Meet Brooke Smith | Registered Dietitian & Personal Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Growing up, I did not have access to nutrition information that would help me take my athletic performance to the next level. Messages from various coaches to eat the largest bowl of pasta I possibly could the night before a big game or track meet, or that my pee should be clear before I compete, was all I really had to work with. (Neither of these messages are sound advice, by the way.)

In college, I played volleyball at the University of Nebraska where I had access to a Registered Dietitian who helped me maximize my performance by making a few small changes over the course of one semester. My life was forever changed and I became inspired to share evidence-based nutrition information to athletes and active individuals across the world.

The thought process behind starting my private practice, Team 8 Nutrition, was to share this nutrition knowledge and educate others on how to optimize nutrition status and maximize performance. I want to be the trusted source individuals turn to when working toward their health, performance, or lifestyle goals. With my background in athletics, I am incredibly passionate about giving back to the community that has given me so much. And hope to provide access to quality nutrition information so individuals feel empowered to accomplish their health and performance goals! 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My journey in the sports and fitness space began during my time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I played for the volleyball program. As an athlete, I experienced firsthand how important proper nutrition is in maximizing performance. This is what jumpstarted my career to becoming an RD and starting my private practice, Team 8 Nutrition.

Team 8 Nutrition is a nutrition private practice dedicated to helping others improve wellness and performance through individualized nutrition coaching. I am a Registered Dietitian, which means I am required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, complete 1200+ hours of supervised practice, pass a certified national board exam, and complete continuing education to keep this title.

I have been fortunate enough to work with NFL athletes, college teams and athletes, and elite individuals looking to improve their performance using nutrition as a valuable tool. I am so proud of all the athletes and active individuals with whom I’ve worked with. My clients truly inspire me!

What do I want people to know about my brand and story? Throughout my athletic career, I learned the importance of what teamwork really means. In sports, in life, and in your career. I want others to know I truly believe it takes a team to help an individual perform at their best. Family, friends, physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports psychologists, strength coaches, and registered dietitians all play an important role in helping an athlete cultivate success. I’m committed to being a part of that team, it’s what I’ve always done, it’s simply just what I know. So with that being said, join the team! Join Team 8 Nutrition to achieve your greatest and loftiest performance and wellness goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If you were to visit Lincoln, NE – We’d first get coffee at The Mill, head to the south side of town for lunch at Source Eat Fit (my other business venture).

During the fall, I’d take you to Memorial Stadium and Bob Devaney Sports Center for a football and volleyball game. There’s no place like Nebraska when it comes to a sporting event! Grab dinner at Leadbelly, and drinks at Kinkaider (a local brewery) or Kate Martin (a Nebraska-themed speakeasy).

To cap off the weekend, I’d take a friend for a long walk at Pioneers or Holmes Lake Park. Afterwards, grab brunch at the Green Gateau.. and so much more!

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?
Oh my gosh, there are so many people who deserve recognition and a serious thank you for supporting my dream of becoming an RD and opening my own private practice. If I had to pick one person to shout out, it would have to be my Mom. She has always encouraged both my sister and I to follow our dreams. She is the definition of hard work and has believed in every step of my journey. She’s cheered me on through all of the ups and downs. I would not be where I am today without the unconditional love and support my Mother has shown me throughout the years. Thank you, Mom.

Website: https://team8nutrition.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Team8Nutrition/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-smith-ms-rd-lmnt-947249b8/?trk=public_profile_browsemap

Twitter: https://twitter.com/team8nutrition?lang=en

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/team8nutrition/

Other: Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter – you name it: @team8nutrition

Image Credits
– Katie Trout Photography – (unsure on the volleyball photo)