An experienced nutrition expert focused on you, always.
Julia Hornbeck, MS, RDN, CLT
I founded PNSP because I wanted to make the evidence-based, high-quality services that parallel what I provided in the medical setting available to everyone but without constraints. I wanted to spend as much time as needed with my patients without pressure to see dozens of people a day. Whether it be managing chronic disease, working to improve your overall health, or preparing for an athletic event or goal, I’m here to help make practical sustainable progress without limiting how you live life.
I live in Colorado with my husband, Frank, and our two wonderful dogs, Stella and StanLee. When not working with clients, I enjoy an active lifestyle that involves things like hiking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, and enjoying a nice glass of wine. I’m currently working through my introductory sommelier training through the Court of Master Sommeliers.
And yes – I eat pizza, among other guilty pleasures! Everything is fair game in moderation. Nothing pairs better with a great meal than better company and a nice beverage.
I have worked with thousands of people – men, women, and children - in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices along with athletes, from weekend warriors to professionals, participating in functional fitness, soccer, weightlifting, field hockey, and endurance sports like running, cycling, and triathlon.
Member, American Dietetic Association (Practice Areas: Integrated and Functional Medicine, Gluten and Gastrointestinal Disorders, Sports & Human Performance Nutrition, Medical Nutrition)
RDN (also seen as RD), Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) [ What distinguishes a Dietitian from a Nutritionist? ]
MS, Clinical Nutrition – New York University with Internship at MSK Cancer Center
BS, Dietetics (Minors in Biology & Psychology) – University of Northern Colorado
Certified LEAP Therapies – Food Sensitivities & Intolerances
PN L1, Exercise Nutrition
Marathoner (Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego), 10+ Half Marathons, Functional Fitness
What distinguishes a dietitian from a nutritionist?
With so much information out there and people claiming to be experts, there can be confusion on what nutrition advice is grounded in fact.
Dietitian
Who they are
A qualified expert and healthcare professional who promotes good health through proper nutritional habits and education in both healthy and sick people
Education & Credentials
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition
An accredited dietetic internship with 1,200+ hours of supervised experience
Required to pass a national licensing examination
Requires 75+ CEUs every 5 years
Legal Status
Legally accepted as a nutrition expert as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) and maintains active status through the CDR
Required to abide by ethics and code of conduct
What does it all mean
Training on nutrient timing and possible interactions with drugs
Experienced in working in hospitals, clinics, and in private practice
Avoids fad diets but will ensure recommendations are customized, safe, and effective based on the latest science
Nutritionist
Who they are
• Someone who uses food and nutrition science, aiming to prevent disease related to nutritional deficiency or other lifestyle goals
Education & Credentials
• Can range from a passion for nutrition with no formal education to quick online certifications to a high-level degree with relevant training
• No standard exam required to demonstrate expertise
• Minimal-to-no continuing education requirements
Legal Status
• No protected title
• Any number of credentials are possible that show some sort of course-based training
What does it all mean
• Recommendations may be anecdotal without substantive scientific backing on safety or effectiveness
• More likely focused on one or two diets they know well
• Most only have training related to healthy lifestyle nutrition and possible weight management
