Think Like a Dietitian (PDF)

Joyce Barretto Patterson, MPH, RDN, BC-ADM, CPT is a registered dietitian and a diabetes care and education specialist at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. She also spent several years as a lifestyle coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She is a recurring speaker for the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, where she has presented on topics including behavior change, weight management, physical activity, and telehealth. She also serves as the preceptor for dietetic interns who rotate through her clinic. She is a recurring guest lecturer for the clinical nutrition class at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She currently provides nutrition education and counseling for individuals with diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and other nutrition-related conditions. She also provides group education to patients with diabetes and kidney disease. Prior to specializing in diabetes, she was a cardiovascular dietitian providing group education in cardiac rehab, as well as individual counseling for patients with lipid disorders, hypertension, and other risk factors for heart disease. Prior to becoming a registered dietitian, she spent several years working in marketing communications as an editor and graphic designer. Having earned both her Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Michigan, she bleeds Maize and Blue. Her undergraduate degree is in English Language and Literature. She continues to write, frequently contributing to various blogs and publications including the Food & Nutrition Magazine Stone Soup blog, the University of Michigan's health blog, the ADCES In Practice journal, and her personal blog thefeelingsnackyfix.com.