We recently had the chance to connect with Elizabeth (Liz) Shaw MS RDN CPT and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth (Liz), we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Ready for a flashback to the late 90s? I love rollerblading — and every time I sneak out for a little self-care blade session I find myself refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired. When was the last time you visited that inner kid in you?!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Elizabeth Shaw, but please call me Liz. Professionally I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and the founder of Shaw Simple Swaps, where I help make nutrition approachable, realistic, and—most importantly—enjoyable. My brand is built on the idea that food should fit your life, not complicate it. I’m also an expat living in Prague, Czech Republic, and mom of two.
Through my work, I focus on empowering individuals with realistic, evidence-based strategies for living a healthier, balanced life. What makes my journey unique is that I’ve been on both sides of the table—as a professional guiding others, and as someone who has personally navigated health challenges and learned firsthand how powerful nutrition can be in supporting health and well-being.
Right now, I’m passionate about helping consumers and industry partners cut through the noise around food and health, offering science-based, practical approaches that make eating well both accessible and sustainable. You’ll find my work featured in national nutrition outlets, including EatingWell, as well as through my own social channels and website, www.shawsimpleswaps.com.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Moving overseas has completely reshaped how I define ‘health.’ Living abroad has shown me that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply rooted in culture, food traditions, and community. Experiencing how different cultures approach eating and connection has made me realize that health is most sustainable when it’s realistic and joyful.
In the U.S., so much of the food conversation lately centers around what to fear—ultra-processed foods, dyes, or additives. But living and working across cultures has taught me that creating fear around food isn’t the norm everywhere. Of course, we all know an apple is more nutritious than a packaged cookie—but that’s not really the point. What stands out to me are families eating together without phones, rice being celebrated for its heritage rather than feared for its heavy metal content, and meals that are about togetherness, not restriction.
To me, that’s the new definition of ‘healthy’—not fear, but appreciation. It’s about what food brings to the table nutritionally, mentally, and socially. I’m not suggesting we ignore legitimate health concerns, but we do need to find balance—to quiet the ‘food noise’ and model a more grounded, positive relationship with food for the next generation.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Entrepreneurship is hard — but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There have definitely been moments when I questioned my path, especially during those early years of motherhood. Being an influencer while raising young kids isn’t as effortless as it might look from the outside. You’re constantly “on,” feeding the content beast, and trying to balance authenticity with algorithms — and that can wear you down, especially when you’re running on little sleep and even less time for yourself.
In 2022, I made the difficult decision to step back from my large influencer role. At the time, I thought it might be the end of that chapter and even considered returning to a traditional corporate job. But that pause became a real turning point for me. I realized that the skills I’d built — storytelling, brand strategy, creative communication, resilience — were highly transferable. They’ve opened doors I never expected, especially since moving abroad, and allowed me to explore new realms that keep me both challenged and fulfilled.
I’ve learned that when one door closes, another truly does open — it just may look a little different than you imagined. Sometimes the best growth comes when you give yourself permission to pivot, pause, and embrace the unknowns with curiosity instead of fear.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — I believe in truth, trust, and transparency. Whether I’m penning an article for an outlet, speaking nationally on broadcast TV, or sharing a behind the scene look into life and cooking abroad with my audience, you can bet you’re getting 100% authentic me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m no longer out there sharing credible health and nutrition guidance, I hope people still stumble upon something I’ve created—a recipe, an article, maybe a book—and feel that spark to take care of themselves in a way that feels good, not forced. I want them to say, “She made healthy living feel possible, fun, and real.”
If someone makes one of my recipes and it brings their family together around the table, or they read something I’ve written and it helps quiet the guilt or confusion around food, then that’s the legacy I’d love to leave behind. I hope the story people tell about me is one of connection, empowerment, and a gentle reminder that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, grace, and living your best, healthiest life yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.shawsimpleswaps.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/shawsimpleswaps
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethshawmsrdn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleswaps
