Wendi A. Irlbeck, MS, RDN, LD, CISSN

Occupation: Performance dietitian and fitness coach, CEO of Nutrition With Wendi

Hometown: I’m a native of southeastern Minnesota and currently live in Nashville, TN.

What does “healthy life” mean to you? As a performance dietitian, living a healthy life means eating well and moving well without pain or injuries. A healthy life is having a positive relationship with fitness and an inclusive relationship with food. Inclusivity means knowing that you don’t have to give things up -- you’re not afraid to eat certain foods. You can go out for ice cream with your family and know you can still achieve your long-term goals.

Family: I have a strong relationship with my family back in Minnesota. My father and grandmother instilled a hard work ethic, and wholesome values which have helped me be the caring and compassionate health professional I am today. I spend a lot of time with our clients through calls and email, and they become like family. You can't choose your family, but you can choose your family! What do you love about what you do? I’m very blessed and grateful to have such a wide array of clients. I work with athletes as well as members of the general population who want to improve their nutrition. I work with 7-year-olds. I also have teen athletes. I work with coaches. Every single day brings new and diverse challenges that allow me to be a better practitioner.

What’s your favorite health tip? Start with small habits and be consistent. Work on building the routine and habit instead of going all out. Focus on consistency instead of intensity. For example, it’s better to start by walking five minutes a day, five times per week than say you’re going to walk an hour per day, every day for the next six months. When you have that consistency, you can build from there. Also, wake up and drink some water. It’s an excellent way to start hydrating with ease.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to lift weights. I enjoy writing and reading my Bible. I also enjoy spending time in nature and hiking -- exploring new places in the outdoors, being with God … finding a trail that no one else has found.

Two interesting facts:
My first job as a kid in Minnesota was rock picking. It gave me a work ethic, and actually, it started me along the path to where I am at now. I started learning about energy and nutrition. I learned about hydrating. It was hard work, and you learn that activity makes you feel better.

Right now, I’m writing my first book. I’m working on a performance nutrition playbook for both adults and teens that integrates the importance of faith and glorifying God in all that we do. What BiPro product do you recommend? BiPro ELITE protein powders are great – both the chocolate and vanilla. You can use them in Greek yogurt parfaits, smoothies, overnight oats or baked goods. ELITE has excellent leucine content; it’s high quality and it’s evaluated by a third party. You know you’re only getting what is on the label. As a registered dietitian and active weightlifter, it’s a product I recommend!

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