Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Barnhart
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A long story short is that I spent a lot of time with our rehabbing athletes while working in professional sports. I ate lunch with them almost every day for months and learned that, not only are athletes feeling anxious about their body during an injury, food is often something used to manage stress or give a sense of control. The athletes were bored, depressed, anxious, and a sweet treat or a whole pizza or a hyper fixation on hitting protein goals were common practices to help manage those emotions. Most sports dietitians don’t receive much, if any, education to help an athlete through injury, and I knew a bigger conversation needed to happen!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business is never smooth. I’m lucky that about 2 months after deciding to leave my full-time job, I found a fantastic part-time contract with USA Volleyball, which helped my bank account feel slightly safer. The past three years in business has been one giant learning curve, but most importantly, it’s helped me step into my power and find more self-confidence. I’ve learned to care less about what others’ think, trust my inner-circle, and expect failure! If something doesn’t go as planned, no big deal. What a great opportunity to reflect and try again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Injury RD?
I help athletes feel more confident in their food choices and body image throughout an injury. I also provide tools for sports medicine professionals to help them navigate those conversations. Food is personal! Injury is emotional! It’s a really tough time, and I’ve seen way too many athletes receive a “Get Well Cookie” that they feel guilty eating.
In reality, an injury, especially one with a long-term recovery like an ACL tear or anything involving surgery is a great opportunity. You can become a scientific observer of your own body, and you will learn so much about it. Plus, you’ll have a bit of time to build new skills that help you on the field after your comeback. I’ve never met an athlete that didn’t find the silver lining and (eventually!) find gratitude for their injury.
I’m different from other dietitians on this topic because I’ll really go DEEP. So many of my athletes have cried to me at some point – whether they just needed to vent, or we’re unearthing 15 years of deep-rooted body image issues. Injuries can bring all your fears to the surface. For many, this includes a fear of weight gain. We’re gonna dive into WHY that feels so scary!
I’m proud that so many of my athletes reach out to me long after we’ve worked together. I’ll get a text with a picture of they’re dinner and a note like, “Hey you’d be so proud of this one!” Or, they’ll send me a message after their first game back so we can celebrate that win together. I’ve always wanted to be the person within sports that helps the athlete feel like a real human, and I know these athletes know I’m in their corner, regardless of if they ever play again.
I want your readers to know that I work with “athletes” of all ages and skill levels! If you have a goal, you’re an athlete in my book! I’ve helped a 50-year old skier get back on the slopes, a 14-year old high school athlete, and everything between up to beer league sports and Olympic champions.
Your readers should also know that there is a great community here waiting for them. The worst part of an injury can be doing it alone. If you want to connect with others going through the same thing, with the same struggles about food and body, and the same question (How the heck do I get enough protein in?), then that community exists.
How do you think about luck?
Luck opens the door and I walk through it 😉
But yes, I’ve been in the right place at the right time A LOT. At UCONN, I got lucky that I wanted to do graduate school with a specific professor. I didn’t know he was moving to Ohio State, but he invited me along. While at Ohio State, I met the most inspirational group of peers, and I wouldn’t be here without them. I got lucky that I am surrounded by friends and family who support all my crazy ideas, and having inspiring ambitions of their own. I’ve lived in 10 different states since 2015 trying to follow my dreams in athletics, and for some reason, everyone understands why I keep moving forward.
At the same time, I’m intentional. Every one of those moves was toward a position that provided new mentorship. I follow my gut. I work hard. I try to bring a fun personality to work every day. (That’s an important one in the sports world.) And I seek help when I need it.
I’m super lucky, but I’m also pretty dang brave. Not everyone would leave a full-time job in professional sports to start a brand new business from scratch. Not everyone can move across the country half a dozen times on their own, not knowing a soul in their new city. And I’m proud of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.injuryrd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/injury_rd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@injury_RD
Image Credits
https://www.thedelacastros.com
