celebrated.🌟