Charmaine Jones Talks Technology, Nutrition, and Washington, DC

We love sharing the stories of the providers who use Healthie to help their businesses grow. Meet Charmaine Jones, MS, RDN, LDN! Charmaine is the mastermind behind Food Jonezi, her own private practice.

Charmaine is releasing a brand new Wedding Wellness Program, which features everything from wedding dining consultations and wedding dress fitting assessments to one-week meal planning to prep for the big day! Charmaine’s plan goes above and beyond just weight loss to help with stress that shows in hair, skin, nails, and even sexual stamina so that you can be at optimal health right in time for your wedding. She also has a men’s recipe book.

We at Healthie were so lucky to get the chance to meet with Charmaine to learn about her career path so far. Hear about her practice Food Jonezi and about how she promotes health and wellness throughout the community.

Tell us about your path to becoming a dietitian.

Charmaine: My path to becoming a dietitian wasn’t easy, but appreciated. I did not get accepted to any of my internship choices when I first applied to the dietetics programs. I was disappointed and extremely devastated but I knew I had to keep moving on.

Importantly, I didn’t let that one setback kill my dreams of being a registered dietitian, as I always say, “The Best RD in da World.” I then started my graduate program at the University of District of Columbia in dietetics.

Approaching the end of my first year of graduate school, I learned of a great opportunity for students who were interesting in completing their internship while working at the same time. Since I was a student and a full time employee at the time, I took full advantage of this program called the Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and started my long distance internship program at the Dominican University.

To make a long story short, I successfully completed my internship, received my Master’s degree and passed the RD exam on Dec 31st.  What a great New Year’s celebration, yeh? It took 3.5 years to complete all this but it got done!  Through it all with every failure and set back I encountered, I truly appreciate my path to becoming a successful dietitian!

Tell us all about Food Jonezi. What is your approach to care?

Charmaine: Well, Food Jonezi is a nutrition private practice that focuses on creating and implementing nutrition programs throughout the District of Columbia inner-city communities. We also provide one-on-one medical nutrition therapy counseling, cooking classes for adults and children, and menu/recipe development.

Our approach to care is simple! We conduct client-centered medical nutrition therapy sessions using motivation interviewing techniques; so our clients are able to plan and carry out realistic nutrition and weight goals that can be obtained.

We also provide daily health coaching and accountability to our clients through the online Healthie application.

We noticed that you have a line of motivational t-shirts.Can you tell us a bit about what went into creating that?

Charmaine: Thank you! Food Jonezi “AndHealthy” lifestyle brand t-shirts were created to promote health and wellness throughout our communities. I wanted them to be stylish and attractive to all ages, especially to the younger folks. In addition, I wanted individuals who wear my t-shirts to feel confident in their own skin, motivated and inspired whether they are exercising at the gym or starting on a new health and wellness journey. These shirts were made to be worn proudly while making a bold statement.

What advice do you have for dietetic students just graduating / completing their internships?

Charmaine: Take advantage of any opportunity that can enhance your skills and knowledge. Try volunteering at private practices, hospitals, community settings to learn whatever you can about the fields of dietetics so you can become the best dietetic practitioner in ‘da’ world.

Lastly, ask questions, share your knowledge and network. I mean that. You never know who you will impress with your questions, inspire with your knowledge, and meet to get you connected with the right person to give you that one in the lifetime opportunity!

How do you think technology is changing the way dietitians are practicing care?

Charmaine: Well, technology is quickly evolving and fast!  Since technology is dynamic it has changed the way I connect with my clients. I am able to connect with them through all my social media platforms by simply sending a quick nutrition messages or recipes. I keep my clients updated on new programs and resources that my practice offers through various affordable online program systems. I am able to connect with them live via a secured system to conduct follow-up sessions.

Technology gives dietitians the convenience to connect with their clients in the comfort of their homes or office. That’s the best part. Clients do not have to take-off from work to talk with me out their concerns, they can connect with me through our texting services or the Healthie app.

"Technology gives dietitians the convenience to connect with their clients in the comfort of their homes or office. That’s the best part."

Why are you excited about using Healthie?

Charmaine: I am so happy excited about using Healthie because, again it allows me to connect with my clients right away. I am able to provide instant feedback about their food/meal choices, share nutrition recommendations and recipes and importantly, root them on while they are aiming to reach their weight or health goals. Healthie is easy to use, the staff are very supportive, and it adds an attractive feature offered at Food Jonezi.

Thank you Charmaine! We love having you as part of the Healthie community!