Meet Ashley Munro, MPH, RDN, CDCES | Weight Inclusive Dietitian & Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Munro, MPH, RDN, CDCES and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a dietitian, I loved working in the clinical setting. I really wanted to work with people on intuitive eating and from a weight inclusive lens, and that, at the time, meant going out on my own and creating a space where I could do the work I was really passionate about. Since then, I have learned how to blend that lens and passion into everything I do, but at the time, I saw a need, a gap, and I decided I needed to do it for myself!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My mom is a dentist in Tucson and I grew up thinking that was my path, when that didn’t pan out I was pretty crushed. I learned to pivot pretty quick and went to culinary school, after obtaining a bachelors of science (round 1), and then came back to the University of Arizona to pursue a career as a dietitian, knowing I could blend my love of food with science. That was the beginning of what has been a journey and career that keeps surprising and challenging me. I had lots of mentors along the way, women that inspired me to stand in my own power and remember I had a voice that I could use. I went on to work clinically, as a diabetes educator, a certification I still hold, and eventually became certified as an intuitive eating counselor and learned what it meant to be a weight inclusive provider. I specialize in helping people break free from diet culture and have a more peaceful relationship with food. I started at the University of Arizona in 2019 at Campus Health, providing 1:1 counseling to students and I have enjoyed it so much, still working with disordered eating, eating disorders and Gi concerns, I have expanded my skills as a provider and get to present all over campus on topics related to positive body image and stress less eating. The college population is so fun and my career recently expanded into teaching. I am one of the creators of a new Weight Inclusive Health programs and we will be enrolling soon, which feels like a dream! https://nutrition.cals.arizona.edu/weight-inclusive-health-programs

I still see private clients, but on a smaller scale. I am happy I have always had a virtual program, it makes it more flexible. I am mostly available for speaking engagements and workshops. I love interacting with people and hearing their stories. My clients/patients have taught me everything, and keep me wanting to learn and grow my skills. I have learned that there are always opportunities to pivot, redefine your career and challenge yourself. I have always been someone that has liked variety in my work, and I keep pushing to find that. I really feel like I have found my sweet-spot lately, and I know that things change and can evolve, and that is exciting too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Tucson, and I am Mexican-American, so my family is full of great cooks and we know how to have a good time. I would start at home with breakfast made by my mom, chorizo, potatoes, eggs and tortillas would be on the menu. Then it would be fun to explore some of the hiking trails, we can say it is November, which is one of the beautiful months of the year. I like Catalina State Park or Sabino Canyon. On our way to lunch, we have to stop at the University, visit the bookstore and just enjoy the beauty that is campus. Some of our late lunch or happy hour times would have to be down at the Mercado, there is great food and shopping, plus it is not far from downtown, if we want to continue to explore and eat. My favorite place to show people for dinner is the Coronet down on cushing street, it is in a historical building and is beautiful. Then at some point we need to get tortillas at Anita Street, so we can use them for brunch one morning. Tucson, is so special and there are so many places to share with people!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am inspired by my patients/clients/students. I want to thank them for allowing me to journey beside them and help them feel their best in life. My husband and family has always supported me and my passions, I have never felt like I was alone or didn’t have a team behind me wishing the best for me! I come from a long line of people that made their own way, and for that I am grateful.

Instagram: intuitive.nutritionist

Image Credits
Headshots- Jennifer Leedom, Tucson, AZ Food/Family Shots- Ashley Munro