Inspiring Conversations with Emily Haddock of Music City Nutrition & Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Haddock

Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to becoming a dietitian is anything but linear. After earning a B.S. in psychology and spending a few years in the workforce, I returned to school to pursue a second degree in dietetics. My initial interest in science was sparked by my love for biology and influenced by my father, a practicing M.D. and scientist. This deep-seated passion for science, combined with a lifelong passion for exploring new foods, a fascination with the Food Network from a very young age, and a genuine joy for cooking, led me to discover the field of dietetics. Additionally, my personal struggles with body image and disordered eating, which are surprisingly common among dietetic students and professionals, fueled my desire to learn more and help others navigate their own challenges.

When I first became a dietitian, I accepted the first position offered to me, which was a PRN clinical dietitian role at Centennial Medical Center. This role provided me with crucial experience in managing various disease states and working with a diverse population across different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. I then moved to a full-time position at Centennial’s weight loss center, where I had the opportunity to work closely with patients over extended periods, honing my counseling skills in the process. However, this experience also led me to realize that I was deeply repelled by the focus on medical weight loss. Instead, I became profoundly interested in intuitive eating and a more holistic approach to dietetics.

Eventually, I founded my own practice, Music City Nutrition & Wellness, where I specialize in addressing disordered relationships with food and gut health issues, which are often interconnected. My aim is to help clients improve their relationship with food and optimize digestion, while alleviating symptoms such as bloating, pain, and other digestive concerns.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My transition to owning my own business has come with a range of challenges. From managing financial stability and navigating the marketing and business aspects (which are not covered in dietetics training), to dealing with the isolation of being a sole proprietor without colleagues, and confronting burnout while establishing boundaries for my mental health, each obstacle has been a significant learning experience.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Music City Nutrition & Wellness?
As a dietitian, I specialize in two key areas that often overlap in the same client: gut health issues, such as IBS and related disorders, and individuals struggling with disordered eating, yo-yo dieting, or a poor relationship with food. I offer two core programs—my ‘Gut Health Rehab Program’ and my ‘Food Freedom Program.’ In both, I conduct a comprehensive assessment of each client’s diet, lifestyle, medical history, and health goals. This allows me to create personalized meal plans, provide education on vital nutrition topics, and offer continuous support and counseling. My approach ensures ongoing analysis and adjustment to help clients make sustainable progress toward their health goals.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to health. I focus not only on diet but also on stress management, physical activity, sleep, and other critical aspects of well-being. I emphasize ‘nutrition by addition’ rather than restriction, looking at what we can incorporate into someone’s meals, routines, or lifestyle to help them feel better and build lasting habits. This approach fosters positive momentum and avoids the unsustainable focus on cutting things out, which often leads to frustration, resentment, and the cycle of binging or ‘falling off the wagon.

My focus is on being realistic and sustainable, guiding my clients toward lasting success. I’m not about quick fixes that offer temporary results, but rather long-term solutions that help clients reach their goals and maintain them for life.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Even as a dietitian, I’m not swayed by health trends or supplements unless there’s a clear deficiency or specific need. I believe that the basics—balanced nutrition and healthy habits—are the most important for overall well-being. I also don’t believe in deprivation. We’re human, not robots, and food is about more than just nutrition—it’s also about joy and connection. While I prioritize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, I still enjoy ice cream almost every night!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.musiccitynutritionandwellness.com
• Instagram: @musiccitynutritionandwellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musiccitynutritionandwellness