x
Breaking News
More () »

Tampa nutritionist uses social media to encourage healthy living

After studying nutrition and going through a weight loss battle, Lauren Smith wants to help others balance food and fitness.

TAMPA, Fla. — With a camera in hand, prepared meals, and from the comfort of her apartment, registered dietitian Lauren Smith shares content to social media that help educate and encourage healthy living. 

"I promote macro-based eating and so all of the food pictures that I have I make sure that you can understand which ones are carbs, proteins and fats," Smith said. "No matter if you're trying to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain your weight, you need to make sure you're getting all three of those as part of your diet." 

As a college student at Florida State, Smith gained 20 pounds and went on to educate herself about healthy eating and weight loss. 

"I taught myself what I should do, what I shouldn't do, how to make the meals, I taught myself a lot because in college my mom wasn't there," she said. 

Smith said when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, it's merely a mindset to get going and see results.

"There's this all or nothing mindset that I think is what's wrong with the dietitian industry today," she said. "It's like you have to completely be dieting and restricting your favorite foods when really food and nutrition shouldn't be stressful for you at all."

What other people are reading right now:

►Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out